413 F. 2d 1042 - American Casualty Company of Reading Penn v. Simpson

Appellee was injured while hunting and suffered the loss of his left arm. In this action, he claims benefts for accidental injuries under the terms of a master policy issued by appellant to the City and County of San Francisco, appellee's employer. Appellant's principal defense is that appellee was not a 'full-time employee' on the date of his injury and thus was not covered by the policy. The trial judge found that the injury was accidental, that Simpson was an employee, under the terms of the policy, on the date of the accident and entitled to judgment. We affirm.

Inasmuch as the phrase 'fulltime employee' is not defined in the policy, any ambiguity arising from failure to define must be resolved against appellant. General Cas. Co. of America v. Azteca Films, Inc., 278 F.2d 161 (9th Cir. 1960), cert denied, 364 U.S. 863, 81 S.Ct. 103, 5 L.Ed.2d 85; Allstate Ins. Co. v. Erickson, 227 F.2d 755 (9th Cir. 1955). If doubt exists as to the person or persons protected, the language of the policy must be construed in the inclusive sense for the benefit of insured. Ohio Cas. Ins. Co. v. Armendariz, 224 Cal.App.2d 56, 36 CalRptr. 274 (4th Dist.Ct.App.1964); Safeco Ins. Co. of America v. Hartford Fire Ins. Co., 238 Cal.App.2d 77, 47 Cal.Rptr. 550 (1st Dist.Ct.App.1965). An issue of fact, as to coverage under the policy, was presented to the trial judge, and by him resolved against the appellant. The findings of the trial judge are supported by substantial evidence and are not clearly erroneous.