Gomez v. Life Insurance Co. of North America

After Steven Gomez committed suicide, his spouse, Nancy Gomez, sought recovery under a policy insuring for loss of life, limb, or eyesight caused by accidents. Because the policy specifically exempted injuries caused by suicide, the Life Insurance Company of North America (LINA) denied her claim. Gomez brought suit and now appeals the trial court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of the insurer. Although suicide exclusions are generally prohibited in life insurance policies, we disagree with her contention that by extension the exclusion in this accident policy is void. The Washington…