Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things you can ever go through. In those moments, dealing with a life insurance claim should be the last thing on your mind. But when an insurance company makes the process difficult, it can feel like an additional burden you are not prepared to carry. The frustration and stress of fighting for what is rightfully yours can be overwhelming, especially when all you want is to find some peace.
We understand how frustrating it can be when insurance companies delay or deny claims unjustly. These companies often count on the complex nature of their policies to discourage you from pursuing what you rightfully deserve. Our mission is to cut through that complexity, confront these challenges head-on, and help you secure the benefits that will help you and your family move forward.
At Kantor & Kantor, we understand the emotional toll this can take. We are not just lawyers—we are people helping people, and we know how it feels to face these challenges during such a vulnerable time.
Contact our San Francisco life insurance lawyers at 818-886-2525 for a free consultation.
Common Reasons Life Insurance Claims Are Denied
When grieving a loved one, the last thing you want to deal with is a denied life insurance claim. Unfortunately, this happens more often than many people realize. Here are common reasons why life insurance claims get denied in Sacramento:
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.
Furthermore, in many states, insurance companies are not permitted to scrutinize the application in any way in order to prevent insurance companies from “sandbagging.”
Allegation of Policy Lapse or Non-Payment of Premiums
Another common reason for denial is the improper 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. Insurance companies may argue that the policy was not in force at the time of death, thus invalidating the claim. If insurance companies do not comply with these notice periods, they are obligated to reinstate that policy.
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
Insurance companies often resort to various tactics to avoid paying out life insurance claims. Here are ten common strategies they employ:
- 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: They might 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.
What to Do if Your Life Insurance Claim Has Been Denied
Discovering that your life insurance claim has been denied can be devastating. It is important not to lose hope.
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.
In many cases, you may want 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, if your appeal is denied, consult an experienced life insurance attorney. The experienced life insurance attorneys at Kantor & Kantor will represent your interests and pursue the benefits you are entitled to.
Why Choose Kantor & Kantor?
Choosing the right attorney to handle your life insurance claim is a decision that can make all the difference during one of the most challenging times in your life. At Kantor & Kantor, we understand that you are not just looking for legal expertise—you are looking for someone who truly cares about your situation and will stand by your side every step of the way. Here are some reasons to choose us:
Expertise and Experience
Our attorneys specialize in life insurance claims and are familiar with the tactics insurance companies use to deny claims. With years of experience under our belts, we know how to navigate these challenges and are well-equipped to advocate for your rights.
Proven Track Record
We have a history of success in handling life insurance claims and disputes. More importantly, we have a history of winning cases at trial. Our track record reflects our dedication and the trust our clients place in us. We are proud to have helped many individuals and families in San Francisco secure the benefits they are entitled to.
Genuine Empathy
We understand that behind every case file is a person or family dealing with loss and uncertainty. We also understand that the money in dispute is often critical to your family’s well-being. Our team approaches each case with compassion and understanding. We listen to your story, understand your needs, and treat you with respect and empathy.
A Team That Fights for You
When you choose Kantor & Kantor, you are not just getting a lawyer; you are gaining a team that is invested in your well-being. We fight aggressively against insurance companies, always advocating for your best interests. Our goal is to ensure that every client receives the best possible results that any lawyer could provide.
How We Can Help with Your Life Insurance Case
We approach every case with compassion and a deep sense of responsibility. We know that this is not just about money; it is about what was promised to you and your family, and your family’s financial future. Here is how we can help:
- We Listen to Your Story: We take the time to hear your story, understand your concerns, and get to the heart of what is really going on with your claim. Your story matters to us because it is the foundation of everything we do.
- We Investigate: We dive deep into your policy and the reasons for the denial, uncovering any unfair practices or misinterpretations. We do not just accept the insurance company’s word; we challenge it.
- We Handle Everything: Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult, especially when they start throwing around technical terms and complex paperwork. We handle all the legal aspects, so you do not have to worry about a thing. Our team will communicate with the insurance company and gather all the necessary evidence on your behalf to build a strong case.
- We Fight: If the insurance company refuses to pay, we do not back down. We are prepared to litigate on your behalf and win. We are committed to ensuring you get the benefits your loved one intended for you.
Talk to Our San Francisco Life Insurance Attorney Today
When an insurance company delays or denies your claim, it can feel like an added layer of injustice on top of an already painful situation. We are here to lift that burden from your shoulders.
We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, especially during such a difficult time. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the benefits your loved one intended for you, and we will not back down in the face of insurance company tactics.
At Kantor & Kantor, we are people helping people and we truly look forward to helping you. We are not just lawyers; we are advocates who genuinely care about the well-being of our clients. We will stand by your side every step of the way, providing the support and guidance you need to get through this challenging period. If you are facing a delayed or denied life insurance claim, contact us. We are here to help you find a path forward and ensure that your loved one’s legacy is honored.
Contact our San Francisco life insurance lawyers at 818-886-2525 for a free consultation.
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]
