Prudential Did Not Abuse Discretion In Denying Widow’s AD&D Benefits Claim

Prudential Insurance Co. of America’s decision denying a widow’s claim for benefits under an accidental death and dismemberment policy was not an abuse of discretion, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri ruled Oct. 24 (Hoogstraat v. Prudential Insurance Co. of America, E.D. Mo., 4:11-cv-01852-JAR, 10/24/12).

The widow filed claims to recover $2.5 million in life insurance and $1 million in AD&D benefits after her spouse committed suicide. Prudential paid the widow’s full life insurance claim but determined that the insured’s death was not a covered loss under the AD&D policy.

Judge John A. ...