Losing a loved one is hard enough. The last thing you should have to deal with is an insurance company refusing to pay out on a life insurance policy.
Insurance companies do not play fair. They may deny a claim based on confusing policy language, a technicality, or even bad faith practices. Sometimes, they delay payments for months, leaving families in a financial bind.
Other times, they use vague exclusions to avoid paying a valid claim altogether. You deserve straight answers, and you deserve to be treated fairly. Whether your claim has already been denied or you are just starting the process and want to avoid potential roadblocks, we can help. We will review your policy, explain your rights, and take on the insurance company so you can focus on your family and your future.
If you have received a denial letter or are stuck in an endless loop of back-and-forth with your insurer, you do not have to face it alone. Our Tacoma life insurance lawyers have spent years fighting back against unfair claim denials and getting families the money they deserve.
Contact our Tacoma life insurance lawyers at 818-886-2525 for a free consultation. We are people helping people, and we are ready to fight for your life insurance claims.
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 Tacoma:
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
Insurance companies often resort to various tactics to avoid paying out life insurance claims. Here are ten common strategies they employ:
- 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: 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.
Steps to Take After 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.
The next step is 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 to which you are entitled.
Why Choose Kantor & Kantor to Represent You?
Choosing our Tacoma life insurance lawyers for your life insurance legal needs ensures that you are represented by a team with a distinct set of qualities and capabilities. Here are some reasons to choose us.
- Experience: Life insurance can feel like a maze of fine print and red tape. With our in-depth knowledge and experience, we guide you through every twist and turn, ensuring that you emerge with the benefits you deserve.
- Compassionate approach: Behind every case is a real person with a story. We take the time to understand your unique situation, listening with empathy and compassion. Your story becomes our mission, driving us to pursue justice and resolution.
- Proven track record: When it comes to life insurance, results matter. Our track record speaks for itself. We have had countless clients who have entrusted us to fight on their behalf, and we have emerged victorious. From denials overturned to beneficiaries rightfully compensated, we deliver tangible results that make a difference.
- Results-driven approach: We are not here to just go through the motions. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family. Whether it is securing a denied claim or resolving a beneficiary dispute, we are relentless in our pursuit of justice.
- Your partner every step of the way: Dealing with a life insurance claim can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. From the initial consultation to the final resolution, we will be by your side, providing support, guidance, and peace of mind.
How We Can Help with Your Case
When you come to us with a life insurance issue, our first step is to listen. We want to understand your situation thoroughly—what has happened, how the insurance company is handling your claim, and how this has affected you and your family.
We then examine the details of your policy and the reasons behind the insurance company’s actions. Whether your claim has been denied, delayed, or mishandled, our team knows the ins and outs of insurance law. We can often spot tactics insurers use to avoid payment and know how to counteract them effectively.
Once we have a plan in place, our lawyers will pursue justice for you. We will negotiate with insurance companies, challenge denials, and, if necessary, represent you in court. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and ensure your voice is heard.
Contact Our Tacoma Life Insurance Lawyers
We have seen too many families in Tacoma face unnecessary struggles because an insurance company decided to put profits over people. We understand the frustration, the stress, and the feeling of betrayal.
Our Tacoma life insurance lawyers stand up for individuals and families who have been wronged by insurance companies. We understand the tactics insurers use, and we know how to challenge them. Whether your claim has been delayed, denied, or caught up in unnecessary red tape, we have the knowledge and resources to push back and get results.
We understand that behind every claim is a family, a loved one’s memory, and a financial future that depends on a fair outcome. We take the time to listen, understand your unique circumstances, and develop a legal strategy that gets you the life insurance claim you are entitled to.
If you are struggling with a denied or delayed life insurance claim in Tacoma, contact our life insurance lawyers in Tacoma 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]
