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Brewer v. Lincoln National Life Ins. Co.

U.S.
Jun 24, 1991
501 U.S. 1238 (1991)

Summary

applying a mental illness limitation in an ERISA policy to deny benefits, despite expert evidence that participant suffered from affective mood disorder caused genetically or biologically, because "laypersons are inclined to focus on the symptoms of an illness; illnesses whose primary symptoms are depression, mood swings and unusual behavior are commonly characterized as mental illnesses regardless of their cause. . . . Regardless of the cause of his disorder, it is abundantly clear that he suffered from what laypersons would consider to be a 'mental illness'"

Summary of this case from Lynd v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance

Opinion

No. 90-1684.

June 24, 1991, October Term, 1990.


C.A. 8th Cir. Motion of National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association for leave to file a brief as amicus curiae granted. Certiorari denied. Reported below: 921 F. 2d 150.


Summaries of

Brewer v. Lincoln National Life Ins. Co.

U.S.
Jun 24, 1991
501 U.S. 1238 (1991)

applying a mental illness limitation in an ERISA policy to deny benefits, despite expert evidence that participant suffered from affective mood disorder caused genetically or biologically, because "laypersons are inclined to focus on the symptoms of an illness; illnesses whose primary symptoms are depression, mood swings and unusual behavior are commonly characterized as mental illnesses regardless of their cause. . . . Regardless of the cause of his disorder, it is abundantly clear that he suffered from what laypersons would consider to be a 'mental illness'"

Summary of this case from Lynd v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance

detailing Schiff's refusal to pay income taxes

Summary of this case from In re Eleazar
Case details for

Brewer v. Lincoln National Life Ins. Co.

Case Details

Full title:BREWER, NATURAL GUARDIAN AND DULY-APPOINTED NEXT FRIEND OF BREWER v…

Court:U.S.

Date published: Jun 24, 1991

Citations

501 U.S. 1238 (1991)

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