Inside the NFLPA Workers’ Compensation Panel: What We Learned About Protecting Injured Athletes

Professional athletes might appear invincible on game day, but off the field, they face the same workplace risks and injuries as any other employee. When NFL players are hurt in games, practices, or training sessions, they’re entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under the law.

Like other workers, they deserve experienced legal representation to help them navigate that process. Our Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys provide that.

Martha Ramsay has been a member of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) Workers’ Compensation Panel for North Carolina since 1995. Martha represents current and former professional football players in workers’ compensation claims for injuries sustained during their careers.

Her decades of experience give her unique insight into securing the benefits athletes are entitled to under state law and the NFLPA’s collective bargaining agreement.

NFLPA Collective Bargaining and the Right to Compensation

One of the strongest protections professional football players have is the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the NFL and the NFLPA. This agreement outlines rights and benefits for players, including medical treatment, injury protection, and worker compensation access.

However, while the CBA provides essential structure, state workers’ compensation laws determine how injured players receive care and compensation when their contract expires.

Injured NFL players are workers under the law. If they’re hurt during team activities, practices, or games, they are entitled to file for workers’ compensation, just like any employee in North Carolina who gets hurt doing their job.

Highlights from the NFLPA Workers’ Compensation Panel Meeting

Martha Ramsay recently attended the annual NFLPA Workers’ Compensation Panel meeting, where legal representatives from across the country shared updates, trends, and strategies for better serving injured athletes. The event reinforced several important themes that are critical for athletes and any worker navigating a complex injury claim.

Key takeaways included:

• State law matters. Workers’ compensation claims are governed by the state’s laws where the injury occurred or where the team is based. Working with an attorney familiar with the jurisdiction is critical, especially in high-stakes, high-profile claims.
• Athletes deserve medical protection. Too often, players are pressured to return to play before they’re fully healed. Legal representation helps ensure proper treatment is prioritized, not just short-term performance.
• Multi-state filings can be strategic. Many players train in one state, play in another, and live in a third. Understanding where and how to file can significantly impact the outcome of a claim.
• Legal advocacy is essential. Even professional athletes face denials, delays, or attempts to reduce benefits. Strong legal advocacy is critical in protecting their rights and long-term health.

Advocating for Injured Athletes and All North Carolina Workers

At Ramsay Law Firm, we take pride in protecting the rights of injured workers across North Carolina, including professional athletes. Martha Ramsay’s long-standing role with the NFLPA Workers’ Compensation Panel reflects our firm’s commitment to fighting for those who’ve suffered serious injuries.

Whether a pro football player or a construction worker, you deserve to be protected, heard, and compensated. Contact our Mecklenburg County attorneys at Ramsay Law Firm at 704-376-1616 or online for a free consultation today. We’re here to help you navigate your claim and secure the benefits you’re entitled to under North Carolina law.

A Voice For The Injured.  Here Every Step of The Way.