Andrews v. American Health & Life Insurance

In this appeal, we decide two issues, first, whether the phrase “nervous disorder,” as used in a question contained in an application for a credit life insurance policy, is ambiguous and should be construed against the insurer; and second, whether the insured’s executor is estopped from collecting the proceeds of the policy.

On September 10, 1979, Earl L. Ballenger, Jr. was admitted to Chippenham Hospital under the care of Dr. Charles A. Binford, a psychiatrist, for depression following his accidental fatal shooting of his wife on September 2, 1979. After four days, Ballenger was discharged…