Braves suing Hampton’s insurance company

The Braves have filed a breach of contract lawsuit against the Hartford Life Insurance Company seeking $4.82 million for the time Mike Hampton was disabled last season.

The Braves, who also seek interest on the damages, filed the suit last week in United States District Court in Atlanta.

According to court documents, Hartford Life issued a policy to the Colorado Rockies in December, 2000, after Hampton signed with the team as a free agent. The policy was assigned to the Braves when they acquired Hampton in November, 2002.

The insurance policy had an expiration date of Oct. 1, 2005. However, the suit contends there was a provision in the policy that if remain in effect if Hampton was “totally disabled” before the expiration date. Hampton missed the entire 2006 and 2007 seasons after two elbow surgeries. The suit contends the team received payments under the policy.

According to the court documents, Hartford Life contends that Hampton was not “totally disabled” before or during the 2008 season.

Hampton injured his pectoral muscle in the bullpen while warming up for what was to be his for first start of the 2008 season on April 3. Hampton missed the next 117 days, finally coming off the disabled list on July 26, 2008 and making his first start in 3 1/2 years.

Hampton, who signed with the Houston Astros during the offseason, missed a day of spring training with an irregular heartbeat.