Has your insurance company refused to pay death benefits on a life insurance claim? Did the insurer cancel a life insurance policy unfairly? Did they try to “low ball” the settlement amount?
We can help.
Disputes or denials regarding a life insurance policy can be a devastating event. We purchase life insurance to protect and provide for our families by taking care of the ones left behind. A denied life insurance claim is the last thing loved ones expect as they are dealing with a tragic loss.
But insurance is big business, and unfortunately some life insurance companies will resort to dishonest tactics to avoid payouts and protect their profits. When the insurer unfairly denies a claim, those left behind cannot meet expenses — precisely what their loved one had hoped to prevent. This can devastate a family causing extreme financial and emotional hardship.
The life insurance lawyers at Marc Whitehead & Associates have the experience and resources you need to successfully deal with insurance companies that do not treat you fairly. Our job is to protect your rights and help you get the benefits you need to move forward with your life.
If your claim has been denied, a life insurance lawyer at Marc Whitehead & Associates can help you take swift legal action.
The insurance companies have a staff of actuaries and accountants whose job it is to calculate risks when they issue a life insurance policy. Their advantage is secure from the start; however, when an insurance company denies a life insurance claim, their profit is substantial. They are counting on the fact that you will not legally dispute the insurance denial.
Call or text (800) 562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Individual Insurance Policies
There is a huge difference between state and federal law regarding individual and group life insurance policies. Failure to understand and comply with the complex laws can shatter any chance of overturning a denial on appeal.
Individual life insurance policies that are purchased by the decedent are likely governed by state contract and bad faith laws.
The law firm of Marc Whitehead & Associates is experienced in dealing with insurance companies, and our attorneys are strong allies both in and out of the courtroom in the fight to appeal bad faith denial of life insurance benefits.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 562-9830
Group Life Insurance Policies
Group life insurance policies that are part of employee benefit plans are likely governed by federal ERISA law. These laws bring added layers of complexities to a life insurance claim denial. The assistance of an experienced ERISA lawyer can mean the difference between winning and losing a case.
Denial for Material Misrepresentation
The No. 1 reason life insurance companies deny claims is for material misrepresentation. This implies the policyholder has lied about or hidden information that is key to the proper issuance of coverage. Our life insurance denial attorneys know how to fight these accusations, as most misrepresentations are unfounded allegations or accidental omissions.
Period of Contestability
All life insurance policies have a period of contestability, usually a span of two years. If an insured dies during this period, the insurer can investigate the application for fraud, misrepresentation or other issues to deny a claim.
However, this provision is not always handled fairly. If your life insurance claim was denied during this period, we may be able to help.
Suicide Exclusion in Life Insurance Denials
Very often it is not clear if the death of a family member was an accidental death or a suicide. However, the burden of proof is on the insurer to prove that an insured took his or her own life.
A knowledgeable life insurance lawyer will appeal a denial that is wrongly based on the grounds of suicide.
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Claim
Unfortunately, accidental death claims are frequently declined by the insurance company. What many people endorse as an accident may not be considered an accident by the insurer. An experienced lawyer brings many strategies to the table to prove our client’s case and overturn unfair denials of AD&D claims.
Lapse of Coverage Denials
What happens if you did not pay your life insurance premium? Is the policy still in effect? As with any insurance, failing to pay premiums can result in a lapse of coverage. This means that beneficiaries will not be eligible for death benefits, and the policy is forfeited.
However, missing one or two payments should not be cause for a denied policy.
Life Insurance Policy Attorney — Get Help with Claim Denials
Insurance companies make money by collecting premiums, not paying claims. The fact is, those who improperly deny claims are counting on the fact that you will not legally dispute the denial. Plus, insurers who issue group insurance policies hide behind ERISA laws which favor insurers, and not the insured. It seems like the deck is stacked against you.
You need a winning team in your corner. Our experienced life insurance lawyer team knows when a claim has been wrongfully denied and how to reverse such a denial. Our goal is to make sure you receive the money that your deceased loved one intended for you to have.
Insurance companies do not yield easily. Once they dig their heels in to contest a claim, they do so with their own resourceful attorneys and unlimited funds. Taking on this kind of mindset and collective power requires a law firm with even more experience, grit and determination.
A legal dispute over life insurance benefits is a contractual issue. To win, you need an attorney who is well-versed in insurance law, insurance policies, and insurance applications. We are respected negotiators and litigators on your side against the major life insurance companies. Often insurers are willing to settle out of court, yet we are prepared to take your case to trial as needed.
We represent clients throughout the United States in their fight to dispute insurance denial. If your life insurance company is treating you unfairly, denial of benefits lawyer Marc Whitehead can help.
What Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer?
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, our attorneys work on a contingency fee arrangement on every life insurance case we pursue. This means you do not pay attorney fees unless we recover money on your behalf. In this way, no matter how limited one’s budget might be, we can help. Costs are fully discussed at the outset of each case.
Reasons for life insurance claim denial are diverse. Some are legitimate, but many are not. The most important thing you can do is have your case reviewed by a life insurance policy attorney. The initial consultation is free.
Call us without delay from any location in the U.S. at 800-562-9830.