Kellen Winslow Sr. is trying to recover workers’ compensation benefits from the California Insurance Guarantee Association for a brain injury he claims to have suffered throughout the course of his hall of fame career with the San Diego Chargers.

Kellen Winslow Sr.
(YouTube image)

USA Today reported on Tuesday that Winslow is claiming to have suffered cumulative trauma to his brain between May 1, 1979, and Aug. 15, 1988, resulting in cognitive and behavioral disorders. CIGA is fighting the claim, and USA Today reports a medical exam could determine whether he is eligible for work comp benefits.

Winslow played his entire pro career as a tight end for the San Diego Chargers, so his cumulative trauma claim isn’t statutorily prohibited by the 2013 law that disallows such claims by athletes who played for teams outside of California.

Public information from the Electronic Adjudication Management System shows Winslow is represented by All Sports Law in Santa Ana. The firm specializes in workers’ compensation claims for athletes who played in California professionally or for minor league affiliates, who signed contracts while physically in California or who had an agent based in California.

“Whether you had one tryout in California, played one game in California or played 10 years for a California team, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in California depending on the circumstances,” the firm’s website reads.