ESPN.com: Report: Martin suing insurer for denial of claim
New York Jets running back Curtis Martin has sued Lloyd's of London for refusing to pay off a $5 million disability insurance policy, the New York Daily News reported.
The breach of contract lawsuit, filed in federal court, alleges Lloyd's informed Martin last month it would deny coverage on a knee injury he sustained late in the 2005 season, according to the Daily News.
According to the newspaper, Martin's lawyer declined comment on the lawsuit and lawyers for Lloyd's could not be reached Friday for comment.
According to the complaint, on July 28, 2006, Martin filed a claim and doctor's report stating "On or about Dec.14, 2005, plaintiff became permanently disabled as a result of a single and unexpected event, a hit to his knee, during a professional football game ... and resulted in plaintiff's total disability," according to the Daily News.
Martin, 34, purchased two policies for total disability insurance effective from Aug. 2005, to Aug.1, 2006 for a prepaid premium of $178,250, the newspaper reported, citing court documents.
According to the lawsuit, Martin is claiming more than $5 million in economic damages. He took a $1.7 million pay cut last season and was due to earn $4.4 million in 2007 -- an amount since lowered to $3.3 million -- but won't be paid at all if he retires, the Daily News reported.