Metropolitan Life Insurance v. Smith

OPINION

HARBISON, Justice.

Respondents sued four life insurance companies seeking double indemnity benefits for the alleged accidental death of the insured, Dr. Doyle J. Smith. The ordinary life benefits under each policy have been paid.

Respondents demanded a jury, but at the conclusion of their evidence in chief, the trial judge directed a verdict for the insurance carriers. The Court of Appeals reversed and remanded for a new trial, and this Court granted certiorari.

Although the Court of Appeals considered that legal questions were presented as to the interpretation of the policy provisions,…