Life insurance policies are contracts of trust and protection. They promise that in the event of a tragedy, financial security will be one less worry. When insurers fail to uphold their promises, it can feel like a betrayal during an already vulnerable time.
A life insurance claim gets denied, often with little explanation and even less compassion. Maybe they claim there was an error in the application, or that the policy lapsed due to a missed payment.
Sometimes they argue that the death does not qualify under the terms of the policy at all. Whatever the reason, the result is the same: families are left feeling betrayed, frustrated, and unsure of what to do next.
Working with Kantor & Kantor means you are not facing this battle alone. We do not hand off cases to paralegals or make you jump through hoops just to get a call-back. You will work directly with an experienced Oregon life insurance attorney who cares about your case and who is ready to fight for what is right.
If your life insurance claim has been denied or delayed, or if you just do not know where to begin, talk to us. Contact us at 818-886-2525 for a free consultation. We are people helping people and we are here to secure your life insurance benefits.
Why Are Life Insurance Claims Denied?
Despite their promises of security, insurance companies often look for reasons to deny claims to protect their profits. Here are some common reasons why claims might not be paid:
Accusations of Misrepresentation or Non-Disclosure
Insurance companies often scrutinize the policyholder’s application for inaccuracies or omissions. To justify a denial, they may claim that the policyholder provided false information or failed to disclose relevant facts, such as pre-existing medical conditions. Insurance companies may claim that the policyholder provided false information or failed to disclose relevant facts when there is a reasonable explanation for such facts. Similarly, the type of question asked may be ambiguous, which leads to the claimant’s not understanding what was being asked.
Allegation of Policy Lapse or Non-Payment of Premiums
Another common reason for denial is the unlawful allegation that the policy lapsed due to non-payment of premiums. There are laws in place and stipulated requirements that outline the time frame that insurance companies have in which to provide notice that a policy is lapsing. If insurance companies do not comply with these notice periods, they are obligated to reinstate that policy. Insurance companies may argue that the policy was not in force at the time of death, thus invalidating the claim.
Accusations of Failure to Provide Required Documentation
Insurance companies require various documents to process a claim, including the death certificate, proof of identity, and, often, medical records. Denials can occur if the insurer claims the provided documentation is insufficient or incomplete. This most frequently occurs when the death occurs in a foreign country and a death certificate is difficult to interpret or impossible to obtain.
Tactics Used by Insurance Companies to Deny Life Insurance Claims
Here are some of the most common ways insurers try to deny legitimate life insurance claims:
- Demanding Excessive Documentation: By requesting an overwhelming amount of paperwork, insurers can make it difficult for claimants to comply, thereby justifying a denial based on incomplete documentation.
- Interpreting Policy Language Narrowly: Insurers may use vague or ambiguous policy terms to their advantage, interpreting them in the narrowest way possible to deny coverage.
- Accusing Material Misrepresentation: Insurers may allege that the policyholder provided false or misleading information on the application, even if the discrepancies are minor, caused by ambiguity, or unrelated to the cause of death.
- Citing Policy Exclusions: Insurance companies often rely on specific exclusions, such as suicide, acts of war, or dangerous activities, to deny claims, even in cases where the exclusion might not apply.
- Relying on Medical Underwriting Issues: If the policyholder had a pre-existing condition not disclosed at the time of application, the insurer might deny the claim based on non-disclosure or misrepresentation, regardless of whether the condition contributed to the death.
Steps to Take After Your Life Insurance Claim has been Denied in Oregon
Your first step is to understand the reasons behind your claim denial. Carefully review the denial letter from the insurance company. Understand their specific reasons for denying your claim. This will help you identify any misunderstandings or discrepancies that must be addressed.
Then, gather your documents. Collect all relevant documents related to the life insurance policy and the claim. This includes policy documents, medical records, correspondence with the insurer, and other paperwork supporting your claim.
Once you have done this, it is time to seek legal advice. Life insurance policies are complex legal documents, and claim denials often involve intricate legal and factual issues. Contact our experienced life insurance lawyer. We will analyze your case, assess the validity of the denial, and guide you on the best course of action.
The next step may be to file an appeal. If we determine that the denial is unjustified, we will assist you in filing an appeal with the insurance company. This involves presenting additional evidence, addressing any concerns the insurer raises, and making a compelling case for why your claim should be approved.
Finally, prepare for litigation by gathering all relevant documentation, including your policy, denial letters, medical records, and any communication with the insurance company. Consult with an experienced life insurance attorney at Kantor & Kantor who will represent your interests and pursue the benefits you are entitled to.
Why Choose Kantor & Kantor?
When you are dealing with the emotional weight of a life insurance issue, you need a partner who stands by your side. At Kantor & Kantor, we are not just your attorneys; we are people helping people, and we are here to guide you through one of the toughest times of your life.
Experience You Can Trust
With over two decades dedicated to insurance law, our deep understanding of the industry means we know how to handle even the most complex disputes. We have seen it all and use this knowledge to ensure that our clients get the justice they deserve.
Results-Driven
Our track record speaks for itself. We have successfully contested countless denied claims, recovering millions of dollars for our clients in deserved benefits. We are driven by justice, and we are motivated by success.
Proactive Advocacy
We do not just react to what the insurance company does. We take the initiative, employing proactive strategies to ensure your case is strong and your rights are protected. From gathering comprehensive evidence to engaging with medical experts, we work tirelessly to anticipate the insurer’s moves and counter them effectively.
A Law Firm That Truly Cares
We take the time to listen and understand your specific situation. Our approach is tailored to your unique needs and emotional journey. We are here to alleviate the burden making the process as clear and comforting as possible.
How Kantor & Kantor Will Help
When you reach out to us, the first thing we will do is listen. You will not be passed around or pushed aside you will speak directly with an attorney who genuinely cares about helping you find answers. Here is how we can help:
- Understand Your Situation: We start by reviewing your life insurance policy and the reasons provided for the denial. Our experienced team analyzes the details to develop a clear strategy tailored to your situation.
- Strategic Legal Guidance: With decades of experience in insurance law, our firm provides strategic guidance tailored to your unique circumstances. We explain your rights under the policy and state laws, ensuring you understand all available options moving forward.
- Advocate on Your Behalf: Insurance companies may use complex tactics to minimize payouts or deny claims outright. We have decades of experience negotiating with insurers, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
- Litigation Support: In cases where the insurer refuses to pay its fair share, our skilled litigators are prepared to take your case to court. We successfully litigate against insurance companies, fighting to secure the benefits you deserve.
Reach Out to Our Oregon Life Insurance Lawyers
Life insurance policies are meant to offer security. Unfortunately, the fine print, technicalities, and profit-driven decisions of insurance companies can turn that promise into a battle. We have seen insurers use loopholes and obscure policy language to avoid paying what they owe. But we also know the law, and we know how to hold them accountable.
When you contact our firm, you will not be shuffled through a call center or handed off to someone who barely knows your name and who barely cares about you and your situation. You will talk to a real person, someone who listens, who understands the legal landscape, and who truly cares about helping you find answers and a path forward.
Our team has successfully handled life insurance disputes, including cases involving employer-provided coverage, complex ERISA claims, and policies challenged due to alleged misrepresentations or exclusions.
We know how Oregon insurance companies operate, and we know how to hold them accountable.
Contact us at 818-886-2525 for a free consultation. We will review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.
Attorney Glenn R. Kantor
Glenn Kantor is a founding partner of Kantor & Kantor LLP. As a young attorney, Glenn saw the injustice of wrongful insurance denials and created a law firm to represent individuals seeking to obtain their rightful benefits. Glenn is committed to ensure that clients receive the benefits they are entitled to under their insurance policies or group health plans. [Attorney Bio]
