Because workers’ compensation laws differ from state to state, the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) retains the services of an expert attorney from each state who specializes in workers’ compensation protection for professional athletes.  Collectively, these experts are dubbed the “PHPA Workers’ Compensation Panel of Attorneys”, and meet each Fall to discuss the latest issues and trends impacting the workers’ compensation rights of professional athletes.

This year’s meeting took place on November 20^th and 21^st in San Francisco, California.  Representatives from other player associations such as the NHLPA, NFLPA, and Professional Lacrosse also attend the meeting, providing updates on significant issues relating to the workers’ compensation process, while sharing best practices as to how some landmark cases have been resolved. 

During the closing moments of this year’s meeting, the PHPA recognized Dennis Thomas as the recipient of the 2015 PHPA Workers’ Compensation Panel of Attorneys Member of the Year Award, for his dedication and leadership on behalf of past, present, and future PHPA Members.

“Dennis has been instrumental in the Association’s significant advancement of injured players’ rights, particularly in the State of California which is now home to five American Hockey League franchises,” said PHPA Executive Director Larry Landon.  “He has gone the extra mile whenever necessary to ensure acceptable outcomes for current and former Members whom he has represented, and as such, he is truly deserving of this prestigious award and recognition.” 

The protection of injured players is of utmost importance to the PHPA, and the results of these meetings help aid the PHPA in providing sound guidance toward the long-term benefit of players and their families.