Life Insurance Lawyer Colorado

Colorado denied life insurance claims: answers to common questions

What should I do if my life insurance claim in Colorado was denied?
You should contact a Colorado life insurance attorney immediately. Many denials are based on vague policy language, technicalities, or misapplied exclusions. Legal help can make the difference between losing and recovering the full policy amount.

What should I do if I’ve been served with a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in Colorado?
You need legal representation right away. Interpleaders involve the court deciding between competing claimants. If you don’t respond properly, you could lose the benefit. Our attorneys handle interpleader cases across Colorado.

What should I do if I’m facing a life insurance beneficiary dispute in Colorado?
Beneficiary disputes often involve ex-spouses, children from previous relationships, or claims of undue influence. Our law firm resolves these complex conflicts and ensures the proper party receives the benefit.

Why would an AD&D life insurance claim be denied in Colorado?
AD&D denials usually involve claims that the death wasn’t accidental or that an exclusion applies, like alcohol involvement or a medical event. We fight these denials using evidence and expert analysis to prove it was an accidental death.

Can a policy lapse be used to deny a life insurance claim in Colorado?
Yes, but it can be disputed. Many lapses occur due to lack of notice or payment confusion. If the insurer didn’t follow proper lapse procedures, we may be able to reinstate the policy and recover the payout.

Is misrepresentation on the application a valid reason for denial in Colorado?
Only if it was material and intentional. Many insurers try to deny based on minor or irrelevant omissions. We fight misrepresentation-based denials by proving they wouldn’t have affected approval or were not intentional.

Can an alcohol exclusion be used to deny a life insurance claim in Colorado?
It can—but it must be clearly written in the policy and fairly applied. We regularly challenge denials based on vague or overly broad use of alcohol exclusions.

What should I do about a denied ERISA life insurance claim in Colorado?
Because you only have one appeal under ERISA, it's crucial to work with an attorney. We prepare compelling appeals that address all legal and factual issues to maximize your chance of reversing the denial.

What if my life insurance claim was denied during the contestability period in Colorado?
Even during the two-year contestability period, insurers must prove any misstatement was material. We dispute these denials by showing any errors had no impact on coverage or were innocent.

What if the insurer says Colorado law supports the denial?
Insurers often misapply state law. Our attorneys examine the actual statute and identify exceptions or case law that supports your right to payment. Don’t assume their legal basis is correct.

Which life insurance companies deny the most claims in Colorado?
Great-West Life in Greenwood Village is frequently reported for issuing a high volume of denials. But any insurer can wrongfully deny a claim. We’ve challenged denials from nearly every major life insurance company.

Does Colorado have a law that removes an ex-spouse as beneficiary after divorce?
Yes. Colorado law generally revokes an ex-spouse as a beneficiary unless the policyholder reaffirms them post-divorce. These situations often lead to litigation. We help determine who is legally entitled to the benefit.

Is Colorado a community property state, and can a spouse claim life insurance benefits?
No, Colorado is not a community property state. However, if premiums were paid with marital funds, the surviving spouse may have a claim to some or all of the benefit depending on the policy and financial records.

Can a will override the beneficiary listed on a Colorado life insurance policy?
No. Life insurance proceeds go to the person named in the policy, not someone named in a will. However, courts may get involved if fraud, undue influence, or incapacity played a role in naming the beneficiary.

What if the insured died while traveling or living overseas?
Foreign death claims can be denied, but only if the policy specifically excludes them. We frequently challenge these denials and prove coverage still applies for international deaths.

Can I challenge a last-minute beneficiary change in Colorado?
Yes. If the change was made close to death or under questionable circumstances, it may be challenged on grounds of coercion, mental incapacity, or fraud. We litigate these cases to protect rightful beneficiaries.

What happens if the insurer delays paying a valid claim for months?
Delays without justification may constitute bad faith. In Colorado, bad faith insurers may owe additional damages. We can take legal action to force payment and pursue penalties for unreasonable delay.

Can an insurer deny an accidental death claim by claiming it was natural causes?
Yes, but we can fight this. Insurers often misclassify accidental deaths to avoid paying AD&D benefits. We use medical experts and forensic evidence to prove the death qualifies under the policy.

What if the agent filled out the application incorrectly?
If a life insurance agent made a mistake or misled the policyholder, the insurer may still be liable. We fight these denials by investigating how the application was completed and who was at fault.

Can I sue for bad faith denial of a life insurance claim in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado law allows lawsuits for insurance bad faith. If your claim was wrongfully denied, you may be entitled to additional compensation on top of the policy payout.

Can a suicide exclusion be challenged in Colorado?
Yes. Most suicide exclusions expire after two years. If the death occurred after that period—or if the cause of death is unclear—we can challenge the exclusion.

Are life insurance claims from Colorado employers governed by ERISA?
Most employer-sponsored policies are governed by ERISA, which limits your appeal rights. We handle both ERISA and non-ERISA claims and know how to navigate both systems.

What if the policyholder failed to disclose a medical condition?
If the omission wasn’t intentional or wasn’t related to the cause of death, we may still recover benefits. Insurers must prove the omission was both material and fraudulent.

What happens if no one is listed as a beneficiary?
If no beneficiary is named, the benefit typically goes to the insured’s estate or next of kin under Colorado intestacy laws. We assist families in probate to recover these funds.

Can I dispute a suspicious or forged beneficiary designation?
Yes. If there's reason to suspect the signature was forged or the insured was manipulated, we can ask the court to invalidate the change and recover the benefit for the rightful party.

What notice must insurers give before canceling a policy in Colorado?
Colorado requires insurers to provide advance written notice before cancellation. If proper notice wasn’t given, the policy may still be in force, and we can fight the denial.

What if my life insurance was issued through a Colorado union or association?
Group policies through unions or associations often have specific rules. We are familiar with these and can help you contest denials or resolve disputes related to union-provided policies.

What if I’m one of multiple beneficiaries and there’s a dispute?
We help beneficiaries understand their rights and resolve disputes over who gets what share. If a co-beneficiary is disqualified or contests arise, we step in to protect your interest.

Can a claim be denied if the insured was declared dead after disappearing?
Insurers may deny claims until a court declares legal death. We help families petition for a declaration and then pursue the payout.

Can I reopen a denied life insurance claim in Colorado?
Yes. Denials can be appealed or reopened with new evidence or legal arguments. Don’t assume a denial is final—contact us to evaluate your options.

Are life insurance proceeds protected from creditors in Colorado?
Yes—if there is a named beneficiary. If the proceeds go to the estate, creditors may have access. We can help structure or protect these proceeds during a dispute.

What if policy language is vague or inconsistent?
Under Colorado law, ambiguous language is interpreted in favor of coverage. We’ve reversed denials by showing that unclear terms should benefit the policyholder or beneficiary.

What if the insurer says the policy lapsed but we never got a notice?
Lapses are only valid if the insurer followed strict notification rules. If notice wasn’t properly given, we can fight to reinstate the policy and recover the death benefit.

Can a child listed as beneficiary receive life insurance proceeds directly?
No. A guardian, custodian, or trust may be needed. We help families handle these legal arrangements to protect and manage the funds for the child’s benefit.

Can multiple people claim the insured promised them the benefit?
Yes, but the named beneficiary usually controls. Verbal promises aren’t enough, but we can explore equitable claims like constructive trusts in complex cases.

Can a life insurance claim be denied if death occurred during an illegal act?
Policies may exclude deaths during illegal activities, but exclusions must be clear and proven. We challenge these denials when the facts are unclear or the activity wasn’t truly illegal.

How long do I have to contest a life insurance denial in Colorado?
Time limits vary depending on the type of policy and whether ERISA applies. Acting quickly is crucial. We recommend contacting our office as soon as you receive a denial letter.

2025 Colorado Denied Life Insurance Claims: Settlements & Verdicts

• The Hartford coronavirus excluded $30,000.00
• Cincinnati Life interpleader $150,000.00
• Globe smoking health history $102,200.00
• iA Financial medical records issue $80,000.00
• Colorado Bankers Life denial $78,000.00
• Ohio National COVID-19 exclusion $101,900.00
• All American autoerotic asphyxiation $35,000.00
• Primerica suicide suspected resolved $214,000.00
• Stonebridge drowning drugs and alcohol $33,500.00
• Athene coronavirus excluded on policy $50,000.00
• Simplified Life murder exclusion claimed $75,000.00
• Denied SGLI claim girlfriend disputed $405,300.00
• AXA girlfriend beneficiary dispute $185,000.00
• Midland National skydiving death $102,600.00
• Fidelity Life interpleader $45,000.00
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment won $390,000.00
• Denied FEGLI claim wife $169,000.00
• Lincoln Heritage suicide claim $202,400.00
• Mutual of Omaha AD&D denied $550,000.00
• RiverSource denied COVID-19 claim $254,000.00
• AAA Life failure to disclose medical $306,230.00
• Colorado Springs age mistake on application $750,00.00
• ERISA life insurance denial appeal $160,000.00
• Kentucky Central delay of benefits $169,000.00
• Denied FEGLI claim beneficiary $382,000.00
• Liberty Life autoerotic asphyxiation $243,900.00
• Freedom Life divorce dispute resolved $128,500.00
• Aetna Life sickness exclusion $174,800.00
• Lakewood bad faith denial of benefits $650,000.00
• Colonial Penn interpleader lawsuit $319,300.00
• Fort Collins allegation of fraud resolved $926,000.00
• Denied SGLI claim from dispute $406,130.00
• Midland National alcohol exclusion $154,000.00
• New York Life felony exclusion overcome $102,900.00
• Denied SGLI claim beneficiary dispute $406,250.00
• Colorado denied life insurance claim $650,000.00
• Great West Life accidental death denial $311,400.00
• Executive Life denial due to intoxication $388,000.00
• Arvada insufficient documents submitted $675,000.00
• SGLI resolved beneficiary dispute $400,000.00
• Denied AD&D claim carbon monoxide poisoning $389,000.00
• Farm Bureau interpleader lawsuit $280,000.00
• Denver illegal activity exclusion $580,500.00
• Met life accidental death policy $1,030,000.00
• Denied AD&D claim suffocation $573,000.00
• Bad faith denial of life benefits $437,000.00
• Denied life insurance claim Colorado $591,300.00
• London Pacific denial of benefits $510,000.00
• Thornton nonpayment of premium issue $375,000.00
• Mid-Continental Life delay we won $290,000.00
• Aurora invalid beneficiary designation $800,000.00
• CUNA Mutual prescription drug exclusion $224,000.00

In Colorado, life insurance is a critical part of many individuals' financial planning. Whether it’s to cover funeral expenses, pay off a mortgage, or provide for dependents, life insurance is designed to offer financial peace of mind when a loved one passes. However, despite the intention for life insurance policies to provide a safety net, many policyholders in Colorado find themselves facing life insurance claim denials. Major insurers such as American General, AARP, and MetLife, as well as smaller companies like Reliance Standard, Transamerica, and Prudential, are occasionally known for rejecting claims, leaving beneficiaries frustrated and confused. Understanding why life insurance claims are denied and how to respond in these situations is crucial for those who wish to protect their loved ones from financial hardship in the event of a death.

One of the most frequent reasons for life insurance claim denials in Colorado involves the failure to provide complete and truthful information during the application process. Insurance companies such as Banner, MetLife, and Lincoln Heritage rely on the details provided by applicants to assess risk and determine policy terms. If the applicant fails to disclose relevant medical information, such as a history of heart disease, diabetes, or smoking habits, insurers like Reliance Standard and Midland National may deny a claim if the cause of death is deemed related to a condition that was not disclosed. Insurers invoke what is known as the "contestability period," which is usually the first two years of a policy, during which the insurer can review the application and contest claims based on omissions or misrepresentations of the applicant’s health. Even if the cause of death is unrelated to the undisclosed condition, the insurer can argue that the policy was issued based on false information and refuse to pay the death benefit. This makes it incredibly important for Colorado residents to fully disclose all health-related information when applying for life insurance to avoid issues later on.

Another major cause for life insurance denials in Colorado involves policy exclusions. Life insurance policies from companies like Hartford Life, Jackson Life, and Foresters often include exclusions that specify situations or causes of death that are not covered under the policy. Common exclusions include suicide, especially if the death occurs within the first two years of the policy, deaths caused by engaging in high-risk activities such as skydiving or mountain climbing, and fatalities related to drug or alcohol use. While exclusions can vary greatly between insurers, policies from companies like Symetra, Transamerica, and AAA may have specific clauses that leave beneficiaries vulnerable in certain circumstances. For example, if the insured person passes away in an accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, insurers such as Ameritas, Globe, and Horace Mann may deny the claim, even if the cause of death wasn’t directly related to a pre-existing health condition. It’s important for Colorado policyholders to fully understand what their policies cover and ensure that they are aware of any exclusions that could affect their ability to receive a payout.

The contestability period is another frequent reason for claim denials in Colorado. The contestability period is typically the first two years after a life insurance policy is issued, during which the insurance company can investigate the circumstances surrounding the insured person’s death. If the insurer uncovers any discrepancies in the application, such as omitted health conditions or inaccurate information, they may use this as a reason to deny the claim. Insurers like CMFG, Dearborn, and First Colony are known for rigorously reviewing claims during the contestability period, often seeking any reason to reject a claim. Even if the death appears to be due to an accident or an event unrelated to health conditions, insurers may argue that the original application was fraudulent or that the death is somehow connected to an undisclosed risk. This can result in months or even years of waiting while the insurer processes the claim, leaving grieving families in a difficult position.

Policy lapses also contribute to life insurance claim denials in Colorado. Many policyholders forget or fail to make premium payments, which can cause a policy to lapse. If this happens, the coverage is no longer active, and the insurance company is no longer obligated to pay out benefits. This issue can be especially problematic in Colorado, where residents may be managing various expenses and not realize that their policy has lapsed due to missed payments. Life insurance companies like Mass Mutual, Pekin, and Prosperity may deny claims if the insured person’s policy was not in force at the time of death. Sometimes, insurers will deny a claim simply because the insured individual forgot to pay a premium or because they were not notified of an upcoming payment due date. In these situations, insurers like Trustmark, Wells Fargo, and Anthem may argue that the coverage was void, even if the policyholder intended to keep their life insurance active. To avoid this, it is essential for Colorado residents to keep track of premium payments and maintain clear communication with their insurer.

Another issue that arises is administrative errors or technical mistakes in the paperwork. Insurance companies such as Liberty Mutual, Liberty National, and Lincoln Financial are generally reliable, but like any business, they can sometimes make clerical errors. A minor mistake, such as a misspelled name, an incomplete beneficiary designation, or an incorrectly filled-out form, can lead to a denial of the claim. These types of denials can be particularly frustrating for beneficiaries who have submitted all necessary documentation and believed everything was in order. Smaller insurance companies like State Farm, The Hartford, and Unum have also been known to deny claims due to these kinds of administrative mistakes, leaving beneficiaries feeling wronged. To avoid this situation, it is important to carefully review all documentation before submission and ensure that all forms are accurate and complete. Additionally, if any errors are noticed, they should be promptly corrected and resubmitted.

For more information on insurance regulations and consumer protections in Colorado, you can visit the Colorado Division of Insurance or explore nationwide insurance resources through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).