Hotdogs, peanuts, and crackerjacks are just a few of the best things about a summer baseball game. Many of us attend baseball games for the thrill of the sport and the atmosphere of a fan filled stands and it is sometimes easy to forget that although it’s just a game to us, professional baseball is the players’ livelihoods. Not only are they fighting for championships, they are also risking injuries on the field. In most work related incidents, if an employee suffers from an injury on the job they are eligible for Worker’s Compensation benefits. It may seem as though professional athletes are different than a traditional employee, however, when it comes to work-related injuries, athletes are just like us. If a MLB player is injured during an on-the-job activity such practice, training or even a game, they are eligible to receive Workers’ Compensation to cover the effects of their injury.
Workers’ Compensation in the MLB
The MLB Bargaining Agreement which came to fruition in 2003, outlines workers’ compensation protections for professional baseball players. If a baseball player is injured on the job, it is the team’s responsibility to cover all medical expenses and continue to pay the player a salary while they recover from their injury. Unlike most Worker’s Compensation cases, in this situation the employer (i.e. the team) is responsible for all costs. In return, the player signs over the rights to any Workers’ Compensation benefits to the team so that they can recover at least a partial amount of the expenses related to the injury. This is common for baseball players who suffer from an injury and have to be out for a period of time but who are able to return to the game, however, if a player experiences a career-ending injury, the team would likely have to pay out some additional disability to compensate for an prematurely ended career.
Other MLB Employee Coverage
It is important to remember that Worker’s Compensation coverage in the MLB does not only cover players but also all team employees. This can include coaches and other team personnel. Although the game of baseball isn’t overly dangerous compared to other professional sports, players are always facing a risk when they step onto the field. It is important that professional athletes feel as though they are protected while on-the-job so they can continue playing the sport they love and we can continue cheering them on from the stands.
If you have been injured on the job and would like to learn more about beginning the process of filing a Workers’ Compensation claim, contact Poirier Law Firm today. Our experience and expertise covers a wide range of professions and we are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve!