Reliance Insurance Co. v. Athena Cablevision Corp.

OPINION

FONES, Justice.

In this case plaintiff, Reliance Insurance Company, sought a declaratory judgment relieving it of all obligations to its insured defendant, Athena Cablevision Corporation of Knoxville, for failure to comply with the notice provision of the policy.

The Chancellor held that Athena was excused from giving notice because it had substantial grounds to believe the death claim was being handled by its indemnitor, Alabama Steeplejack Service, Inc., and its insurance carrier.

The facts were stipulated and the case is before this Court on the direct appeal of Reliance.

On January 26,…