Aetna Life Insurance v. Haworth

300 U.S. 227 (1937)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

Edwin Haworth was insured by a number of disability and insurance policies from Aetna (P) with Edwin's wife, Cora (D) as the beneficiary. The issue between the parties was whether Edwin was disabled such that he could invoke a policy provision that waived premiums. Edwin stopped making payments on the policies because he claimed he was disabled. P refused to recognize Edwin's disability claims and insists that all the policies had lapsed for nonpayment of premiums. D claims that all five policies are in force. P sued for a declaration of rights as to the status of the policies. The District Court dismissed the suit in that it did not set forth a controversy as required under the Declaratory Judgment Act. P appealed.