Opinion ID: 1985249
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: The General Meaning of the Phrase

Text: Given that the contract does not define the phrase in the care of, and because interpretation of an insurance contract is a question of law, it falls to us to provide some guidance regarding the meaning of the phrase. In our view, the following nonexclusive common-sense factors are relevant for the factfinder to consider in answering when someone is in the care of someone else: (1) is there a legal responsibility to care for the person; (2) is there some form of dependency; (3) is there a supervisory or disciplinary responsibility; (4) is the person providing the care providing substantial essential financial support; (5) is the living arrangement temporary or permanent, including how long it has been in existence and is expected to continue; (6) what is the age of the person alleged to be in the care of another (generally, the younger a person the more likely they are to be in the care of another); (7) what is the physical or mental health status of the person alleged to be in the care of another (a person with health problems is more likely to be in the care of another); and (8) is the person allegedly in the care of another gainfully employed (a person so employed is less likely to be truly dependent on another)?