A case that involves injured former football players from the NFL may be of interest to readers in Colorado. The players have recently filed suit in another state regarding their ability to make a claim for workers’ compensation in that state. The players argue that they should not be precluded from making such a claim due to contractual terms. The lawsuit listed the Denver Broncos as one of the teams involved.
In the suit, the 49 former players assert that they were inured as they either played or practiced pro football in the state where the suit was filed. In addition, each of them claims to have been injured while in the state. This combination, they argue, made them eligible to apply for workers’ compensation benefits due to the fact that they were injured on the job.
In opposition to the player’s allegations, some argue that they are barred from making such a claim because of terms contained in their contracts. However, the players counter that this, if true, would violate public policy and potentially other laws. The court is set to consider the claims in the coming weeks. In addition, the players note that the United States Supreme Court has previously held that state-mandated rights cannot be bargained away in employer-employee contracts.
When a worker is injured while at work in Colorado, he or she is typically eligible to make a workers’ compensation claim. Like the former football players, those who have suffered injuries may seek benefits to assist them with payments of medical care and basic needs. Though not available to every injured worker, when the injury is such that can qualify for assistance, those who have been injured at work may benefit from this important insurance program.
Source: Opposing Views, “Former Players Sue NFL Over Workers Comp Ruling,” Dec. 20, 2012