Former Tennessee Titans punter Craig Hentrich has filed a worker's compensation claim in Davidson County Circuit Court against the team for “expected future medical expenses,” according to his attorney Gregg Ramos.
Hentrich, who played for the Titans from 1998 through 2009, indicated in the lawsuit that he first suffered back and neck injuries - that eventually required surgery - in the playoff game of Jan. 8, 2000, the day of the Music City Miracle.
“Because of a pre-existing condition from his injuries, Craig Hentrich would be excluded under most health insurance policies, and we are asking for compensation regarding expected future medical expenses related to his football career,” Ramos said.
Hentrich, who had multiple surgeries in his NFL career, has been given a partial disability rating, and one doctor estimated that between neck, back, right knee and left shoulder injuries, the the long-time punter has a 42 percent disability rating over his body.
Under the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, players are allowed to pursue worker's compensation claims, and often those claims are resolved. Ramos indicated that it is somewhat rare that a settlement is not reached.
Hentrich and the Titans held a mediation session as is required in such cases, but because of an impasses, Hentrich filed a lawsuit to seek compensation.
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