Workers’ Compensation Attorneys for Professional Hockey Players

Common Workers’ Compensation Claims for Professional Hockey Players

Hockey players face nonstop risk for both acute and long-term injuries, including:

• Concussions and post-concussion syndrome
• Shoulder separations and rotator cuff tears
• Knee injuries (MCL/ACL)
• Spinal injuries and herniated discs
• Fractures from hits, blocks, or falls
• Chronic hip and groin injuries
• Broken teeth, facial fractures, and vision damage
• Mental health issues related to trauma or forced retirement

Even if you returned to play after the initial injury, that doesn’t disqualify you from filing a claim, especially if you’re now facing lasting effects or forced medical retirement.

Are You Eligible to File a Claim in Colorado?

You may qualify for Colorado workers’ compensation benefits if:

• You were injured while playing for a Colorado-based team
• You were hurt while traveling for a team headquartered in Colorado
• You now reside in Colorado and suffered effects of prior injuries sustained with a Colorado club
• Your contract or employment terms fall under Colorado jurisdiction

We help players review their contracts and identify the strongest legal path even if the injury happened on the road or outside the U.S.

What Benefits Can Hockey Players Receive?

If approved, your workers’ comp benefits may include:

• Medical treatment for your injury at no cost to you
• Lost wage benefits during recovery
• Permanent disability compensation for long-term damage
• Travel and rehab expense reimbursement
• Vocational training if returning to pro sports isn’t possible

For players nearing retirement or who’ve been waived or released, filing a claim may be the only path to long-term health support.

Why Hockey Players Choose Kaplan Morrell

We know the demands of your sports career and the pressure to keep playing through pain. Our legal firm represents the NFL, NHL, PHPA, MLS, and PLPA athletes and is honored to serve as the endorsed Colorado legal counsel for the National Football League Players Association and the Professional Hockey Players Association. We can help you take the right steps after a career-impacting injury.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Deep knowledge of Colorado workers’ comp law as it applies to pro athletes
• Confidential guidance that respects your contract and career goals
• Communication with agents, union reps, and team doctors when needed
• A firm that doesn’t get paid unless you win

“The hits just kept coming, even after I was off the ice. Kaplan Morrell helped me fight for medical coverage I thought I had no chance of getting.” ~ Professional Hockey Player Client

What to Do If You’re Injured Playing Hockey

1. Document your injury, including when and how it happened
2. Inform your team immediately; don’t wait until after release or trade
3. Get medical treatment and diagnosis
4. Call Kaplan Morrell for a free, private consultation at 970-356-9898 or contact us online.

Kaplan Morrell is proud to be the endorsed Colorado Attorney of the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) for workers’ compensation claims.

The PHPA is the certified US National Labor Relations Board that represents the interests of ice hockey players in the American Hockey League and ECHL, the two largest minor leagues in North American professional ice hockey. Kaplan Morrell Attorneys at Law helps to represent the NHL Players Association in Colorado.

As the only minor league Players’ Association within a major league sport, the PHPA is one of the largest Players’ Associations within the professional sports industry, boasting approximately 1,800 Members situated across 64 teams throughout North America.

The PHPA Panel of Workers’ Compensation Attorneys has been formed by the PHPA for the benefit of its Member Players. The Panel of designated Attorneys is dedicated to providing professional and courteous legal services to injured Players in order to ensure the recovery of maximum medical and disability benefits. The Panel Attorneys have agreed to be governed by the PHPA’s Rules of Professional Conduct and will not charge a consultation fee to an injured Player. If the Panel Attorney is retained by a Player, the fee charged for services will be contingent on the recovery of benefits and will be governed by the State Workers’ Compensation laws of the State where the claim is filed.

NHL Players Are Entitled to Workers’ Compensation Benefits Just Like Other Employees

The PHPA’s Professional Rules of Conduct are as follows:

• Panel Members are required to attend the Annual Meeting of the PHPA’s Workers’ Compensation Panel of Attorneys. The purpose of the Panel Meeting is both educational and to enhance the relationship between the Panel Members and the PHPA.
• Panel Members must keep the PHPA informed of all significant legal issues that are going to be litigated so that the PHPA can determine if its input is necessary to protect the integrity of the AHL/ECHL Standard Player Contract(s) as well as the respective Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Panel Members shall, as soon as possible, notify the PHPA of any legislative developments that may adversely impact a Player’s right to compensation or the level thereof.
• Panel Members must expeditiously respond to inquiries from other Panel Members and provide any information being requested that is not confidential.
• Panel Members must promptly respond to any calls or inquiries from Players and must treat the Player in a professional and respectful manner at all times.
• Any referral by one Panel Member to another must be made to the Panel Member assigned to the specific team involved.
• The player should refer that Player to the Panel Member assigned to that Player’s team.
• A Panel Member should consider and consult with other Panel Members to determine which jurisdiction would provide the Player with the maximum Workers’ Compensation benefits, and the referral should be made to that Panel Member for the benefit of the Player.
• Panel Members should not represent employers or insurance carriers, and if they do, they must notify the PHPA immediately so consideration can be given as to whether there are any actual conflicts or the appearance thereof from a legal, ethical, and professional standpoint.
• Panel Members shall not request or accept a co-counsel fee from any fellow Panel Member or pay a referral fee to any agent registered with the PHPA.

Trusted Legal Counsel for Professional Hockey Players Across Colorado

Whether you’re still lacing up or have already hung up your skates, an injury shouldn’t define your future. Let Kaplan Morrell help you navigate your claim so you can focus on what comes next, with the support you deserve.

Schedule your free consultation today.