Gouldin Ex Rel. Wiley v. Inter-Ocean Insurance

The two insurance policies in suit were issued in 1955, one in January, the other in June. On 31 August, 1955, the plaintiff was injured by a gunshot blast which ranged upward through the front of his forehead. As a result of the injury he has been declared non compos mentis. The claim filed by his guardian was denied on the ground the shooting was an attempted suicide. The policies exclude suicide or any attempt thereat. The guardian instituted this action, alleging that the injury was of accidental origin. The issue raised by the defendant’s denial and plea of attempted suicide was resolved…