Malekout v Allied Dunbar Assurance Plc

Malekout v Allied Dunbar Assurance Plc

The Court of Appeal held that TOS was a post-policy medical condition and thus a 'condition' within the meaning of the policy. The clause was ambiguous and should be construed contra proferentem in favour of the insured. The claimant's disablement arose from a condition (TOS) that first came into existence after the policy date, entitling him to the benefit.

Parties
Claimant/appellant: Cyrus Malekout; Defendant/respondent: Allied Dunbar Assurance Plc
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
03 February 2004
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment
Outcome
Appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Policy Construction, Waiver of Contribution Benefit, Disablement Definition, Contra Proferentem

Case Brief

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Parties

Cyrus Malekout

Claimant/appellant

Allied Dunbar Assurance Plc

Defendant/respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the claimant's disablement arose from a condition which first came into existence after the date the policy was signed as required by the insurance policy definition of disablement.

Ratio Decidendi

The Court of Appeal held that TOS was a post-policy medical condition and thus a 'condition' within the meaning of the policy. The clause was ambiguous and should be construed contra proferentem in favour of the insured. The claimant's disablement arose from a condition (TOS) that first came into existence after the policy date, entitling him to the benefit.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed

Orders

  • Declarations that the contributions are treated as duly paid
  • Special damages and interest awarded