Riker v. John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance

The opinion of the court was delivered by

Heher, J.

The question at issue is whether there is a tangible basis in the proofs for the finding of the District Court that plaintiff’s decedent suffered death by accidental means within the purview of a life insurance policy obligating the defendant insurer to pay certain additional benefits upon receipt of “due proof” that the insured had “sustained bodily injuries, solely through external, violent and accidental means, * * * resulting, directly and independently of all other causes,” in his. death.

The essential facts are not in dispute. Defendant…