A.J. Ex Rel. Dixon v. Unum

Robert J. Johnson, the father of A.J., D.M., and B.M., died without naming a beneficiary of his Unum life insurance. His estate filed a basic-life claim (which Unum granted) and an accidental-death claim (which was denied). Unum claimed that Johnson committed a (uncharged) crime contributing to his death by carelessly and imprudently driving his motorcycle, in violation of Section 304.012, RSMo 2000. The administrator of the estate did not appeal the denial. The estate’s sole beneficiaries are A.J., D.M., and B.M. Their attorney says he did not receive notice of the denial in time to appeal…