Rhode v. Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co.
632 F.2d 667 (6th Cir. 1980)
Legal Analysis
Legal analysis from Dean's Law Dictionary will be displayed here.
Nature Of The Case
This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.
Facts
Rhode (P) is a widow. Her husband (H), applied for life insurance by arranging for a payment of the initial premium and taking the required physical all on the same day. D’s agent completed a form called a Conditional Receipt. It contained a promise by D to insure H under the policy sought, effective the latest date on which the applicant completed the application and physical examination. The receipt also stated that D had no obligation except to return the payment unless the company determined that as of the completion of the physical and application, that H was an acceptable risk under its limits, rules, and standards. H died of a heart attack the same day. Acting under the receipt, D had to determine if H was an acceptable risk. D investigated H’s application and determined that he was uninsurable. D then returned the payment to P. P sued for the policy amounts. The trial court found for D despite a finding of bad faith.
Issues
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Holding & Decision
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