Court Opinion

ID: 9810677
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-31 21:56:05.681699+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:40:08.899594
License: Public Domain

Stacy, C. J.,
concurring: It is provided by C. S., 6289, that statements or descriptions in any application for a policy of insurance, or in the policy itself, shall be deemed representations and not warranties, and a representation, unless material or fraudulent, will not prevent a recovery on the policy. Howell v. Ins. Co., 189 N. C., 212, 126 S. E., 603.
Here, the plaintiff seeks to avoid the provisions of the policy relating to disability and double indemnity, Smith v. Ins. Co., 209 N. C., 504, 184 S. E., 21, on the ground of false and material representations appearing in the application, and recovery has been allowed on this ground. Schas v. Ins. Co., 166 N. C., 55, 81 S. E., 1014. Ordinarily, the falsity and materiality of such representations are for the jury to determine under proper instructions from the court. Anthony v. Protective Union, 206 N. C., 7, 173 S. E., 6; Harrison v. Ins. Co., 207 N. C., 487, 1Y7 S. E., 423, and cases there cited. In the instant case, however, the falsity of the statements being conceded, under the decisions applicable, their materiality may be determined as a matter of law. Bryant v. Ins. Co., 147 N. C., 181, 60 S. E., 983; Jeffress v. Ins. Co., 72 F. (2d) 874. The allegation of negligence or carelessness on the part of the examining physician is not sufficient to save the defendant from the consequences of the misrepresentations appearing in the application. Inman v. Woodmen of the World, 211 N. C., 179, 189 S. E., 496.
Clarkson, J., concurs in this opinion.