Page:The Wisconsin idea (IA cu31924032449252).pdf/76

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52
THE WISCONSIN IDEA

there is not a shred of evidence that the policy was delinquent. The beneficiary—who could not speak English—was thus forced to engage an attorney. So far as the records show, these dilatory tactics were successful—and no payment was made."


"Claim 354,219. Anton Lund, liability $5000.

"Policy covered double indemnity. Insured held a traveller's ticket policy and was killed in a railroad wreck. Company had no defence, save late notice, it seems to have been asserted because administrator—who was prevented from securing possession of the ticket policy by the coroner who took charge of the insured's body—did not make timely proof. As soon as administrator secured such policy he made proof. Beneficiary later sued company. Company then adopted dilatory tactics in the courts, its legal department writing the local attorney, as follows:—


"'As I have repeatedly advised you, the company does not desire that this case should ever come to trial, and our only intent is to adopt dilatory tactics, file demurrers, etc., and thus force an equitable settlement.'


And later:—


"'If you find that you cannot dispose of the suit within this limit ($2,500.00) I think we had better stand pat awhile longer, putting the trial off as long as we possibly can, and adopting all possible dilatory tactics… To be absolutely frank, rather than let this suit go to trial, I would advise the company to pay on