$80,000 Kansas City Life Insurance Claim Denial Resolved
We’re pleased to announce the successful recovery of an $80,000 denied Kansas City Life insurance claim. When families file life insurance claims, they expect financial support during a difficult time—not a denial letter. Unfortunately, some policies contain occupational risk exclusions, which insurers use to deny claims based on the insured’s line of work. At LifeInsuranceAttorney.com, we fight denied life insurance claims and have a proven track record of reversing decisions across all major carriers, including Kansas City Life, Globe, Unum, Corebridge, AARP, Liberty Mutual, and ETHOS.
High-Risk Professions and Life Insurance Denials
Life insurance underwriters assess risk based on numerous factors, and occupational risk is one of the most heavily weighted. Professions that involve dangerous conditions, exposure to hazards, or high fatality rates often lead to exclusions, increased premiums, or outright denials. Many policyholders are unaware that their job could affect claim approval—until it’s too late.
Commercial Fishing: One of the Deadliest Jobs
Fishing is routinely cited as one of the most dangerous professions worldwide. Fishermen face harsh weather, turbulent waters, and heavy equipment, all of which increase the likelihood of fatal accidents. Drowning, vessel capsizing, and machinery-related injuries are common causes of death in this field. Some insurers deny claims outright when death occurs on the job, citing exclusions for occupational hazards. Others approve policies but add riders excluding coverage for work-related incidents. Families who lose loved ones in this industry often face an uphill battle unless they retain legal representation.
Logging and Forestry Work: High Injury and Fatality Rates
Loggers operate chainsaws, fell massive trees, and navigate treacherous terrain—often far from immediate medical assistance. The risk of being crushed by falling timber or injured by malfunctioning equipment is extremely high. Insurance providers frequently treat logging as an excludable high-risk occupation and may deny claims involving on-the-job deaths. When a claim is denied, our legal team investigates whether the exclusion was properly disclosed, clearly written, and applied in good faith.
Mining: Exposure to Deadly Conditions
Underground and open-pit mining is riddled with life-threatening risks such as cave-ins, explosions, toxic gas exposure, and long-term respiratory conditions. Coal miners are particularly vulnerable to chronic illnesses like black lung disease, which can reduce life expectancy. Many insurers impose policy restrictions or exclusions related to deaths from mining activity. In some cases, even if the death is indirectly related—such as a respiratory event occurring off the job—the claim may still be challenged. We fight these cases by analyzing whether the cause of death genuinely falls under the exclusion.
Aviation and Pilots: When Flight Risks Trigger Denial
While commercial airline pilots often benefit from union-based group life coverage, private pilots, bush pilots, and military aviators face more scrutiny. Flying in small aircraft, helicopters, or combat zones dramatically increases the risk of fatal accidents. Helicopter pilots working in emergency medical services, law enforcement, or offshore operations are also commonly subject to exclusions. We’ve handled cases where a pilot’s family was denied benefits due to vague policy language—our attorneys stepped in and secured full or partial payment.
Denied Claims Require Legal Experience and Advocacy
Insurers often rely on broad or unclear exclusion clauses tied to occupational risk. These clauses may not be properly explained to the policyholder at the time of purchase. In some cases, exclusions are buried in policy fine print or added through endorsements the insured never reviewed. Our law firm challenges denials by:
Demanding clear documentation of the exclusion language
Reviewing how and when the occupation was disclosed
Analyzing whether the cause of death is directly tied to job duties
Investigating misrepresentation allegations or application errors
We work with medical experts, policy analysts, and industry professionals to build strong appeal cases and negotiate with insurers—or take them to court when needed.
FAQ About Denied Life Insurance Claims Involving High-Risk Jobs
Can an insurer deny a claim based on the insured’s job?
Yes, many policies include exclusions for deaths related to high-risk occupations such as fishing, logging, mining, and private aviation. However, these exclusions must be clearly written and appropriately applied.
What makes a job “high risk” for life insurance?
Jobs with high fatality or injury rates, remote work locations, and exposure to hazardous environments are usually classified as high risk. This includes commercial fishing, logging, mining, and certain types of flying.
Are helicopter and bush pilots covered under standard life insurance policies?
Not always. Many policies exclude deaths related to private or non-commercial aviation unless special coverage is purchased. These exclusions can be challenged if the policy wasn’t clear or adequately disclosed.
Can I fight a denial if the death was indirectly related to the job?
Yes. We often argue that the exclusion does not apply if the death occurred off duty or was unrelated to the immediate job function.
Do life insurance policies always include occupational exclusions?
No. Some policies do not contain these exclusions, especially if the applicant disclosed their profession upfront and the insurer underwrote the policy accordingly.
What if the insured didn’t know their job was excluded?
If the exclusion was not properly disclosed or was added without consent, it may not be enforceable. We challenge insurers who deny claims based on vague or hidden exclusions.
How can I know if a policy has a high-risk occupation exclusion?
It’s usually found in the exclusions section or in any attached riders. Our attorneys review policies in detail and explain whether the insurer has a valid basis for denial.
What should I do after a denial?
Request a copy of the policy, the denial letter, and all supporting documents. Then contact our legal team—we will review the case for free and outline your next steps.
Do you handle denied claims from companies other than Kansas City Life?
Yes. We handle claims from all insurers, including Globe, Unum, Corebridge, AARP, Liberty Mutual, ETHOS, and more.
How long does it take to reverse a denied claim?
Timelines vary. Some cases resolve in weeks, while others require litigation. We push for the fastest possible resolution and fight for full policy benefits.