Balthis v. Aig Life Insurance

OPINION

JONES, District Judge

In this ERISA case, I uphold the exclusion from coverage under a group accident insurance policy of a death caused in part by intoxication, even though I determine that my review is under a de novo standard.

Gordon M. Balthis was employed as a truck driver. He was enrolled through his employer in a group accident insurance policy issued by the defendant, AIG Life Insurance Company (“AIG”). Under the policy, he was insured against accidental death in the amount of $150,000. Gordon Balthis designated his brother, John Balthis, as his beneficiary. 1

The policy contains…