North American Accident Insurance v. Cavaleri

North American Accident Insurance Company issued to Joe Cavaleri a policy of insurance, whereby it agreed to pay to Nettie Cavaleri a sum of money in case Cavaleri should die through external, violent and accidental means, causing his death within ninety days from the occurrence of the accident. While the policy was in force, Cavaleri committed suicide by shooting himself in the head with a gun, dying instantly. The beneficiary sued on the policy and obtained judgment. The defendant seeks a reversal of the judgment.

In order to recover on a policy insuring against accidental death, a plaintiff…