Dodgers tag Hartford with claims suit; Team says insurer's definition of 'total disability' is too narrow.(News)

Byline: GLORIA GONZALEZ

LOS ANGELES-The Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team has sued the Hartford Life Insurance Co. for denying a $1.7 million claim related to a hip injury suffered by retired relief pitcher Paul Shuey.

In a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court earlier this month, the Dodgers allege that the Hartford, Conn.-based insurer wrongfully denied coverage from an insurance policy intended to provide coverage if Mr. Shuey became temporarily or permanently disabled.

During the 2003 baseball season, Mr. Shuey began experiencing severe pain in his right hip joint while pitching, and he had arthroscopic surgery on the hip in October 2003. …