Weil v. Federal Kemper Life Assurance Co.

Opinion

GEORGE, J.

In this case we must determine whether a life insurance policy covering loss of life occurring as the direct result of bodily injury inflicted solely by “external, violent and accidental means” provides coverage when the insured’s voluntary ingestion of cocaine resulted in a lethal overdose. Plaintiffs, beneficiaries of the insured, contend that the drug overdose was accidental and therefore that the policy provides coverage. Because the insured’s voluntary ingestion of an illegal and dangerous substance caused his death, defendant insurer contends death did not result from…