Pfeifer v. World Service Life Insurance

Lorraine Pfeifer, the sole beneficiary of a policy insuring the life of her son, Thomas Pfeifer, appeals from a judgment dismissing her complaint against World Service Life Insurance Company. The issue is whether the trial court erred when finding that Thomas knew that his actions might result in his death. We conclude that the court erred and therefore reverse.

Lorraine Pfeifer commenced this action to recover the accidental death benefits payable under the policy. The case was tried to the court. The only evidence before the court was the deposition of Roslynne Pfeifer, Thomas’s ex-wife.…