Arnstein v. Metropolitan Life Insurance

Opinion by

Mr. Justice Stern,

The policy of accident insurance in this case provided that defendant would pay the sum of $20,000 to the beneficiary if the insured lost his life as the result of bodily injuries “caused directly and independently of all other causes by violent and accidental means.” Among the risks excluded was death “caused wholly or partly, directly or indirectly, by disease or bodily .or mental infirmity or medical or surgical treatment therefor.”

Insured had an ingrown toenail. It was partly removed by a chiropodist. In order to heal it, insured exposed his foot to the rays of…