Ex-NFL linebacker’s Workers’ Compensation Claim proceeds on basis of two games played in California

As an example of the type of claim likely meant to be curtailed by AB 1309 (previously discussed here¹), the claim of a former Carolina Panthers/Cleveland Browns² linebacker continues to process its way through the California workers’ compensation system.

In his claim, ex-NFL linebacker Tarek Saleh alleged that he sustained multiple injuries while employed as a football player for the Carolina Panthers between May 1997-February 1999 and for the Cleveland Browns from February 1999-January 2002.³

When Saleh was traded to the Browns, he signed contractual addenda providing language that purportedly required Saleh to bring any workers’ compensation claims against the team in Ohio. Saleh’s prior contract with the Panthers, assumed by the Browns, contained no such clause.Saleh never resided in California, but practiced and played in California for the Browns on two occasions in 1999 and 2000 and he maintained that he was injured in games and received treatment in California.