Life insurance is meant to be there when you need it the most. Losing a loved one is tragic, but it can be even worse when the life insurance company tries to deny your claim. Like any insurer, some are out to deny claims simply to save money. Many families learn these tactics the hard way, but there is something you can do about it.
At the Saxton Law Firm, we help Missouri residents fight back against insurance company tactics and claim denials. We help you understand how to sue a life insurance company when you need to, and strategies to resolve conflicts in many other ways. Schedule your consultation to learn more about how we can help.
When You May Need to Sue a Life Insurance Company
Before we discuss how to sue a life insurance company, it is important to understand when this might happen. One of the most common reasons is that your life insurance claim was denied. After losing a loved one, you might be surprised that the insurer tries to get out of paying, and they may attempt to justify their decision with one of several common reasons.
Common reasons life insurance companies deny claims include, but are not limited to:
- Missed Payments: A missed payment can be the reason your insurer tries to deny the claim. However, there are often several fixes to this issue if you only missed a few recent payments.
- Homicide or Suicide: If a loved one was killed or died by suicide within two years of purchasing the policy, the insurer will likely attempt to deny coverage. The same could be true if one of the beneficiaries is somehow responsible for the insured’s passing. However, alternative beneficiaries are likely entitled to the policy proceeds.
- Term Life Insurance Expiration: A term life insurance policy ends on a specific date. If the policy was never renewed, the insurer may attempt to deny coverage.
- Lack of Medical Information: A life insurance company may argue that you failed to provide critical medical or end-of-life information necessary to complete the claim.
You and your attorney can work together to solve many of these potential issues and seek the full measure of compensation your family deserves.
Filing a Lawsuit After a Life Insurance Claim Denial
Few things are as stressful and frustrating as dealing with a life insurance claim denial. You are already dealing with the grief of losing a loved one, you do not need all of this on top of it. However, a Kansas City life insurance lawsuit attorney can help you file a lawsuit or utilize an alternative resolution strategy to help.
Investigating and Fixing Prior to a Lawsuit
Many cases may be resolved without the need to file a formal lawsuit, especially if you have an attorney’s assistance. Your lawyer can inquire about the reason for the denial and negotiate with the insurance company for a resolution. This may be enough to fix the problem.
Filing a Claim Denial Appeal
Most life insurance companies have an internal process to handle claim appeals. These are complicated legal processes best handled by a qualified insurance attorney. A successful appeal may reverse the initial decision and get you the proceeds you are owed.
Filing a Life Insurance Lawsuit
A life insurance denial lawsuit may be necessary to enforce your legal rights. Litigation is a highly complicated process that should always be handled by an experienced attorney. In it, you take the insurance company to court to prove they should have to pay a valid claim.
READ MORE: How Do You Win a Life Insurance Appeal?
At Saxton Law Firm, our life insurance litigation attorneys know how to handle your case. We implement customized strategies to seek the compensation you deserve. Contact Saxton Law Firm for a FREE case review!