Stevens v. Union Security Insurance

**Stevens v. Union Security Insurance: Court Upholds Denial of Death Benefits** This case involved a dispute over life insurance benefits after a worker died in a car accident. The deceased employee had life insurance through Union Security Insurance Company that included coverage for accidental death and automobile accidents. When the worker died in a car crash, his family filed a claim for these benefits. However, the insurance company denied the claim and refused to pay. The court sided with the insurance company. The judge found that the worker had a blood alcohol level of 0.227% at the time of the accident—more than three times Virginia's legal drinking limit of 0.08%. Because the insurance policy specifically excluded deaths related to intoxication, and the high blood alcohol level directly caused the fatal crash, the company was legally justified in denying benefits. **What this means for workers:** If you have life insurance through your employer, carefully read the policy exclusions. Many policies won't pay benefits if death results from intoxication, illegal activities, or other risky behaviors. Understanding these limitations helps you make informed decisions about additional coverage you might need and ensures your family knows what benefits they can expect.