INSURANCE-INTERPRETATION OF "ACCIDENTAL MEANS" IN DOUBLE INDEMNITY CLAUSE

Authors

David W. Rowlinson S.Ed., University of Michigan Law SchoolFollow

Abstract

Insured engaged in a game called "Russian Roulette" in which he removed all but one cartridge from the cylinder of a revolver, spun the cylinder, placed the revolver to his head without ascertaining the position of the cartridge, and pulled the trigger. The revolver fired, killing the insured. The beneficiary of a life insurance policy on his life brought the present action to recover under a provision providing double indemnity for death effected solely through external, violent, and accidental means. The trial court directed a verdict for the insurance company. On appeal, held, affirmed. Such reckless abandon and exposure to a known and obvious danger cannot be said to have produced death by accidental means. Thompson v. Prudential Ins. Co. of America, (Ga. App. 1951) 66 S.E. (2d) 119.

Recommended Citation

David W. Rowlinson S.Ed., INSURANCE-INTERPRETATION OF "ACCIDENTAL MEANS" IN DOUBLE INDEMNITY CLAUSE, 50 Mich. L. Rev. 942 (1952).
Available at: https://repository.law.umich.edu/mlr/vol50/iss6/15