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Insurance-Interpretation Of "Accidental Means" In Double Indemnity Clause, David W. Rowlinson S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

Insured engaged in a game called "Russian Roulette" in which he removed all but one cartridge from the cylinder of a revolver, spun the cylinder, placed the revolver to his head without ascertaining the position of the cartridge, and pulled the trigger. The revolver fired, killing the insured. The beneficiary of a life insurance policy on his life brought the present action to recover under a provision providing double indemnity for death effected solely through external, violent, and accidental means. The trial court directed a verdict for the insurance company. On appeal, held, affirmed. Such reckless abandon and exposure …