Kevin and Melinda Mays, the parents of Georgia offensive lineman Cade Mays, filed a lawsuit against the university last month after a portion of the father’s right pinkie was amputated by a folding chair while attending an event during the recruitment of his son.
The lawsuit was filed in the State Court of Clarke County on Dec. 5, 2019. Among the defendants are the Board of Regents of the University of Georgia, the University of Georgia Athletic Association, Mity-Lite, the manufacture of the folding chair, and five unnamed individuals.
According to the lawsuit, Kevin Mays his wife, Melinda, and sons Cade and Cooper were invited to a dinner, with other prospects, Dec. 15, 2017 at a club level inside Sanford Stadium. While attempting to stand up, Mays’ finger was caught in the hinge of the folding chair.
“As a result, Plaintiff Kevin Mays’ right pinky finger was partially amputated as the subject folding chair wedged against the column. His severed finger shot across the floor.”
Read the lawsuit
The lawsuit states that then Georgia offensive line coach Sam Pittman picked up the severed finger from the floor and put it on ice. He was transported to Piedmont Hospital in Athens. The finger could not be re-attached.
Mays continued to experience pain following the amputation with swelling, tenderness and decreased mobility.
Mays underwent a skin graft and a surgery in the years following the incident. He states that he continues to suffer pain and decreased use of his right hand.
Cade Mays signed with Georgia after the publicized incident. He played two seasons at Georgia and has reportedly entered the transfer portal to leave the school following his sophomore season. A person with knowledge of the situation said that Mays intends to transfer to Tennessee.
The lawsuit states that the elder Mays will “continue to suffer lost income and has incurred and will continue to incur, medical expenses.”
Kevin Mays is seeking general damages for pain and suffering and loss of labor, damages for past and future medical expenses and income, interests and costs and punitive damages. Melinda Mays is seeking general damages for loss of consortium.
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