Catania v. State Farm Life Insurance

OPINION

By the Court,

Gunderson, J.:

Respondent State Farm issued a $10,000 life insurance policy, insuring the life of Marc Catania, which included an *533“Accidental Death Section.” With the policy in full force and effect, Marc Catania apparently regurgitated and choked to death, a result of “acute narcotism” occasioned by a self-administered heroin injection. State Farm tendered a check to Frank Catania, Marc’s father and beneficiary, for $10,361.03 in full settlement of the life portion of the policy. However, State Farm refused payment of any accidental death benefits, and thereupon Frank…