Coleman v. Palmetto State Life Insurance

Moss, Justice.

Miriam W. Coleman, the respondent herein, as beneficiary under the terms of two accident insurance policies on the life of her son, Jimmy W. Coleman, issued by Palmetto State Life Insurance Company, appellant herein, sued to recover the proceeds payable under the terms of such policies.

The two policies provide for the payment of indemnity for death “caused solely by external, violent and accidental means”, but excludes coverage where death results from “self-inflicted injury”. It is agreed that the death of the insured was due to a gunshot wound in the head. The complaints…