Branton v. Independent Life & Accident Insurance

Evans, Judge.

John C. Branton was taking a prescription tranquilizer in conjunction with an alcoholic treatment *415program administered by a local health department. He was found dead on March 25,1974, in bed at his mother’s home. Several bottles of pills were found by his bedside. The death certificate showed the cause of death to be "probable cerebral toxemia, anoxia and edema associated with bilateral pulmonary congestion probably due to drug overdose,” occurring as stated: "overdose by accidental means.”

His mother, Mrs. Etta K. Branton, sued the defendant, Independent Life & Accident…