Life Insurance

"Life Insurance Lawyers Serving Delaware: The Lassen Law Firm" Life insurance claims in Delaware can be complicated, particularly when insurance companies delay payouts or deny rightful benefits. That’s where The Lassen Law Firm steps in. We proudly assist clients across the First State, from Wilmington to Dover, Newark to Rehoboth Beach, and everywhere in between, to ensure justice is served.

As experienced life insurance attorneys handling cases nationwide, including Delaware, we have recovered over $750 million in policies for our clients. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are committed to fighting for your rights with unwavering dedication and expertise.

Lawyer Delaware

Life insurance is supposed to provide peace of mind for all of us. However, for some Delaware residents, life insurance claims are denied, leaving beneficiaries frustrated and vulnerable. Life insurance providers like American General, AARP, and MetLife, as well as others like Reliance Standard, Transamerica, and Prudential, are sometimes involved in these denials, which can be devastating for those who expect a payout.

One of the primary reasons life insurance claims are denied in Delaware is due to misrepresentation or omission of critical information during the application process. Life insurance companies such as Banner, MetLife, and Lincoln Heritage rely heavily on the details applicants provide regarding their health history, lifestyle choices, and other risk factors when underwriting a policy. If an individual fails to fully disclose pre-existing medical conditions, tobacco use, or previous treatments for chronic conditions, the insurance company may later deny a claim if the death is linked to one of these undisclosed factors. This is particularly common within the contestability period, which typically lasts for the first two years of the policy. During this period, insurers such as Reliance Standard and Midland National are allowed to investigate the application and any discrepancies. If a material misrepresentation or omission is found, the insurer may reject the claim, arguing that the policy would not have been issued had the applicant disclosed the full and accurate details. To avoid this situation, Delaware residents must ensure they provide truthful and complete information when applying for life insurance, as small inaccuracies or omissions could lead to major issues later on.

Another key reason for claim denials in Delaware is due to policy exclusions. Life insurance policies from providers like Hartford Life, Jackson Life, and Foresters often have specific exclusions that outline certain situations or causes of death that are not covered. These exclusions can include things like suicide (which is often excluded for the first two years of coverage), deaths resulting from engaging in risky activities such as skydiving or rock climbing, and fatalities tied to drug or alcohol use. These exclusions are outlined in the policy, but many policyholders do not fully understand their implications when they purchase the policy. For example, if an insured individual dies while participating in a high-risk sport, companies like Symetra, Transamerica, and AAA may use the exclusion clause to deny the claim, even though the policyholder may have been unaware of the restrictions. Additionally, deaths linked to drug overdoses or alcohol-related accidents may not be covered under the terms of the policy. Delaware residents should carefully review their life insurance policies and familiarize themselves with the exclusions to avoid surprises in the event of a claim.

The contestability period is another potential hurdle when it comes to life insurance claims in Delaware. During this period, which generally lasts for two years from the issuance of the policy, life insurance companies such as CMFG, Dearborn, and First Colony have the right to investigate the details surrounding the insured individual’s death. If the insurance company finds discrepancies between the application and the facts surrounding the death, the insurer can contest the claim. This could include instances where an insured person’s medical history or risk factors were not fully disclosed on the application. Even if the cause of death appears unrelated to the applicant’s health history, the insurer may still use the contestability period to deny the claim if any misstatements or omissions are discovered. In Delaware, policyholders should be especially careful during this time and ensure that all information provided to the insurance company is truthful and complete to avoid the possibility of a contested claim.

Another major issue that often leads to claim denials in Delaware is policy lapses. Life insurance policies from companies such as Mass Mutual, Pekin, and Prosperity are only active as long as the premiums are paid on time. If a policyholder misses a payment or allows the policy to lapse, the coverage is no longer valid. In the unfortunate event of the insured’s death, the insurer will not be obligated to pay the death benefit, leaving the beneficiaries without financial support. Many people are unaware of the policy lapse until a claim is filed, at which point the insurance company may deny the claim due to missed payments. This can be a painful situation for Delaware residents, as they may be under the impression that their coverage was active when, in reality, it had lapsed. To avoid this, it’s crucial for policyholders to stay on top of premium payments, especially during difficult financial times. Regular communication with the insurance provider can also help ensure that the policy remains active.

Another common cause for life insurance claim denials in Delaware is administrative errors. Even well-established companies like Liberty Mutual, Liberty National, and Lincoln Financial can make mistakes in processing claims. These mistakes can range from simple clerical errors, such as incorrect beneficiary information or misspelled names, to more significant issues like processing delays or improperly filled-out forms. Insurance companies such as State Farm, The Hartford, and Unum may reject a claim due to these types of errors, causing unnecessary delays or denials for the beneficiaries. While it can be frustrating to deal with these issues, policyholders should be diligent in reviewing all paperwork for accuracy and contacting the insurer promptly if they identify any discrepancies. Keeping track of all communication with the insurer can also help in case any issues arise during the claims process.

In Delaware, some life insurance policies may also contain clauses that limit coverage based on specific health conditions or underwriting decisions. Insurance companies such as Aetna, AIG, Allianz, and Allstate may impose stricter underwriting guidelines on individuals with a history of health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. As a result, some applicants may be denied coverage entirely, or their premiums may be higher due to these health risks. In some cases, the insured person may be accepted for coverage, but the policy may exclude certain conditions or have a reduced payout if the death is linked to a pre-existing health issue. Smaller providers like American Family, American Fidelity, and American Income Life may also have similar provisions in their policies, which could lead to denied claims if the insured person’s death is linked to a condition they were aware of but did not disclose during the underwriting process. Delaware residents should be transparent about their health history and understand how it may affect their life insurance policy before committing to coverage.

In addition to these common causes of claim denials, misunderstandings or confusion about policy terms can also lead to issues when filing a claim. Life insurance policies from companies such as Prudential, Sagicor, and Securian can be complex, and policyholders may not fully understand the fine print regarding limitations, exclusions, or eligibility requirements for claims. This lack of clarity can lead to rejected claims, even if the beneficiary feels they are entitled to the death benefit. Life insurance companies like State Farm, The Hartford, and Unum may strictly enforce the terms of the policy, even if it means denying claims that some policyholders may feel are unjustified. Delaware residents should thoroughly review their life insurance policy, ask questions when needed, and ensure they fully understand the terms of coverage before the unexpected happens.

If a life insurance claim is denied in Delaware, beneficiaries have the right to appeal the decision. The first step is to carefully review the denial letter, which should outline the specific reasons for the denial. Many insurers, including Liberty Mutual, Liberty National, and Lincoln Financial, offer an appeals process that allows beneficiaries to present additional information or challenge the insurer’s decision. If the claim is denied due to an administrative error or misunderstanding, providing the correct documentation or clarification may be enough to resolve the issue. In more complex cases, it may be helpful to consult with an attorney who specializes in life insurance disputes. Legal professionals can assist in navigating the appeals process, challenging the insurer’s decision, and ensuring that beneficiaries receive the death benefit they are entitled to.

Questions about life insurance claims in Delaware

What do I do if my life insurance claim in Delaware was denied?

You need to a top DE life insurance lawyer to represent you.

What do I do If I was served with a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in DE?

You don't want to jeopardize your case, so you'll need a top DE life insurance attorney for representation.

What do I do if I have a life insurance beneficiary dispute in Delaware?

Our top Delaware life insurance law firm can represent you with respect to your beneficiary dispute.

Why would an accidental death & dismemberment life insurance claim in Delaware be denied?

An AD&D life insurance claim is typically denied either because the death was caused by a medical event not an accident, or that there was alcohol involved which is typically an exclusion in the policy.

Can policy lapse be a reason for a denied life insurance claim in Delaware?

Yes, but the lapse can be contested by our life insurance attorneys.

Is alleged misrepresentation on a life insurance application a reason for a denied life insurance claim in Delaware?

Yes, but our life law firm can dispute the misrepresentation.

Can an alcohol exclusion be a reason for a denied life insurance claim in Delaware?

Yes, but there are ways a life insurance lawyer can dispute this.

What do I do about a bad faith ERISA life insurance denial of death benefits in Delaware?

As you only have one appeal, best to have our lawyers resolve it.

What should I do about a life insurance contestability period claim denial in Delaware?

You should always get legal representation as any denial can be contested.

What do I do if I get a denial letter for my life insurance claim stating it was denied due to Delaware state law?

There are many exceptions to denials based on Delaware state law.

2025 Delaware Denied Life Insurance Claims

ERIE Life drug exclusion denial $20,000.00
Gerber Life fall death heart attack $65,000.00
Great Southern autoerotic asphyxiation $304,000.00
Chubb smoking in medical records $13,000.00
OneAmerica coronavirus denial $50,000.00
New York Life prescription drugs $105,200.00
MassMutual COVID-19 exclusion $200,000.00
Primerica felony gun exclusion $71,000.00
Denied AD&D claim Delaware $180,000.00
Accidental Death & Dismemberment $700,000.00
Liberty Mutual emergency room record $25,000.00
Denied SGLI claim beneficiaries $400,000.00
Veterans beneficiary dispute $205,000.00
AAA shooting downtown Wilmington $15,000.00
Bankers Life interpleader claim $325,000.00
FEGLI denied claim lawsuit $274,000.00
United Home self-inflicted injury $110,000.00
North American pneumonia death $103,000.00
Nassau RE coronavirus denial that we won $103,000.00
Prudential AD&D policy death not accidental $515,300.00
ERISA life insurance claim $137,000.00
AAA spouse versus ex-spouse dispute $321,400.00
Centerville dispute wife and caregiver $1,070,450.00
Denied FEGLI claim resolved very fast $280,900.00
Milford long delay of policy benefits obtained $108,000.00
Baltimore Life long delay of benefits we got $202,000.00
River source interpleader lawsuit plaintiff $253,200.00
Banner exclusion for alcohol settlement $119,000.00
Greenville Delaware denied life insurance claim $2,550,000.00
Wilton RE life sickness exclusion we won $288,000.00
AIG self-inflicted injury denial $247,000.00
Denied SGLI claim beneficiaries $405,730.00
Delaware denied life insurance claim $1,000,000.00
John Hancock misrepresentation application $125,000.00
SGLI change of beneficiary dispute $400,000.00
Newark Delaware dangerous activity $350,000.00
Country Financial denied claim won $10,000.00
Dover bad faith life insurance claim $124,000.00
Denied AD&D claim poisoning claim $829,000.00
Smyrna ambiguous language won $101,500.00
Milford divorce court orders settlement $440,000.00
Physicians Life prescription drug denial $273,000.00
Massachusetts Mutual suicide exclusion $303,200.00
VGLI competing beneficiaries resolved $400,000.00
Denied life insurance claim Wilmington, Delaware $750,000.00
Milford accidental death and dismemberment $200,000.00
Travelers Life divorce dispute settlement $430,000.00