05/07/2010 // West Palm Beach, Florida, USA // Sandra Quinlan // Sandra Quinlan
Miami, FL—After an 8-year legal battle, former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Otis James (O.J.) McDuffie was awarded $11.5 million in compensatory damages. The professional malpractice lawsuit was filed against Dolphins team physician John Uribe in June 2002. The suit, which was one of several brought on by McDuffie, alleged the faulty handling of a toe injury resulted in the conclusion of his career, according to information provided by the Miami Herald.
Reports stated McDuffie injured his big toe in 1999, resulting in tendon damage. Although MRIs clearly indicated McDuffie had suffered tendon damage, Uribe allegedly advised him to continue playing football. As a result, “McDuffie was in uniform for nine games in 2000, none in 2001 and was cut before the 2002 offseason with three years left on his contract following a longer-than-average nine-year NFL career.”
In 1998, the year prior to suffering his toe injury, McDuffie reportedly had an impressive 90 receptions for 1,050 yards and a total of seven touchdowns. According to an attorney representing McDuffie, “They jury awarded $10 million for lost earnings and $1.5 million of anguish… They were moved by the shattered dreams and career of Mr. McDuffie… This was a hard-fought legal battle over every single allegation that Mr. McDuffie made.”
Although a Miami-Dade County jury decided on the verdict, attorneys representing defendant Uribe may attempt to appeal the ruling.
Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan- Legal News for Florida Medical Malpractice Lawyers.
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