College athletes in New York City may qualify for Workers’ Compensation benefits if their schools provide direct compensation. Our college athletes Workers’ Compensation lawyer in New York City advises athletes whose paid participation may establish an employee relationship under New York law.
This relationship may make them eligible for benefits after injuries during games, practices, or promotional events, even if the injury occurs out of state.
At O’Connor Law, we secure over $25 million annually in non-medical benefits for injured workers.
Our New York City Workers’ Compensation lawyers break down the legal process so student-athletes can confidently seek the benefits they deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.
How Workers’ Compensation Laws Apply to Injured College Athletes
Workers’ Compensation applies to college athletes in certain situations where they may be classified as employees under New York law. As the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) now permits schools to directly compensate athletes for their participation, this payment can establish an employer-employee relationship.
In New York, Workers’ Compensation law is designed to protect employees, including those in non-traditional roles, by providing benefits for work-related injuries.
For college athletes, this means injuries sustained during games, practices, travel, or even promotional events tied to their athletic responsibilities may qualify for Workers’ Compensation benefits. For example:
- An athlete injures their shoulder during a game or practice
- A student-athlete traveling for a tournament experiences an accident
- An injury occurs during a paid promotional appearance tied to a school or sponsor
These scenarios show how athletes, once considered amateurs, may now be entitled to the same protections as other workers.
Injuries That May Qualify for Workers’ Compensation for College Athletes
College athletes face intense physical demands, which can lead to a variety of serious injuries. Under New York’s Workers’ Compensation law, many of these injuries may qualify for benefits when they occur during games, practices, travel, or promotional events tied to their athletic responsibilities.
Some athletic injuries that may qualify include:
- Rotator cuff tears: These shoulder injuries often result from repetitive motion or sudden impact during practices or games.
- Bicep tears: These injuries commonly occur due to heavy lifting or overuse in training sessions.
- Back injuries requiring surgery: Contact sports or weightlifting can lead to serious back injuries that may require surgical intervention.
- ACL or meniscus tears: These knee injuries are frequently seen in sports like basketball, football, or soccer, often caused by sudden pivots or collisions.
- Orthopedic injuries: Injuries to the arms, hands, legs, hips, or other joints often happen due to falls, collisions, or repetitive strain during play.
- Neck injuries requiring surgery: Hard impacts or collisions during games can cause serious neck injuries that may need surgical treatment.
- Elbow, hip, and knee injuries: These injuries frequently result from the repetitive strain or trauma that comes with athletic performance.
While these are examples of preferred injuries that may qualify for Workers’ Compensation, it’s important to note that any injury occurring during your athletic duties could be eligible.
If you’ve experienced an injury while fulfilling your responsibilities as a college athlete, Workers’ Compensation benefits may help cover your medical care and lost wages.
A New York City college athletes Workers’ Compensation attorney from O’Connor Law can guide you through the claims process, working to secure the benefits you deserve.
New York City College Athletes Lawyer Near Me (914) 595-4502
Why Choose a New York City College Athletes Workers’ Compensation Lawyer From O’Connor Law?
O’Connor Law has been dedicated to helping injured workers secure the compensation they deserve. With 15 years in business, a combined 35 years of Workers’ Compensation experience, and thousands of clients served, our team has the knowledge and compassion to guide you through your claim.
Each year, O’Connor Law helps injured workers recover over $25 million in non-medical benefits. We understand how confusing the Workers’ Compensation process can feel, which is why our empathetic, approachable team takes the time to break down legal concepts in clear, simple terms.
Our New York City Workers’ Compensation attorneys offer the following:
- Unique insight: Our founding attorney’s prior experience working for insurance carriers provides a valuable understanding of their strategies.
- Diversity and accessibility: O’Connor Law is a woman-owned, multicultural firm with bilingual staff fluent in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Tagalog, and Cebuano.
- Tech–savvy support: We use advanced tools, including a mobile app, to give clients real-time updates and seamless communication throughout their case.
- Family–focused team: Many of our staff members are parents, and we understand the importance of balancing work, recovery, and family life.
Our consultations are available in person (by appointment), via Zoom, or by phone. Plus, we work on a contingency basis, meaning we only receive money if you receive money.
Reporting and Managing Your College Athletes Workers’ Compensation Claim
Our attorney will manage your Workers’ Compensation claim so you can focus on your recovery and medical care. You will want to do everything to support your claim for benefits and reach your maximum medical improvement (MMI).
Taking the following steps can help you support your case:
Report Your Injury in Writing
Notify your supervisor of any injuries right away. Simply telling them verbally is not enough; it must be in writing and submitted within 30 days.
Failing to do so may jeopardize your ability to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
See a qualified healthcare provider as soon as possible. Report all injuries, no matter how minor. Complete and accurate medical records strengthen your Workers’ Compensation case.
Avoid Speaking Directly to the Insurance Company or Nurse Manager
Our team will reach out to your employer’s insurance company to push your Workers’ Compensation claim forward. If the insurance carrier or nurse case manager contacts you directly, let them know O’Connor Law represents you and refer them to our office.
Speaking with the insurance carrier or nurse case manager directly could negatively impact your claim.
As we hear back from the Workers’ Compensation Board or the insurance carrier, we will keep you informed of any updates regarding your claim.
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Our New York City College Athletes Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Is Ready to Start Your Claim
When schools provide payment to athletes, require their participation in games and practices, and maintain control over their schedules, it closely resembles an employment relationship.
This connection allows college athletes to seek Workers’ Compensation benefits for injuries sustained while fulfilling their athletic responsibilities.
At O’Connor Law, we are dedicated to helping injured athletes and workers understand their rights and secure the benefits they deserve. We provide clear guidance and strong legal representation throughout the claims process.
Contact O’Connor Law today for a free consultation, offered in person, by phone, or via Zoom.
