United States Life Insurance v. Mason

The question for determination on this appeal is whether evidence concerning a postmortem blood test is admissible in a civil action for accidental death benefits under a life insurance policy.

Vernon H. Mason, insured under a group life insurance policy issued by United States Life Insurance Company, was killed in an automobile accident on June 25, 1970. The Company paid his widow and beneficiary, Starr S. Mason, the face amount of the policy in the sum of $5,000 but denied coverage for the accidental death benefits of an additional $5,000. The beneficiary thereupon instituted this action…