Every Atlanta native has one thing on their mind this week: Goooooo Braves! We are so proud of our Atlanta Braves and are very excited to celebrate them during the parade through the city tomorrow. This historical win for Atlanta‘s MLB team has brought up the important topic of worker’s compensation for professional athletes. Although it may seem that being a professional athlete is not a traditional occupation, professional athletes are still entitled to the same workers’ compensation benefits that any other employee is entitled to. This means that if a MLB player is injured while practicing or playing during a game, they are eligible to receive weekly indemnity checks and coverage for any medical expenses.

Similar to all other occupations, MLB players must prove that the injury occurred on the job. The most common types of injuries for professional baseball players include wrist, shoulder and ankle injuries, however the list of injuries a MLB player can incur is extensive. It’s also important to note that workers’ compensation coverage is not just extended towards professional baseball players but all professional athletes. If an athlete is injured while practicing or playing, which is unfortunately relatively common, they should receive workers’ compensation coverage.

It’s clear to see how important professional sports teams are to a city. That is why it is essential that professional athletes receive the same rights as all other employees. If a MLB player is injured on the job their employer, the team, is responsible for ensuring they are paid while they are out of the game during recovery and that their medical expenses are covered.

We are incredibly proud of the Atlanta Braves and are thankful the Georgia workers’ compensation system protects the players that made winning the World Series possible!