Court: Former NFL Punter Eligible for Workers’ Comp

Maryland’s highest court has ruled former Washington Redskins punter Tom Tupa is eligible for workers compensation for an injury while warming up for a preseason game in 2005 at FedEx Field.

The Maryland Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday that ample evidence was presented to show that Tupa suffered a compensable accidental injury during the course of his employment.

The court considered two issues in the case brought by the employer and insurer. The first was whether Maryland should have exercised jurisdiction over the claim when Tupa’s contract was executed in Virginia, where the team’s headquarters and practice field are located.

The court also considered whether injuries while playing and practicing professional football are “accidental injuries” and compensable under the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Act.