Sun Life Assur. Co. of Canada v. Dunn

**Sun Life Assurance Co. of Canada v. Dunn: Life Insurance Beneficiary Rights** This case involved a dispute over life insurance proceeds between Sun Life Assurance Company and Kelly Dunn. Dunn claimed she had a rightful interest in a life insurance policy, even though she was listed as a secondary beneficiary rather than the primary one. The insurance company challenged her claim to the benefits. The court ruled in favor of Kelly Dunn, granting her motion for partial summary judgment. The judge determined that Dunn had a "vested equitable interest" in the life insurance policy and imposed a constructive trust on the insurance proceeds. This means the court recognized Dunn's legal right to the money despite her secondary beneficiary status. **What this means for workers:** This decision shows that courts will look beyond just the written designations on insurance policies to determine who truly deserves benefits. If you believe you have a legitimate claim to workplace life insurance benefits—even if you're not listed as the primary beneficiary—you may have legal grounds to challenge the designation. The ruling demonstrates that equitable interests can override formal paperwork when circumstances warrant it.