Court Opinion

ID: 9478353
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-05 06:47:09.97413+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:46:23.339962
License: Public Domain

CANBY, Circuit Judge,
dissenting:
I dissent from the court’s conclusion that the policy’s exclusion for “bodily injuries” to participants does not encompass all of the injuries sustained by Von Beltz. Von Beltz and Stuntman concede that the exclusion precludes recovery for the bodily injury itself, as well as for mental and emotional distress resulting from bodily injury. In my view, that includes all of the injuries suffered by Von Beltz.
The district court and the majority of this court conclude that, despite the exclusion for bodily injury, Von Beltz can recover for “shock” (there being no sickness or disease) and the mental and emotional distress resulting from shock. Under the facts of this case, I am unable to comprehend damages for injuries from shock that are not damages from bodily injury. There was only one accident, and all damages result from the terrible bodily injuries Von Beltz suffered in it.
My view is reinforced by the rather obvious intent of Interstate’s policy to cover liability for injuries to the public and to exclude liability for injuries to participants. I agree with the majority that exclusions are to be strictly construed against the insurer that drafted the policy, but I can sensibly construe this exclusion only one way. I would therefore hold that there is no excess coverage for Von Beltz’ injuries.