National Fidelity Life Insurance v. Lane

Beasley, Judge.

Defendant National Fidelity Life Insurance Company appeals the judgment entered on a $50,000 jury verdict for plaintiff Lane. He had sued for breach of a disability insurance contract and nonpayment of a claim. The insurer contends that the trial court erred by failing to stay the suit and enforce an “arbitration” provision in the contract.

Lane was an airline captain insured under a contract of disability with National Fidelity. The policy provided for a single lump sum payment of $50,000 if Lane became permanently disabled from pursuing his occupation as an airline pilot. Lane…