Evans v. Imperial Life Insurance

Per Curiam. This is an action instituted by tbe beneficiary upon a policy of insurance, issued by tbe defendant upon tbe life of Lina Evans (Hamm), wherein was provided that “should death of the insured be caused by . . . disease of heart within one year from date of this policy . . . the liability of the company is limited to the amount of premium paid to and received by the company, and no more.” The insured died within one year from the issuance of the policy. The sole question for determination by the jury was whether the death of the insured was caused by a disease of the heart, which was submitted under an appropriate issue and was answered in the negative. From a judgment predicated upon the verdict the defendant appealed. Evidence was introduced by both plaintiff and defendant in which there was little conflict of facts, but some conflict in expert opinions based upon the facts. The assignments of error are (1) that the court erred in denying motion to set the verdict aside as a matter of law, upon the ground that all the evidence, taken in its most favorable light to the plaintiff, fails to substantiate the verdict of the jury, (2) that the court erred in overruling motion for new trial, and (3) the court erred in signing the judgment. *540 “. . . a familiar principle of practice forbids a directed instruction in favor of tbe party upon wbom rests tbe burden of proof. Cox v. R. R., 123 N. C., 604; House v. R. R., 131 N. C., 103, 105.” Yarn Mills v. Armstrong, 191 N. C., 125. A motion to set aside a verdict as being against tbe weight of tbe evidence is addressed to tbe discretion of tbe court and is not reviewable. Hardison v. Jones, 196 N. C., 712. Tbe granting of a new trial because tbe verdict is contrary to tbe evidence is in tbe discretion of tbe trial court. Redmond v. Stepp, 100 N. C., 212 (220). Tbe judgment is supported by tbe verdict. In tbe record we find No error. Seawell, J., took no part in tbe consideration or decision of tbis case.