Valley Dental Ass'n, P.C. v. Great-West Life Assurance Co.

OPINION

EHRLICH, Judge.

The issue presented in this case is whether Gregory S. Christensen’s death was “accidental” for purposes of his beneficiaries’ recovery under the double indemnity portion of a life insurance policy. We hold that his death was not an accident and therefore reverse the summary judgment granted to the beneficiaries.

I. FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

A. The Insurance Policy

The Great-West Life Assurance Company (“Great-West”) issued a group insurance policy to the American Dental Society, of which Christensen was a member. Named as the beneficiaries of the policy issued on…