Life Insurer Denies Accidental Death Claim Over Barbecue Fire? It Happens More Often Than You’d Think
At our law firm, we’ve spent years challenging the wrongful denial of life insurance and accidental death (AD&D) claims. While the tactics insurance companies use rarely surprise us anymore, there are some cases that are so brazen in their denial reasoning, they remind us just how far insurers will go to protect profits. In these cases, the denial is not only financially harmful—it feels like a personal attack on a grieving family. That was exactly the case for Candace, whose husband Jeremy died in a tragic backyard accident while doing something millions of people do each summer: lighting a grill.
Why Insurance Companies Target AD&D Riders
Insurance companies don’t hate life insurance policies—they depend on them to collect premiums. But when it comes to Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) riders, they do everything possible to avoid payout. AD&D claims often require the insurer to pay two to four times the value of the base policy. The payout is substantial, and the financial incentive to deny is high. It’s no coincidence that AD&D claims are the most commonly contested by insurance providers.
In cases like Jeremy’s, insurers will even go so far as to redefine an obvious accident as an intentional act—just to avoid triggering the AD&D rider.
It Was Supposed to Be a Simple Cookout
Jeremy was a 56-year-old research scientist, husband, and father of three grown children. He had a life insurance policy through his university employer that included an AD&D rider. The base policy was valued at $500,000. The AD&D rider promised an additional $1.5 million if Jeremy died in an accident. He named his wife Candace as the sole beneficiary. One summer weekend, Jeremy and Candace invited their children and friends over for a backyard barbecue. Expecting a large crowd, Jeremy set up three grills and prepped everything to ensure the event ran smoothly. But when he tried to light the charcoal, he realized he had purchased briquettes that lacked pre-applied lighter fluid. After spending nearly 30 minutes trying to light one of the grills using newspaper, he remembered there might be an old can of lighter fluid in the shed.
Jeremy retrieved the can, eager to get all three grills started. While walking toward the grills, he began spraying the fluid toward the coals—even though one of the barbecues was already lit. A gust of wind caused the spray to ignite, resulting in a fireball that traveled up the stream of fluid and engulfed Jeremy in flames. He suffered devastating burns and passed away three days later.
Insurer Claims It Wasn’t an Accident
Candace submitted a life insurance claim that included a request for the full AD&D benefit. The base benefit was paid without dispute. But a few weeks later, she received a letter stating that the AD&D claim was denied. The insurance company’s reasoning? Jeremy had ignored warning labels on the lighter fluid, and because he sprayed it near an active flame, he must have intended to harm himself. Therefore, his death did not qualify as an “accident” under the policy.
The insurer relied on an intentional act exclusion in the AD&D rider—a clause that relieves them from paying if the policyholder dies by suicide or self-inflicted injury. Candace was stunned. She had never known anyone more full of life than Jeremy. The idea that he had intentionally set himself on fire in front of friends and family was not only absurd—it was insulting.
How Legal Action Made the Difference
A friend encouraged Candace to speak to an attorney who specializes in wrongful life insurance and AD&D denials. That decision changed everything. The attorney conducted a full review of the case, including:
The official fire and police reports
Statements from friends and family present at the cookout
Medical records and Jeremy’s psychological history
Photographs and diagrams of the backyard setup
None of the evidence supported the idea that Jeremy acted intentionally. In fact, the eyewitness accounts showed Jeremy was rushing, distracted, and trying to keep the party moving—not reading warning labels or planning self-harm. He had no history of depression, and his doctor confirmed he showed no signs of psychological distress. The attorney compiled a comprehensive appeal that included:
A detailed legal brief explaining why the incident met the policy’s definition of “accidental death”
Sworn statements from witnesses describing what they saw
Documentation from Jeremy’s healthcare providers showing no evidence of suicidal ideation
Proof of future plans Jeremy had made, including a family vacation
The Insurance Company Backed Down
The appeal was submitted to the insurance company’s internal review board. A hearing was scheduled, and the evidence was presented. The insurer’s claims adjusters had nothing substantive to counter the overwhelming proof of an accident. Within weeks, the denial was reversed, and Candace received the full $1.5 million AD&D payout. While the financial result was a relief, Candace’s sense of injustice over the initial denial remained. What upset her most was knowing how easily she could have accepted the denial and walked away—leaving behind a benefit Jeremy had paid for and intended to protect her.
Why You Should Never Accept a Claim Denial at Face Value
We know the truth about life insurance companies: they deny claims not because they always believe it’s the right decision—but because they hope you’ll give up.
When reviewing AD&D claim denials, insurers frequently:
Misinterpret accidental deaths as intentional acts
Ignore eyewitness and police reports
Apply exclusions beyond their scope
Rely on ambiguity to push claims into gray areas
If you receive a denial letter—especially one citing an “intentional act” or “policy exclusion” that doesn’t match the facts—you need to challenge it.
Take Action With Legal Support
An attorney familiar with life insurance disputes can evaluate the claim, gather evidence, draft appeals, and if necessary, sue the insurance company for breach of contract or bad faith denial. The cost to you is nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover money for you.
Call Us Today for a Free Consultation
If your AD&D or life insurance claim has been denied, don’t assume the insurance company is right. Let us review the decision and give you a clear understanding of your legal options. You don’t have to navigate this process alone.