Life Insurance Lawyer Connecticut

Experienced Life Insurance Lawyers Connecticut: The Lassen Law Firm Life insurance claims can be daunting, especially when dealing with denied benefits or bad faith practices in Connecticut. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping individuals and families across the Constitution State navigate the complexities of life insurance law. Our Connecticut life insurance lawyers serve clients across the state, including New Haven, Bridgeport CT, Hartford, Stamford, and Waterbury.

As life insurance attorneys handling cases nationwide, we’ve successfully recovered hundreds of millions in policies for our clients. Our commitment to justice and personalized attention makes The Lassen Law Firm the trusted choice for those seeking results. Call now for a free consultation to see if we can help you recover your life insurance benefits. No obligation.

Unlike other firms, The Lassen Law Firm exclusively handles denied life insurance claims. With 24 years of experience in this niche, we are recognized as top experts in the field. Our lawyers have earned prestigious awards, including membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and a 10.0 rating on AVVO. No other firm offers the same level of dedication and expertise in denied life insurance cases.

Connecticut denied life insurance claims: answers to common questions

My Connecticut life insurance claim was denied—what should I do first?
Your best move is to speak with a Connecticut life insurance lawyer immediately. Many denials are issued improperly, and experienced legal help can give you the best chance at recovering the full policy amount.

I’ve been served with a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in Connecticut—how do I respond?
Do not ignore it. Interpleaders require a legal response and determine who receives the payout. Without an attorney, you could lose your rights. Our firm represents interpleader claimants statewide.

I’m in the middle of a beneficiary dispute in Connecticut—can a lawyer help me?
Yes. Beneficiary disputes involving ex-spouses, new partners, children, or alleged forged changes are complex. We represent rightful beneficiaries and resolve these cases through litigation or negotiation.

Why would an accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) claim be denied in Connecticut?
AD&D denials are often based on insurers claiming the death was due to illness, not an accident, or involved alcohol. We challenge these findings with evidence and expert opinions.

Can a lapsed life insurance policy still pay out in Connecticut?
Sometimes. If the insurer didn’t provide proper lapse notification or the death occurred during a grace period, we can often challenge the denial and recover the full benefit.

What happens if the policyholder made a mistake on their life insurance application in Connecticut?
A misrepresentation only voids a policy if it was material and intentional. We examine the underwriting file and dispute denials where the insurer can’t meet that burden.

Is an alcohol exclusion enough for a life insurance company to deny a claim in Connecticut?
Not always. The exclusion must be clearly written and appropriately applied. If alcohol wasn’t the primary cause of death, we challenge these denials.

How should I handle a denied ERISA life insurance claim in Connecticut?
You get only one appeal under ERISA rules, and it must be complete and strategic. Our firm specializes in ERISA life insurance appeals and builds strong legal cases from the start.

What can I do if my claim is denied during the contestability period in Connecticut?
Even within the first two years of a policy, insurers must prove a material misrepresentation. We successfully overturn contestability denials when the claim is unrelated to the alleged omission.

The denial letter says my claim was denied due to Connecticut law—what now?
Insurers often misuse or misinterpret state law. We’ll evaluate whether the statute was applied correctly and build a legal strategy to dispute the denial.

Which Connecticut life insurance companies deny the most claims?
The Hartford, Aetna (based in Hartford), Cigna (in Bloomfield), and Voya Financial (in Windsor) have higher denial volumes in Connecticut. We’ve successfully challenged denials from all of them.

Does Connecticut automatically remove an ex-spouse as a life insurance beneficiary after divorce?
Yes. Connecticut law generally revokes a former spouse’s beneficiary status unless the policyholder reaffirms them post-divorce. We represent clients in these types of disputes regularly.

Is Connecticut a community property state, and how does that affect life insurance?
No, Connecticut is not a community property state. However, if policy premiums were paid using joint marital funds, a surviving spouse may still have a financial interest in the proceeds.

Can a life insurance policy be overridden by a will in Connecticut?
No. The named beneficiary takes precedence. However, if fraud, undue influence, or incapacity occurred, a court may invalidate a change. We litigate these cases successfully.

What happens if the insured died abroad—can I still file a claim?
Yes, but foreign deaths often trigger extra scrutiny. We help families provide proof of death and policy compliance to challenge denials based on international circumstances.

A beneficiary change was made just before the policyholder died—is that challengeable?
Yes. If the change was made under suspicious circumstances or while the insured lacked capacity, we can challenge the validity of the update and restore the rightful beneficiary.

The insurer has delayed payment for months in Connecticut—is that legal?
Unreasonable delays can be considered bad faith under Connecticut law. We can take action to compel payment and seek additional compensation if the insurer acted improperly.

Why would a claim for accidental death be denied when the death clearly wasn’t from natural causes?
Insurers often mislabel accidents as natural causes to avoid paying. We use medical records and expert testimony to prove the death meets the policy’s definition of “accidental.”

The insurance agent made an error on the application—does that affect the claim?
If the mistake was the agent’s fault, the insurer may still be liable. We review who completed the application and whether the insured understood the questions before disputing the denial.

Can I file a bad faith lawsuit in Connecticut for a denied life insurance claim?
Yes. If the denial was unreasonable or deceptive, you may be entitled to damages beyond the policy benefit. We file bad faith suits and hold insurers accountable.

Can suicide exclusions be enforced in Connecticut?
Only if the policy is within the suicide exclusion period, typically two years. We review the timeline and cause of death to challenge improper use of this exclusion.

Are employer-sponsored life insurance policies in Connecticut subject to ERISA rules?
Most are. ERISA claims have strict deadlines and require specific appeal procedures. Our attorneys handle ERISA appeals across the country and know how to win these cases.

Can the claim be denied if the insured failed to disclose a pre-existing condition?
Not if the omission was irrelevant or unintentional. We challenge denials by examining underwriting records and proving the insurer would have issued the policy anyway.

What if there is no named beneficiary on the life insurance policy?
In Connecticut, the benefit may go to the estate or follow intestacy rules. We guide families through probate or help determine if a rightful claimant can still receive the funds.

A forged or suspicious beneficiary form was filed—can I contest that?
Yes. If there’s reason to believe the form was fraudulent or improperly executed, we can challenge it in court and seek to have the correct beneficiary recognized.

Can an insurer cancel a life insurance policy without notifying the policyholder?
No. Connecticut law requires insurers to provide proper notice. If they failed to do so, we can argue that the policy was still active and the benefit must be paid.

What happens if the policy was provided through a Connecticut union or professional group?
These policies often have different rules, but our team is experienced with union-related life insurance claims and can handle the administrative process or litigation.

Do I still receive a share if I’m listed as one of several beneficiaries?
Yes. We help ensure your share is protected, even if other beneficiaries contest the division or a new claim is filed against your interest.

What if the policyholder disappeared and was declared legally dead in Connecticut?
Once a court issues a presumption of death, we help you gather the required documentation and pursue the full benefit under the policy.

Is it too late to appeal if I waited a few months after receiving a denial?
Not necessarily. Many claims are still appealable or can be litigated depending on policy type. Contact us right away to determine your remaining legal options.

Can creditors claim life insurance proceeds in Connecticut?
Usually no, if a beneficiary is named. However, if the policy pays to the estate, it may be subject to creditor claims. We help protect payouts from being lost to debt collectors.

What if the life insurance contract contains vague or unclear language?
Under Connecticut law, ambiguous terms are interpreted in favor of the policyholder or beneficiary. We use this principle to challenge denials based on unclear policy provisions.

Can I reinstate a policy that lapsed due to non-payment if notice wasn’t provided properly?
Yes. If lapse procedures weren’t followed, we can argue the policy is still in force and the insurer must pay the benefit.

Can a child be named as a life insurance beneficiary in Connecticut?
Yes, but minors cannot directly receive the funds. We assist families in establishing guardianship or custodial accounts to manage the benefit responsibly.

Someone claims the insured verbally promised them the benefit—does that count?
No, not legally. Life insurance requires written beneficiary designations. However, we assess whether a constructive trust or other legal remedy may apply in limited situations.

Can a claim be denied due to illegal activity at the time of death?
Some policies exclude deaths during felonies or illegal acts. We scrutinize these exclusions and the facts of the case to fight wrongful denials.

How long do I have to appeal or challenge a denied claim in Connecticut?
Time limits vary, but ERISA plans and private policies both have strict deadlines. Contacting a lawyer immediately after a denial gives you the best shot at recovering the benefit.

2025 Connecticut Denied Life Insurance Claims: Settlements & Verdicts

  • Mass shooting Connecticut denied life claim won $105,000.00
  • AIG Life alleged misrepresentation $40,000.00
  • Atlantic American breast cancer denial $103,000.00
  • TIAA coronavirus denial we resolved $67,000.00
  • Country Financial smoking in records $13,000.00
  • Veterans contested by siblings resolved $59,000.00
  • Boston Mutual COVID-19 denial $320,000.00
  • Bank of America autoerotic asphyxiation death $102,000.00
  • Southern Farm Bureau medical records $30,000.00
  • Bright house Financial exclusion $91,300.00
  • MassMutual coronavirus exclusion $300,000.00
  • Denial of SGLI claim beneficiary change $403,500.00
  • TIAA beneficiary dispute we won$165,000.00
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment $500,000.00
  • North American Life heroin denial $25,000.00
  • Columbian Mutual Life prescription drug $102,000.00
  • Denial of FEGLI claim resolved $143,600.00
  • Effortless six month delay resolved $25,000.00
  • Stonebridge Life denial of benefits $250,000.00
  • Union National denial for misrepresentation $252,800.00
  • Stamford court orders divorce settlement $2,000,000.00
  • Bad faith life insurance denial of benefits $685,000.00
  • Forethought robbery felony exclusion $137,000.00
  • Denied FEGLI claim dispute we resolved $285,000.00
  • Security Life denial divorce spouse ex-spouse $309,200.00
  • Avon suspicious circumstances death $713,000.00
  • Connecticut denied life insurance claim $2,048,000.00
  • Waterbury grace period issue overcome $750,000.00
  • Denied SGLI claim that we resolved $402,400.00
  • Danbury dangerous activity exclusion won $932,000.00
  • Branford invalid beneficiary designation $504,000.00
  • Divorce and orders from the judge dispute $390,000.00
  • Denied AD&D claim heart attack dispute $739,000.00
  • Monarch Life denied due to medical records $277,000.00
  • Bridgeport foreign death problem we won $1,000,000.00
  • Protective Life alcohol exclusion denial $405,500.00
  • Midland Life autoerotic asphyxiation denial $104,150.00
  • American Equity denied felony exclusion $152,000.00
  • The Hartford interpleader lawsuit plaintiff $303,750.00
  • Mutual Benefit Life long delay of benefits $293,100.00
  • Denied life insurance claim Connecticut $653,650.00
  • Stonebridge wrong age on the application $208,370.00
  • Colonial Penn beneficiary dispute $455,000.00
  • American Life contestable period delay $101,300.00
  • Hartford suspicious circumstances death $892,000.00
  • Norwalk no coverage at the time of death $677,000.00
  • Allianz foreign death denial resolved $340,000.00
  • New Haven mistake on the application $750,000.00
  • Pan American self-inflicted injury $278,200.00

In Connecticut, life insurance is an essential financial tool that provides much-needed security for families and loved ones in the event of an untimely death. Whether it's for covering funeral costs, paying off debts, or ensuring that dependents are financially supported, life insurance is meant to offer peace of mind. However, despite the protections life insurance policies are supposed to provide, many residents of Connecticut find themselves facing unexpected life insurance claim denials. Large insurers such as American General, AARP, and MetLife, as well as others like Reliance Standard, Transamerica, and Prudential, are sometimes notorious for rejecting claims, leaving beneficiaries in a difficult and distressing position. It’s important for policyholders in Connecticut to understand why these denials happen and what steps can be taken to fight them if they occur.

One of the most common reasons for life insurance claim denials in Connecticut involves misrepresentation or failure to provide accurate information during the application process. Life insurance companies like Banner, MetLife, and Lincoln Heritage rely on the health and lifestyle information provided by applicants to determine coverage terms and premiums. If a policyholder omits or provides inaccurate information regarding pre-existing health conditions, lifestyle choices such as smoking, or previous medical treatments, the insurer may later deny a claim based on this misrepresentation. This is especially relevant during the contestability period, which typically spans the first two years of a life insurance policy. During this time, insurance companies such as Reliance Standard and Midland National can investigate claims and deny them if they find discrepancies in the application. If the cause of death is related to a condition that was not disclosed, the insurer may argue that the policy would not have been issued had the full details been known, and as such, the policy is invalid. Connecticut residents should be diligent in providing accurate and complete information when applying for life insurance to avoid this issue.

Exclusions are another common reason for life insurance claim denials in Connecticut. Life insurance policies, including those offered by companies such as Hartford Life, Jackson Life, and Foresters, often include exclusions that specify certain causes of death that will not be covered. These exclusions can vary widely between insurance providers but typically include circumstances like suicide (often within the first two years of coverage), deaths resulting from dangerous activities like skydiving or rock climbing, and fatalities due to drug or alcohol use. Policyholders may not fully understand the impact of these exclusions, particularly if they’re not clearly outlined at the time of purchase. For example, if an insured individual dies in a car accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, insurers such as Symetra, Transamerica, and AAA may use the exclusion to deny the claim, even if the cause of death seems unrelated to the person's health condition. These types of exclusions can create confusion and frustration for beneficiaries who may not have anticipated such restrictions when purchasing the policy. It’s essential for Connecticut residents to carefully read their policy documents and fully understand the exclusions before they sign the agreement.

The contestability period is another aspect that contributes to claim denials in Connecticut. For most life insurance policies, this period lasts for the first two years of the contract. During this time, insurance companies like CMFG, Dearborn, and First Colony have the right to thoroughly investigate claims. If any discrepancies are found in the application, such as undisclosed health issues or misstatements, the insurer may deny the claim outright. Even if the cause of death is unrelated to the medical condition that was not disclosed, the insurer may argue that the application process was fraudulent, thus invalidating the policy. The contestability period can be a particularly stressful time for beneficiaries, as it leaves room for the insurance company to dispute a claim on the grounds of application errors, even if the insured’s death seems unrelated to the omitted information. Connecticut residents should be aware of this clause and ensure they fully disclose their medical history to avoid unnecessary complications during this period.

Policy lapses are also a common cause of life insurance claim denials in Connecticut. If a policyholder misses premium payments or allows the policy to lapse, the life insurance company is no longer obligated to pay out benefits. Insurers such as Mass Mutual, Pekin, and Prosperity will deny a claim if they find that the policyholder’s coverage was not in force at the time of death. This can be a frustrating situation for beneficiaries, especially if the policyholder was unaware that their payments were overdue. In some cases, the insurance company may not provide adequate notice of the missed payments or the potential lapse in coverage, leaving the beneficiaries unaware of the situation until after the policyholder’s death. To avoid this, Connecticut residents should keep track of premium payment due dates and ensure that their policy remains active. Regular communication with the insurance provider can help ensure that the coverage does not lapse.

Administrative errors and technical issues are also prevalent reasons for life insurance claim denials in Connecticut. Even though insurance companies such as Liberty Mutual, Liberty National, and Lincoln Financial generally strive for accuracy, clerical mistakes can occur. These errors could involve incorrect beneficiary information, discrepancies in the insured’s name, or mistakes in the paperwork submitted with the claim. Insurance providers like State Farm, The Hartford, and Unum may reject claims based on these technicalities, which can cause unnecessary stress for beneficiaries who believe they have submitted everything properly. To minimize the risk of these errors, policyholders should ensure that all paperwork is completed accurately and double-check all forms before submission. If any mistakes are discovered, it’s essential to contact the insurer immediately to rectify them.

In some instances, life insurance claims are denied due to misunderstandings or misunderstandings of the policy’s terms. Life insurance policies from providers such as Aetna, AIG, Allianz, and Allstate can sometimes be complex and difficult to fully understand. Policyholders may not fully grasp the limitations, exclusions, or specific requirements outlined in their policies, which can lead to a claim denial later on. For example, there may be a provision that limits payouts for certain causes of death or imposes restrictions on coverage based on specific circumstances. Insurers such as American Family, American Fidelity, and American Income Life may enforce these provisions strictly, potentially leading to confusion for beneficiaries who thought their loved one was fully covered. It is important for Connecticut residents to review the policy carefully, ask questions, and seek clarification on any aspects that are unclear before purchasing life insurance.

Finally, in some cases, life insurance claims are denied because the insured individual did not meet the insurer’s health criteria when the policy was issued. Insurance companies such as Prudential, Sagicor, and Securian may have strict underwriting guidelines for individuals with certain health risks. If the insured person’s death is related to a pre-existing condition or a risk factor that was not disclosed or considered during underwriting, the insurer may deny the claim. While most insurers will consider these issues at the time of underwriting, some may deny claims even if the cause of death seems unrelated to the health conditions in question. It’s important for Connecticut residents to fully disclose their medical history and be aware of the implications of their health conditions on their life insurance coverage.

If a claim is denied in Connecticut, beneficiaries have the right to appeal the decision. The first step in this process is to carefully read the denial letter to understand the specific reason for the rejection. Many insurers, including Liberty Mutual, Liberty National, and Lincoln Financial, provide an appeals process for beneficiaries who believe their claim was wrongfully denied. If the denial is based on technical errors, incomplete documentation, or policy misinterpretation, beneficiaries can often resolve the issue by providing the correct information or clarifying the terms of the policy. In more complex situations, it may be helpful to seek assistance from an attorney specializing in life insurance disputes. Legal professionals can review the details of the policy, help navigate the appeals process, and even represent the beneficiary in court if necessary.

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