X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

The full case caption appears at the end of this opinion.

The determinative question before us is whether an insurance company timely removed a case from state court over a $5,000 life insurance policy when it received aletter, after the case was filed, indicating that plaintiff would seek damages exceeding the federal jurisdictional minimum. Finding that the removal petition wasuntimely, we must vacate a summary judgment for the insurer and remand with instructions to remand to state court.Plaintiff-appellant Alice Addo submitted a claim as the beneficiary under her mother’s life insurance policy to defendant-appellee Globe Life and Accident InsuranceCompany (“Globe”). Upon investigation, Globe discovered that Addo’s mother misrepresented a pre-existing condition on her policy application. Accordingly,Globe denied the claim, rescinded the policy, and refunded Addo the premiums that her mother paid for the policy.Addo brought suit in state court, requesting $5,000 in actual damages — the face amount of the policy — and punitive damages “not to exceed $65,000.” A monthlater, she served a demand letter on Globe, offering to settle the suit for an amount in excess of $75,000. [FOOTNOTE 1] Several months passed before Globe servedinterrogatories on Addo asking her to confirm that the amount in controversy would not exceed $75,000. When she refused to confirm, Globe removed this case tofederal court and Addo moved to remand.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
September 05, 2024
New York, NY

The New York Law Journal honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.


Learn More
September 06, 2024
Johannesburg

The African Legal Awards recognise exceptional achievement within Africa s legal community during a period of rapid change.


Learn More
September 12, 2024
New York, NY

Consulting Magazine identifies the best firms to work for in the consulting profession.


Learn More

Our client, a boutique litigation firm established by former BigLaw partners, is seeking to hire a commercial litigation associate to join e...


Apply Now ›

COLE SCHOTZ P.C.Prominent mid Atlantic law firm with multiple regional office locations seeks a senior attorney with commercial real estate ...


Apply Now ›

ATTORNEYS WANTED ROCKLAND/BERGEN COUNTYKantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C. Expanding and established multi-practice, mul...


Apply Now ›
06/27/2024
The American Lawyer

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
06/21/2024
Daily Business Review

Full Page Announcement


View Announcement ›
06/14/2024
New Jersey Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›