November 14, 2025
Life Claim represented the father of a man who crashed his motorcycle, which resulted in his death. A blood sample was taken postmortem and tested positive for alcohol in the amount of .183 g/100mL, which is equivalent to a BAC of 0.183%, or more than twice the legal limit in Illinois. Citing two different policy exclusions, Minnesota Life denied the father’s claim. First, the company stated that no benefits were payable because the accident resulted from the insured’s intoxication. Second, the company stated that it did not have to pay benefits because the insured was “participating in, or attempting to commit, a felony, at the time of his accident.”
Our toxicology team found a problem with the blood test that rendered the results forensically unreliable. At the same time, our legal team determined that a first offense DUI in Illinois is classified as a misdemeanor unless someone other than the offending driver is injured. Because the insured was the only person harmed, his actions could not be considered the commission of a felony.
Our findings were presented to Minnesota Life in a comprehensive appeal, and the company agreed to reverse its denial decision, paying the claim in full with interest.