Losing a loved one is never easy, and dealing with the financial aftermath can add even more stress during an already painful and chaotic time. If your loved one had a life insurance policy, you may be counting on those benefits to assist with funeral expenses, final medical bills, or even your daily needs. So when your claim is denied by the insurance company, it is understandably terrifying.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often deny valid life insurance claims, leaving families frustrated and fearful about the future. But you don’t have to face this alone.
At Monahan Tucker Law, our Seattle life insurance claims lawyer has a proven track record of challenging insurance companies to help our clients get the benefits they deserve. If your claim has been denied, we’re here to help you navigate the appeal process and fight for your rights.
Many employers offer benefits packages that include life insurance coverage. The majority of these plans are regulated by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). This law is designed to protect employees’ rights relative to their benefits package; however in reality, it does not always function this way. ERISA law is complex, and cases involving these regulations are best handled by a knowledgeable Seattle life insurance claims lawyer.
Plans purchased outside of employment, such as plans purchased through a bank or trade organization, are not subject to ERISA regulations. These plans are subject to state laws, and working with an attorney who understands the laws and policies in your jurisdiction can be essential.
Valid life insurance claims can be denied for many reasons. If you’re the beneficiary of a life insurance policy and have a claim dispute, consulting with an experienced Seattle life insurance claims lawyer is an important first step.
Here are some of the most common causes insurance companies sight when denying a claim:
Material Misrepresentation: Sometimes, a simple mistake in filling out a form can derail your claim. Insurance companies may deny a claim due to “false” or incomplete information on the application. Even minor errors, like a reporting mistake on your age, can result in a denial. We can help determine if there is a way to push back against denials for material misrepresentations on an insurance application.
Exclusions Related to Suicide, Substances, or Intentional Acts: If your claim is denied based on exclusions related to suicide, substance use, or intentional acts, we can investigate the circumstances and challenge the denial. Insurance companies often use these exclusions to avoid paying claims that should be covered, or impute exceptions into policies that don’t even include that language.
Lapse in Payment: A missed payment shouldn’t automatically result in a denied claim. If the policyholder is unable to make payments due to circumstances beyond their control, we can advocate for you and hold the insurance company accountable to honor the contract.
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Policies: Insurance companies have been known to blur the lines between accidents and illnesses when it comes to life insurance claims. If your claim has been denied based on an accidental death and dismemberment policy, we can investigate the details and challenge the denial. Insurers often try to avoid payment by blaming underlying illnesses or suggesting alternative causes for accidents.
No matter the reason behind the denial, we are here to guide you through the appeal process and negotiate for a favorable outcome.
At Monahan Tucker Law, our committed Seattle life insurance claims lawyers will focus the full force of their impressive legal insight and experience in pursuit of resolving your claim in a manner that upholds your rights as a beneficiary. We are on your side and here to help, so please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us for more information about what we can do for you today.
Our attorneys have decades of experience with insurance litigation and an unparalleled track record of success.
Your trust is important to us. From our first consultation through litigation, we will be transparent with you, and we will hear you every step of the way.
We are one of the rare firms that can provide first-hand knowledge of how your insurer thinks and reacts, and has consistently prevailed in some of the most complex and high value insurance disputes seen in ERISA and non-ERISA litigation.
Our attorneys trained at some of the most aggressive large law firms in the world. Though we believe there are usually better ways to litigate and resolve disputes, our opposition does not always agree. When necessary, we are masters of unrelenting, tenacious litigation. When you hire us, you turn the insurer’s previous weapon against it.
We do this work because we want to be here, for you. We understand what you have been through, and that everyone has times where they need support. One of the strongest steps for yourself and your family is to ask us for help. Together, we’ve got this.
Helping clients in California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Arizona.