Shields v. Prudential Insurance Co. of America

The opinion of the court was delivered by

Wachenfeld, J.

This is a Superior Court case certified here. It involves the question as to whether or not double indemnity is to be paid on a life insurance policy under its terms.

The pertinent clause provides for payment of double the face amount of the policy “upon receipt of due proof that the death of the Insured occurred * * * directly and independently of all other causes, of bodily injuries, effected solely through external, violent and accidental means.”

The policy was in the face amount of $5,000 and named the insured’s wife, the plaintiff…