New York Life Insurance Claim Successfully Resolved After Denial
Our top life insurance law firm is pleased to announce the successful resolution of a denied life insurance claim involving New York Life Insurance Company. This victory adds to a long list of recent successful outcomes against major insurers, including Globe Life, Lincoln Heritage Life, Lumico Life, Boston Mutual Life, Banner Life, Jackson Life, Ameritas Life, Metropolitan Life, Hartford Life, and USAA Life. When insurers wrongfully deny claims, we step in—and we win.
Why Life Insurance Claims Get Denied
Life insurance companies are in the business of risk—but they are also in the business of minimizing payouts. As a result, claim denials are not uncommon. These denials typically fall into one or more of the following categories:
1. Policy Exclusions
Most life insurance policies include specific exclusions that detail when a claim will not be paid. Common exclusions include death resulting from suicide within the first two years of the policy, illegal activity, intoxication, or participation in high-risk hobbies like skydiving or scuba diving. In some cases, the exclusion language may be overly broad or poorly written—something we regularly challenge in court.
2. Misrepresentation or Fraud
If the insurer believes the policyholder provided false information on the application—such as concealing a pre-existing medical condition, failing to disclose tobacco or drug use, or lying about employment status—they may deny the claim for material misrepresentation. Insurers often seize on any inconsistency to justify a denial, especially if the death occurred within the contestability period.
3. Non-Disclosure of Relevant Information
Even if the applicant didn’t lie outright, failing to disclose known but important facts can result in a denied claim. For example, if someone omitted a known diagnosis of diabetes or a history of heart disease, and later died from a complication related to those conditions, the insurer might argue that the omission impacted their underwriting decision—and thus use it to void the policy.
4. Contestability Period Denials
Most life insurance policies include a two-year contestability clause. During this period, the insurer has the right to investigate and deny claims based on any material error or omission in the application. Many claim denials occur during this window—not because the death was excluded, but because the insurer uses the death as a trigger to retroactively scrutinize the application and find reasons to avoid payment.
How We Fight Denied Life Insurance Claims
Our attorneys analyze every aspect of the claim—from the original application and medical records to the policy language and correspondence with the insurer. We challenge vague or unfair policy exclusions, prove the insured acted in good faith, and uncover insurer misconduct. Whether the issue involves an alleged misrepresentation, a dispute over the cause of death, or a lapse in coverage, we fight back using strong legal arguments, expert testimony, and a thorough understanding of state and federal insurance laws.
We Handle More Than Just Denials
In addition to denied claims, our firm handles:
Beneficiary disputes: Whether it involves outdated designations, conflicting claims between ex-spouses and current partners, or allegations of undue influence, we resolve these disputes in and out of court.
Interpleader lawsuits: When insurers deposit life insurance proceeds into the court due to multiple claimants, we represent beneficiaries in asserting and defending their rights.
Delayed claims: If the insurer is stalling payment or requesting excessive documentation, we intervene and demand timely resolution.
You Don’t Pay Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis. That means there are no upfront fees, no hourly charges, and no financial risk to you. If we don’t recover money, you don’t owe us anything. Our team has successfully secured millions of dollars in wrongfully denied or delayed life insurance benefits for clients nationwide.
FAQ: Denied Life Insurance Claims
Why was my life insurance claim denied?
Common reasons include policy exclusions (such as suicide or illegal activity), misrepresentation on the application, non-disclosure of health conditions, or issues discovered during the contestability period.
What is the contestability period?
The contestability period is typically the first two years after a policy is issued. During this time, insurers can investigate and deny claims based on errors or omissions in the application—even if they are unrelated to the cause of death.
Can an honest mistake on the application result in a denial?
Yes. Even innocent mistakes can be grounds for denial if the insurer argues that the information would have changed their underwriting decision. We regularly dispute these denials on legal and factual grounds.
Can exclusions be challenged?
Yes. Some exclusions are vague, ambiguous, or unlawfully applied. Courts often rule against insurers that fail to clearly explain exclusions or apply them too broadly.
What if the policyholder died during a high-risk activity?
It depends on the policy language. Some policies exclude specific activities; others don’t. We review the policy in detail to determine whether the exclusion is valid.
Do I need a lawyer to appeal a denied claim?
Absolutely. Insurers have teams of lawyers reviewing claims. Without legal help, your appeal may be incomplete or ineffective. Our firm builds strong appeals and takes cases to court when necessary.
How long does it take to resolve a denied claim?
Timelines vary. Some cases are resolved in weeks; others take several months. We push for fast results but are prepared for litigation if the insurer refuses to settle.
Can I recover legal fees from the insurer?
In some cases—particularly those involving bad faith—you may be entitled to damages beyond the policy amount, including legal fees and interest.
What if my claim is denied due to a lapse in coverage?
We investigate whether the lapse was caused by the insurer’s error, missed notices, or misinformation. In many cases, we can challenge the lapse and reinstate the policy posthumously.
What states do you handle life insurance cases in?
We handle life insurance claim denials, disputes, and interpleader lawsuits in all 50 states.