{ "id": 8631060, "name": "CLARENCE E. MITCHELL v. EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES", "name_abbreviation": "Mitchell v. Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States", "decision_date": "1934-01-24", "docket_number": "", "first_page": "721", "last_page": "725", "citations": [ { "type": "official", "cite": "205 N.C. 721" } ], "court": { "name_abbreviation": "N.C.", "id": 9292, "name": "Supreme Court of North Carolina" }, "jurisdiction": { "id": 5, "name_long": "North Carolina", "name": "N.C." }, "cites_to": [ { "cite": "117 S. E., 790", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "185 N. C., 538", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8656716 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/185/0538-01" ] }, { "cite": "154 S. E., 400", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "199 N. C., 269", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8598703 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/199/0269-01" ] }, { "cite": "95 U. S., 673", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "U.S.", "case_ids": [ 3383149 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/us/95/0673-01" ] }, { "cite": "168 S. E., 835", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "204 N. C., 506", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8621352 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/204/0506-01" ] }, { "cite": "34 S. E., 503", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "125 N. C., 389", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11274024 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/125/0389-01" ] }, { "cite": "51 S. E., 922", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "139 N. C., 390", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8652715 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/139/0390-01" ] }, { "cite": "234 N. W., 201", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.W.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "211 Iowa, 736", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Iowa", "case_ids": [ 8645294 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/iowa/211/0736-01" ] }, { "cite": "40 A. L. R., 1382", "category": "reporters:specialty", "reporter": "A.L.R.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "127 S. E., 140", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "160 Ga., 168", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ga.", "case_ids": [ 119589 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ga/160/0168-01" ] }, { "cite": "253 Mich., 545", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Mich.", "case_ids": [ 1839814 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/mich/253/0545-01" ] }, { "cite": "146 Miss., 18", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Miss.", "case_ids": [ 8818970 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/miss/146/0018-01" ] }, { "cite": "205 Ia., 760", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Iowa", "case_ids": [ 8646507 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/iowa/205/0760-01" ] }, { "cite": "222 Ala., 665", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ala.", "case_ids": [ 3637039 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ala/222/0665-01" ] }, { "cite": "237 N. Y., 554", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.Y.", "case_ids": [ 1902053 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ny/237/0554-01" ] }, { "cite": "52 R. I., 456", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "R.I.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "45 S. E., 773", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "133 N. C., 407", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8657933 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/133/0407-01" ] }, { "cite": "163 S. E., 749", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "202 N. C., 659", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8628011 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/202/0659-01" ] }, { "cite": "90 S. E., 897", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "172 N. C., 762", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11255481 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/172/0762-01" ] }, { "cite": "125 S. E., 186", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "188 N. C., 538", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8654387 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/188/0538-01" ] }, { "cite": "141 S. E., 743", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "195 N. C., 262", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8628662 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/195/0262-01" ] }, { "cite": "142 S. E., 1", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "195 N. C., 332", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8629188 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/195/0332-01" ] }, { "cite": "151 S. E., 195", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "198 N. C., 197", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8602500 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/198/0197-01" ] }, { "cite": "158 S. E., 185", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "200 N. C., 642", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8625257 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/200/0642-01" ] }, { "cite": "167 S. E., 38", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "203 N. C., 767", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8620098 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/203/0767-01" ] } ], "analysis": { "cardinality": 608, "char_count": 11504, "ocr_confidence": 0.45, "pagerank": { "raw": 3.7568900193957985e-07, "percentile": 0.8954941002351875 }, "sha256": "f1ae0f45dc03305485c7622b37c87f2dfc0bd3c30a190f037eee22842d0fc545", "simhash": "1:95057f88ff6d79d0", "word_count": 1942 }, "last_updated": "2023-07-14T16:12:31.066060+00:00", "provenance": { "date_added": "2019-08-29", "source": "Harvard", "batch": "2018" }, "casebody": { "judges": [], "parties": [ "CLARENCE E. MITCHELL v. EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES." ], "opinions": [ { "text": "Stacy, 0. J.\nIt may- be observed in limine that while the evidence on the issue of plaintiff\u2019s total disability from 1 January, 1931, to 15 May, 1932, and the submission or waiver of due proof thereof, is somewhat equivocal, nevertheless it is sufficient to carry the case to the jury so far as these questions are concerned. Green v. Casualty Co., 203 N. C., 767, 167 S. E., 38; Bulluck v. Ins. Co., 200 N. C., 642, 158 S. E., 185; Metts v. Ins. Co., 198 N. C., 197, 151 S. E., 195; Brinson v. Ins. Co., 195 N. C., 332, 142 S. E., 1; Fields v. Assurance Co., 195 N. C., 262, 141 S. E., 743; Lee v. Ins. Co., 188 N. C., 538, 125 S. E., 186; Buckner v. Ins. Co., 172 N. C., 762, 90 S. E., 897; Taylor v. Ins. Co., 202 N. C., 659, 163 S. E., 749; Gerringer v. Lis. Co., 133 N. C., 407, 45 S. E., 773.\nThe defendant stressfully contends that whatever presumption of permanency of the disability may have existed prior to 15 May, 1932, it was clearly rebutted on that date by the plaintiff\u2019s recovery, and that his subsequent continued good health demonstrates it was only temporary and is therefore a bar to the present action. Grenon v. Ins. Co., 52 R. I., 456. It will be readily conceded that the position of the defendant in this respect is unassailable, if the policy in suit only insures against disability which is both total and permanent. Ginell v. Prudential Ins. Co., 237 N. Y., 554; Ins. Co. v. Blue, 222 Ala., 665; Hawkins v. Ins. Co., 205 Ia., 760; Shipp v. Ins. Co., 146 Miss., 18; Brod v. Ins. Co., 253 Mich., 545; Job v. Ins. Co., 22 (2d) Pac., 607.\nBut as we understand the clause in question, it insures the plaintiff not only against disability which is both total and permanent, but also against disability which is total and presumably permanent; and then defines what is meant by \u201cpresumably permanent.\u201d The rider attached to the policy provides that \u201cwhen total disability has existed continuously for three months it will be regarded by the society as presumably permanent from the date of completion of one month of continuous total disability.\u201d Thus, the meaning of the policy is defined by its own terms, and it goes beyond total and permanent disability. Bagnall v. Travelers\u2019 Ins. Co., 296 Pac. (Cal.), 106; Dietlin v. Ins. Co., 14 Pac. (2d) (Cal.), 331; Penn Mut. Life Ins. Co. v. Milton, 160 Ga., 168, 127 S. E., 140, 40 A. L. R., 1382.\nIn this respect, the case of Kurth v. Continental L. Ins. Co., 211 Iowa, 736, 234 N. W., 201, is practically on all-fours with the one at bar, and in dealing with the expression \u201cpresumably permanent,\u201d the Court said:\n\u201cAs said before, tbe contingency insured against is: that the insured has been wholly disabled for a period of not less than 60 days, and that such disability so suffered is presumably permanent, and that he will be wholly and continuously prevented thereby from pursuing any gainful occupation. . . .\n\u201cThe fact is that the use of the word 'presumably\u2019 in connection with \u2018permanent\u2019 is sufficient to destroy the idea that it was intended that the absolute certainty of the permanency and the absolute certainty of the continuance of the disability should prevail. The word \u2018presumably\u2019 is a comparative adverb, as used in this instance, and by its very nature precluded the idea of an absolute, lasting, or fixed condition. Its meaning is: fit to be assumed as true in advance of conclusive evidence; credibly deduced; fair to suppose; by reasonable supposition or inference; what appears to be entitled to belief without direct evidence. Webster\u2019s New International Dictionary: By the employment of this word \u2018presumably,\u2019 it is clear that there might be some question, at present or in the future, concerning the permanency and continuancy of the described disability. . . . The words, \u2018permanently\u2019 and \u2018continuously,\u2019 standing alone, would imply that the disability was a lasting and absolutely fixed condition; but when these words are taken in connection with the language used in other provisions of the contract, the only fair construction to be placed on such words is, not that the disability-which has existed during 60 days must exist forever, but that such disability has existed for a period of not less'than 60 days and by a fair presumption will continue for a future period. . . .\n\u201cIt must, therefore, be held, as a matter of law, that the insured, under this contract, was required to furnish proofs only of the fact that he had been wholly disabled by bodily injury or disease for a period of not less than 60 days, and that such disability is presumably permanent, and that he will be presumably wholly and continuously prevented thereby from pursuing any gainful occupation.\u201d\nThe jury has found that the plaintiff was totally disabled from 1 January, 1931, to 15 May, 1932. Therefore, under the terms of the policy, when such disability exists continuously for three months, it is regarded as presumably permanent from the \u201ceffective date,\u201d and plaintiff is entitled to recover for such period. Totality of disability plus presumption of permanency is as much within the terms of the policy as total and permanent disability.\nSpeaking to somewhat similar provisions in the two policies before the Court in Dietlin v. Ins. Co., supra, Spence, J., delivering the opinion, said:\n\u201cThe presumption in the present case is not a creature of statute but is found in the agreement of the parties. We cannot assume that the parties merely intended that the presumption should be rebuttable. It is more logical to assume from a reading of all of tbe disability provisions of tbe life policies tbat tbe parties intended, by creating tbe presumption, to definitely set at rest tbe question of whether a total disability continuing for not less than three months should be treated as \u2018permanent\u2019 within the meaning of the policies. While the clauses preceding indicate that the disability must be such as to \u2018prevent the insured then and at all times thereafter from engaging in any gainful occupation,\u2019 the clauses following clearly indicate that the company intended to assume liability in some cases until \u2018it appears that the insured has recovered so as to be able to engage in any gainful occupation.\u2019 The preceding clauses indicate the necessity of absolute permanency in order to render the company liable in any case while the clauses following indicate that absolute permanency is not always required. In between stands the clause in question, whereby the parties agreed that total disability existing continuously for not less than three months should be presumed to be \u2018permanent\u2019 within the meaning of the policies. We believe that a reading of all of these clauses indicates that the parties intended to create a conclusive rather than a rebuttable presumption to apply so as to entitle the assured to the disability benefits during the entire period that such total disability might continuously exist. At any rate these life policies issued by the company are reasonably subject to such construction and under the settled rule, any doubt or uncertainty must be resolved in favor of the assured.\u201d\nOur own decisions are in full accord with the last sentence contained in the above quotation. Bray v. Ins. Co., 139 N. C., 390, 51 S. E., 922; Grabbs v. Ins. Co., 125 N. C., 389, 34 S. E., 503. If an insurance contract be reasonably susceptible of two interpretations, the courts will adopt the one more favorable to the assured. Conyard v. Ins. Co., 204 N. C., 506, 168 S. E., 835. \u201cThe policy having been prepared by the insurers, it should be construed most strongly against them.\u201d Bank v. Ins. Co., 95 U. S., 673; Jolley v. Ins. Co., 199 N. C., 269, 154 S. E., 400; Underwood v. Ins. Co., 185 N. C., 538, 117 S. E., 790.\nA careful perusal of the entire record leaves us with the impression that the judgment should be affirmed. It is so ordered.\nNo error.", "type": "majority", "author": "Stacy, 0. J." } ], "attorneys": [ "J. M. Broughton for plaintiff.", "S. Brown Shepherd for defendant, and Charles U. Harris of counsel." ], "corrections": "", "head_matter": "CLARENCE E. MITCHELL v. EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES.\n(Filed 24 January, 1934.)\n1. Insurance M c :Ii c\u2014\nEvidence of insured\u2019s total disability and submission or waiver of due proof thereof held sufficient to be submitted to the jury.\n2. Insurance R c \u2014 Subsequent recovery does not preclude right of action on clause providing for presumably permanent total disability.\nInsured brought action on a clause in a policy of life insurance providing for monthly payments to insured if he should become totally and presumably permanently disabled, and stipulating that disability should be presumed permanent when it had existed for a period of three months, and that when it had existed for such period the effective date for the payment of disability benefits should be one month after continuous disability. Insured proved total disability for a period of sixteen and one-half months, and admitted his complete recovery thereafter. Held,, insured was entitled to recover disability benefits for the period of disability, it being sufficient for recovery under the policy contract if insured should become totally disabled and such disability be presumably permanent under the provisions of the policy.\n3. Insurance E lb\u2014\nWhere an insurance policy is reasonably susceptible of two interpretations, the one more favorable to the insured will be adopted.\nAppeal by defendant from Granmer, Jat April Term, 1933, of Wake.\nCivil action to recover on a total and presumably permanent disability clause in a policy of life insurance.\nUpon tbe payment of the first annual premium of $471.80, the defendant, on 28 May, 1930, issued to the plaintiff a $10,000 life insurance policy, containing, among other things, the following provisions :\n\u201cAnd further, if the insured before age 60 becomes totally and permanently disabled as defined in the total and permanent disability provision on the third page hereof, the society will, subject to the conditions of such provision, waive subsequent premiums and pay to the insured a disability income of one hundred dollars a month.\u201d\nThe provisions on the third page of the policy, referred to in the above clause, are as follows:\n\u201cDefinition: For the purpose of this policy: (A) Disability is total when it prevents the insured from engaging in any occupation or performing any work for compensation of financial value, and (B) total disability is presumably permanent . . . (2) When it has existed continuously for three months \u2014 then from the date of the expiration of such three months.\u201d\nAttached to the policy is a rider which provides:\n\u201cIt is hereby agreed that when total disability has existed continuously for three months it will be regarded by the society as presumably permanent from the date of completion of one month of continuous total disability (herein called the effective date) notwithstanding subpara-graph (2) of paragraph (B) of the provision for total and permanent disability benefits.\u201d\nThis suit was instituted 1 October, 1932, and the jury has found from the evidence offered on the hearing that the plaintiff, who is 46 years old, became totally disabled, within the meaning of the policy and while it was in force, on 1 January, 1931, which total disability continued until 15 May, 1932; that due proof of such disability was submitted to the defendant by the jffaintiff as required by the terms of the policy; and that plaintiff was entitled to recover according to the terms of the presumably permanent disability clause.\nDefendant appeals, assigning errors.\nJ. M. Broughton for plaintiff.\nS. Brown Shepherd for defendant, and Charles U. Harris of counsel." }, "file_name": "0721-01", "first_page_order": 785, "last_page_order": 789 }