Can a Life Insurance Claim Be Denied for Death by Autoerotic Asphyxiation?
Yes. Insurance companies often deny life insurance or accidental death claims when the cause of death is autoerotic asphyxiation (AEA). They typically classify such deaths as self-inflicted harm or suicide, even though AEA is widely recognized as a high-risk, unintended-fatality sexual behavior. Successfully challenging these denials requires legal experience, expert evidence, and persistence.
$600,000 AEA Claim Denied by Securian Life—And Upheld in Federal Court
In April of this year, a federal judge ruled in favor of Securian Life Insurance Co., denying a $600,000 accidental death benefit to the widow of a Boston man who died during an act of autoerotic asphyxiation. The court accepted the insurer’s argument that the death was not truly accidental under the terms of the policy.
This case is just one example of how insurance companies exploit the legal and emotional complexity surrounding AEA-related deaths. Despite lacking clear national legal consensus, insurers consistently push the narrative that AEA is a form of intentional self-harm—effectively bypassing the spirit of accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
What Is Autoerotic Asphyxiation (AEA)?
Autoerotic asphyxiation is a sexual practice involving the intentional restriction of oxygen to the brain to intensify pleasure. It may involve:
Self-strangulation
Chest compression
Plastic face coverings or ligatures
Inhalation of gas, vapors, or solvents
Whether practiced alone or with a partner, the goal is a temporary euphoric state achieved through hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) and hypercapnia (elevated carbon dioxide levels). Although not intended to be fatal, AEA is extremely risky. Accidents, equipment failures, or miscalculations in timing can easily result in death. Global estimates suggest one to two fatalities per million per year—but even those numbers may be underreported due to the social stigma.
Why Insurance Companies Deny AEA-Related Death Claims
Insurers often argue that death from AEA is either:
An act of suicide
A form of intentional self-harm
Not an “accidental” cause of death as defined in the policy
These assertions allow them to reject payouts under AD&D clauses, which typically exclude suicide or self-inflicted injuries. But this interpretation is far from settled law. In fact, several courts have ruled that deaths from AEA are unintended, and therefore meet the definition of “accidental” under certain policies.
Unfortunately, these outcomes often depend on the policy’s exact wording, the medical examiner’s report, and how the death is initially classified by law enforcement. In most AEA deaths, the cause of death is misidentified as suicide—especially when the evidence at the scene includes ligatures, sexual paraphernalia, or pornography. This misclassification becomes the foundation for the insurer’s denial.
How Legal Strategy Makes a Difference
To succeed in a claim or legal appeal involving AEA, your attorney must reframe the case around key facts:
AEA is a longstanding pattern of behavior, not a one-time act of despair
The deceased did not intend to die
The death resulted from equipment failure or loss of consciousness, not purposeful self-destruction
Suicide was not supported by the individual’s mental health history or behavior
Independent expert witnesses—including forensic pathologists, psychiatrists, and AEA researchers—can play a vital role in proving that the death was unintentional.
Lack of Consistent Legal Precedent
There is no uniform rule across the U.S. that AEA qualifies as an accidental death under insurance law. Some federal courts have taken a more nuanced view and recognized the distinction between self-harm and unintended death due to risky sexual behavior. However, as seen in the recent Securian case, others still defer to insurers’ narrow interpretations of policy language.
Many AD&D policies fail to define key terms like “accident,” leaving room for the insurer to assert that AEA does not qualify. Others use vague exclusions related to “intentionally self-inflicted injury,” which are often weaponized against beneficiaries. Without a strong legal counterargument, claimants may be left without recourse.
Insurance Companies Rely on Shame and Silence
One of the most underhanded denial strategies in AEA cases is emotional manipulation. Insurers know that family members may feel embarrassed or humiliated by the nature of the death. The fear of a public trial, court records, or media coverage often discourages survivors from challenging the denial—no matter how wrongful it may be.
But letting shame dictate your next steps only benefits the insurer. With the right legal team, most AEA cases can be handled discreetly and professionally, with a focus on facts and justice—not moral judgment.
What to Do If a Life Insurance Claim Was Denied After an AEA Death
If your loved one died under circumstances involving AEA and your claim has been denied, here’s what you should do immediately:
Request all policy documents, including any accidental death riders or exclusions
Get a copy of the death certificate, autopsy, and toxicology reports
Seek legal counsel with experience in denied life insurance and AEA-related cases
Avoid discussing the case directly with the insurer’s legal team without representation
You need a lawyer who understands not just the legal complexities of AD&D policies, but also the unique sensitivities involved in cases of this nature.
We Handle AEA Denials with Experience and Compassion
Our firm represents families nationwide whose accidental death claims were denied due to autoerotic asphyxiation. We understand the challenges these cases bring—from overcoming policy language to confronting shame and stigma. Most importantly, we know how to build the strongest case possible to prove your loved one did not intend to die—and that your family deserves the benefits they planned for.
We’ve handled denied claims involving companies like Securian, Lincoln Financial, Prudential, Mutual of Omaha, and others. Our attorneys can guide you through every step of the appeals process or litigation if necessary.
Don’t Let an Insurance Company Rewrite the Truth
If your life insurance or accidental death claim was denied due to AEA, you are not alone—and you are not powerless. Contact our team today for a confidential, judgment-free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and fight to secure the benefits your loved one earned.