The grief of losing a loved one can be devastating, but when a life insurance claim is wrongfully denied, it adds another layer of hardship. A tragic example involved a 52-year-old man, Bill, who died in a fiery car crash. Despite the accident being officially ruled as unintentional, MetLife refused to pay his family’s $250,000 accidental death insurance (AD&D) claim, alleging that his death was the result of an "intentionally self-inflicted injury."
The Battle Over Bill’s Death: Wrongful Denial of Benefits
Bill’s wife, devastated not only by her husband's death but also by the wrongful allegations MetLife made, decided to turn to a life insurance attorney. She was certain that her husband, a cancer survivor, would never intentionally harm himself. According to the family, Bill had been preparing for the future, and the idea that he would take his own life seemed completely out of character.
MetLife’s refusal to honor the claim was not just about the money—it was about clearing her husband’s name. Life insurance companies often deny claims based on their own internal determinations, and in this case, MetLife claimed that the death was a suicide, despite the official ruling that it was an accident.
The Challenge of Fighting Life Insurance Denials
Many beneficiaries give up in the face of life insurance claim denials. The odds are often stacked against them when large insurance companies decide not to pay. One major factor contributing to this is ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act), a federal law that governs employer-sponsored insurance policies. ERISA protects insurance companies by preempting state laws and denying consumers the right to a jury trial or punitive damages if they challenge the insurer in court.
Under ERISA, insurance companies only need limited evidence to justify their decision not to pay out, making it even harder for claimants to fight back. As a result, many people walk away from their claims without the death benefits they are entitled to.
The High Rate of Disputed Life Insurance Claims
It’s important to know that 34% of life insurance claim decisions are disputed. According to the Insurance Information Institute, last year, life insurance companies paid out $68 billion in death benefits, but many claims are still wrongly denied or delayed. If your life insurance claim has been denied, it can be an emotional and frustrating experience for you and your family. However, you don’t have to face it alone.
How Our Life Insurance Lawyers Can Help
Dealing with a life insurance claim denial can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, but having a reputable life insurance attorney on your side can make all the difference. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to fighting against large insurance companies and ensuring that beneficiaries receive the benefits they deserve under the law.
We’ve helped thousands of families recover their death benefits, and we’ll fight for your right to receive the payout that was promised. Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the complicated process of disputing a denied life insurance claim and get the compensation you are entitled to.
Sources:
"Life insurance companies make determinations on their own due to ERISA, which protects insurance companies and preempts state laws." - ERISA and Life Insurance Claims
"34% of life insurance claim decisions are disputed, and $68 billion in death benefits were paid out by life insurers last year." - Insurance Information Institute