Death from heroin overdose covered under “accidental death” policy
July 31, 2015 by Steven A. Meyerowitz
A federal district court in California, distinguishing between “accidental means” and “accidental death” insurance policies, has ruled that an insured’s death from a self-administered heroin overdose was accidental and covered by the governing policy.
The Case
Angelica Jones’ husband, Rodney, died of a heroin overdose that allegedly occurred as a result of his self-injection of heroin while he was alone in his bathroom.
Ms. Jones submitted a claim for death benefits under an insurance policy issued by Federal Insurance Company as part of a “Voluntary Accident Insurance Program” for the Pacific Service Employees Association; Ms. Jones was a member through her employment with Pacific Gas & Electric Company and her husband also was insured under the policy. Click here to read…
