Denied Life Insurance Claim Lawyer

People purchase life insurance for a variety of reasons, but there is no motivation more common or important than providing financial security and peace of mind for loved ones left behind after a death. Beneficiaries rely on the promise of receiving life insurance proceeds to cover funeral and final expenses, pay bills, and otherwise ensure their financial future. But when an insurance company decides a claimant is not entitled to the money they so desperately need and expect, the careful planning and premium payments can seem pointless and shatter the claimant’s belief that everything will be okay.

Such a devastating blow during an already difficult and traumatic time can leave a family reeling, confused about why the insurer denied their claim, and unsure what to do next or who to contact for answers and help. That is the moment when Life Legal’s experienced life insurance attorneys spring into action.

At Life Legal, we focus exclusively on fighting insurance companies on behalf of those whose claims are wrongfully denied or delayed. We understand the impact of a claim denial. We also understand how and why insurance companies deny valid claims and their tactics to get claimants to simply give up and go away. If a life insurance company has denied your claim, contacting Life Legal to arrange for your free initial consultation is the first step towards righting the wrong and getting you the money to which you are entitled.

Most of the time, beneficiaries have no problem making their claims and receiving promised proceeds. However, life insurance companies are in the business of making money, and every dollar they pay in claims is a dollar less in profits. As such, they will look for any reason to deny a claim or pay as little as possible. Some of those reasons may be legitimate, while others may be based on dubious claims of alleged errors or shortcomings by the insured or claimants they will say void the policy.

Some of the most common reasons that life insurance companies deny claims include:

• Mistakes or misrepresentation. An alleged failure to disclose material information or a misrepresentation on the initial application for insurance is a frequent basis for a claim denial. The information provided by the putative insured must be accurate, especially representations about the insured’s medical history or risk factors. When mistakes in these areas are discovered, insurance companies often assume they are intentional lies, resulting in the denial of a claim.
• Contesting or investigating a claim. All life insurance policies include periods of contestability in their terms and provisions. Typically, this period is two years from the date the policy begins, but it can vary depending on the policy. When an insured party dies during this early period, the insurance company is legally entitled to investigate whether fraud or misrepresentation has occurred. Often, insurance providers take advantage of this period to deny valid claims.
• Failure to pay a premium. If an insurance customer fails to pay policy premiums, life insurance coverage can lapse. If this happens, the policy can be forfeited, prohibiting beneficiaries of the policy from collecting any benefits. Oftentimes, the insurance customer has no idea their life insurance policy lapsed, leaving their unknowing beneficiaries with a voided policy.

One of the biggest challenges claimants face after a denial is not knowing how to challenge the insurance company’s decision. While contacting an attorney who focuses on fighting life insurance denials is the best move you can make, there are several initial steps you can take to try to fight a denial, including:

• Contact the insurer. When an insurer denies a claim, the denial letter typically includes their reasons. However, these letters often lack clarity and supporting details, leaving beneficiaries in the dark regarding the actual justification for the denial.
• Appeal the denial. If the insurer denies your life insurance claim, you can contest the rejection by presenting evidence via an appeals process established by the insurer. If your appeal succeeds, the insurer will pay your claim. However, the appeals process can be complicated and intimidating, which is yet another reason to hire an experienced lawyer to deal with the insurer rather than doing so on your own.

As noted, retaining the services of an experienced life insurance claims denial attorney is the best thing you can do if an insurance company has refused to pay your claim. At Life Legal, we are dedicated to helping people who need legal services related to life insurance, critical and chronic care benefits, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and accelerated death benefits.

When you come to Life Legal for assistance with your denied claim, we will help you navigate the claims process and fight back against the powerful interests attempting to take advantage of you. You will always know the status of your case, be kept informed about any significant developments, and have direct contact with the attorney handling your appeal.

If a life insurance company denies payment of your claim or otherwise plays games with your financial future, please contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our talented life insurance attorneys.