Elam v. First Unum Life Insurance

Donald L. Corbin, Justice.

This case involves the interpretation of an insurance policy. Appellant James E. Elam purchased a long-term-disability policy from Appellee First Unum Life Insurance Company, through his employer, Smith-Barney. In 1994, Elam elected coverage under the policy for disability due to his having bipolar affective disorder. First Unum recognized Elam’s disability and paid benefits to him from August 9, 1994, through August 9, 1996. First Unum declined to pay further benefits because of a twenty-four-month policy limitation applicable to disability due to mental illness.…