When you face the unexpected loss of a loved one, the last thing you need is a dispute with an insurance company over a claim. Unfortunately, life insurance companies often deny, delay, or underpay legitimate claims, leaving families in a difficult position. Our life insurance attorneys in Fresno are here to provide you with the expert legal support you need to fight for the benefits you deserve.
Our firm focuses on insurance law, and we have a proven track record of successfully handling complex life insurance disputes. We provide personalized and compassionate support, ensuring you are informed throughout the legal process.
If you are dealing with a life insurance claim issue in Fresno, contact our Fresno life insurance lawyers at 818-886-2525 for a free consultation. Let our experienced team of life insurance lawyers advocate for your rights and help you secure the benefits you deserve. We are people helping people – and we are here for you.
We offer a free case evaluation to discuss how our lawyers can assist you. Contact us now 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 Fresno:
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.
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.
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 you’re entitled to.
Our experienced Fresno life insurance attorneys have the knowledge and resources to hold insurers accountable for their actions and pursue the full and fair compensation our clients deserve.
Why Choose Us?
Choosing our Fresno 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 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’re not here to just go through the motions. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family. Whether it’s securing a denied claim or resolving a beneficiary dispute, we’re relentless in our pursuit of justice.
- Your partner every step of the way: Dealing with a life insurance claim can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. From the initial consultation to the final resolution, we’ll be by your side, providing support, guidance, and peace of mind.
How We Can Help With Your Life Insurance Case
Our Fresno life insurance lawyers are here to provide the support and guidance you need. Here’s how we can assist you with your life insurance case:
- 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.
What if My Life Insurance Claim Is Denied Due to a Beneficiary Dispute?
A beneficiary dispute arises when there is disagreement or uncertainty regarding who is entitled to receive the proceeds of a life insurance policy. Common reasons for beneficiary disputes include:
- Ambiguous or outdated beneficiary designations
- Allegations of fraud or undue influence in the designation of beneficiaries
- Changes in family circumstances, such as divorce or remarriage, that affect beneficiary rights
- Disputes between multiple potential beneficiaries, such as ex-spouses, children from different marriages, or distant relatives.
When disagreements arise among beneficiaries over life insurance claims, insurers may resort to legal actions known as ‘interpleader actions.’ The insurer initiates these proceedings to address conflicts regarding the rightful beneficiary designation. The primary goal is to resolve disputes and guarantee fair distribution of life insurance benefits. Typically, this involves legal proceedings where the funds might be placed in escrow until a court ruling is made.
Contact Our Life Insurance Attorney in Fresno
Whether you are facing a denied claim, beneficiary dispute, or any other life insurance-related issue, we are ready to provide you with the legal representation you deserve. We are people helping people, and we are just a phone call away.
Contact our Fresno life insurance lawyer at 818-886-2525 to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in securing the benefits you are entitled to.
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]
