Workers' compensation claims for National Football League teams are becoming an issue, and former players file claims related to head trauma and other injuries related to their jobs. Individual claims can cost about $20,000, but the number of claims could substantially increase costs. Over 3,000 players and family members have filed lawsuits related to concussions sustained while playing, and it is unclear as to who will be responsible for payments, the teams or their insurers. Differing compensation rules in states have also led to difficulties, with some states requiring greater benefits or allowing claims to be filed long after the injuries occurred.
See "Teams face workers' comp threat", Darren Rovell, ESPN, August 29, 2012