Dixon v. Hartford – Waiver of Premium

Emily Dixon left work as a teacher shortly after receiving a cancer diagnoses so she could go through the necessary treatments. As an employee of the School District she was enrolled in a group life insurance plan with Hartford Insurance. When she went on disability leave the school district’s automatic payment of premiums to Hartford terminated.

Emily died about 2 years after receiving her diagnoses leaving her husband and children. Her husband’s claim for benefits to Hartford was denied. Hartford claimed that the policy terminated when the school district stopped paying premiums.

Mr. Dixon retained Stennett & Casino who pointed out to Hartford that its policy provided for a waiver of premiums when an insured becomes disabled and successfully obtained the life insurance benefits.