Life Insurance Lawyer Illinois

Experienced Life Insurance Lawyers Illinois: The Lassen Law Firm Life insurance claims in Illinois can quickly become complicated, especially when faced with denied benefits or bad faith insurance practices. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping clients across the Prairie State recover the payouts they deserve. Our Illinois life insurance lawyers serve clients across the state, including Chicago, Aurora Ill, Rockford Ill, Joliet and Naperville.

As life insurance attorneys handling cases nationwide, our record speaks for itself—with hundreds of millions in policies recovered. At The Lassen Law Firm, we combine legal expertise with personalized support to ensure justice is served for our clients. 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.

Illinois denied life insurance claims: answers to common questions

What should I do if my life insurance claim is denied in Illinois?
You should contact a knowledgeable Illinois life insurance attorney immediately. Many denials are based on misapplied policy terms or incomplete investigations. Legal representation can reverse these outcomes.

How should I respond to a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in Illinois?
If you’ve been served in an interpleader action, it's critical to act quickly. These lawsuits require the court to determine who receives the benefit. Without a lawyer, you could forfeit your claim.

Can a life insurance beneficiary dispute in Illinois be resolved in my favor?
Yes. If you're involved in a dispute over who should receive the proceeds—especially if there’s a conflict involving an ex-spouse, sibling, or new partner—our attorneys can help you assert your rightful claim.

Why would an accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) claim be denied in Illinois?
Insurers may argue that the death was caused by illness rather than accident, or point to alcohol use as a disqualifying factor. We challenge these denials with medical evidence and legal precedent.

Is policy lapse a valid reason to deny a claim in Illinois?
It can be, but we often find that insurers fail to follow required notice procedures or ignore grace periods. Our firm regularly reverses denials based on questionable lapse claims.

Can an application misrepresentation lead to a denied life insurance claim in Illinois?
Only if the misrepresentation was intentional and material to the risk assumed by the insurer. We scrutinize these allegations and frequently uncover flaws in the insurer’s argument.

Can alcohol exclusions in Illinois life insurance policies be used to deny claims?
They can, but only if clearly stated and directly applicable. Our attorneys often defeat denials based on vague or misapplied alcohol-related exclusions.

What are my options if my ERISA-governed life insurance was denied in Illinois?
ERISA claims follow strict timelines and rules. You only get one opportunity to appeal. We build comprehensive administrative appeals to maximize your chances of approval.

How can I contest a claim denial during the contestability period in Illinois?
During the first two years of a policy, insurers can contest claims based on alleged inaccuracies. However, they must prove the misstatement was material. We challenge these denials effectively.

My denial was based on Illinois law—do I still have a case?
Yes. Insurers often misapply state statutes or take them out of context. We examine the policy and the law to determine whether the denial can be overturned.

Which Illinois life insurance companies deny the most claims?
Allstate (Northbrook), State Farm (Bloomington), and Country Financial are frequently involved in contested claims. We’ve successfully handled denials from each of these insurers.

Does Illinois law revoke life insurance benefits for ex-spouses after divorce?
Yes. Illinois law automatically revokes a former spouse’s designation unless the policyholder reaffirms the designation after divorce. We handle disputes involving outdated or revoked designations.

Is Illinois a community property state, and does that affect life insurance payouts?
No. Illinois is not a community property state. However, spouses may still have rights to proceeds in some cases, particularly if premiums were paid using marital assets.

Can a will override the life insurance beneficiary listed in the policy in Illinois?
No. Life insurance pays the named beneficiary, regardless of what the will says. However, courts can intervene if there is proof of fraud, coercion, or legal incapacity during the change.

What if the policyholder died while traveling or living outside the U.S.?
Foreign death claims often face heightened scrutiny. Insurers may demand specific documentation or raise exclusions. We help families fight denials related to overseas deaths.

Can I challenge a change in beneficiary made shortly before the insured’s death?
Yes. If the change was made under suspicious circumstances—such as while the insured was ill or under pressure—we can challenge its validity in court.

Is there a legal time limit for insurers to pay claims in Illinois?
Yes. Insurers must act promptly. If they delay without valid reason, they may be held liable for interest or even bad faith. We help beneficiaries enforce timely payment.

Why would a clearly accidental death be denied under an AD&D policy?
Insurers often reinterpret accidental deaths as natural causes to avoid payout. We challenge these tactics using medical records, death certificates, and expert opinion.

What if the insurance agent filled out the application incorrectly?
If the mistake was due to agent error, the insurer may still be responsible. We investigate how the application was completed and argue against denial on those grounds.

Can I sue for bad faith denial of a life insurance claim in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois law allows policyholders and beneficiaries to pursue damages if an insurer acted unreasonably or dishonestly in denying a claim.

How long does a suicide clause apply in Illinois life insurance policies?
Typically two years from the start of the policy. After that period, the exclusion no longer applies. We also challenge denials where the cause of death is misclassified.

Are group life insurance policies from Illinois employers subject to ERISA?
Yes, most are. ERISA policies follow federal rules and have strict appeal deadlines. We handle both ERISA and non-ERISA cases in Illinois.

Can an undisclosed health issue result in claim denial in Illinois?
Not unless it was intentionally omitted and directly related to the cause of death. We review medical records and application history to contest these denials.

What happens when there is no beneficiary listed on the policy?
If no beneficiary is named, the proceeds may go to the estate or follow Illinois’s intestate succession laws. We help clients navigate this process.

Is it possible to contest a forged or altered beneficiary form?
Yes. We litigate cases involving fraud, coercion, or improper changes to beneficiary designations.

Can a life insurance policy be canceled without notifying the insured?
No. Illinois requires written notice before cancellation. If notice wasn’t given, the policy may still be in force at the time of death.

Do union-sponsored life insurance policies have special rules in Illinois?
They can. Some have their own appeal procedures. We handle disputes involving union and association life insurance coverage.

If I’m a co-beneficiary, am I entitled to part of the benefit?
Yes. Unless otherwise stated in the policy, benefits are divided equally. We assist clients in enforcing or disputing co-beneficiary arrangements.

What if the insured disappeared and was later presumed dead in Illinois?
Once a court establishes a presumption of death, you can file the claim. We handle cases involving missing persons and delayed death declarations.

Can I still appeal if months have passed since the denial?
Possibly. Deadlines depend on whether the policy is governed by ERISA or state law. We assess each case individually to determine if your window remains open.

Are life insurance proceeds protected from creditors in Illinois?
Yes, in most cases. If the beneficiary is named, the funds usually bypass the estate and are shielded from creditors. If paid to the estate, creditors may make claims.

Can vague or unclear policy terms lead to wrongful denials?
Yes. Illinois law favors the beneficiary in cases of ambiguity. We use this principle to challenge denials based on confusing or contradictory language.

Can a canceled policy be reinstated if the insurer failed to give proper notice?
Yes. We frequently reopen claims where policy termination procedures were mishandled.

Can a child be named as the life insurance beneficiary in Illinois?
Yes, but minors cannot directly receive funds. A guardian or trust must be established. We help families set up appropriate arrangements.

What if several people claim the insured promised them the benefit?
Only the written designation governs. Verbal promises or notes generally don’t override the policy. We defend rightful beneficiaries from contested claims.

Can insurers deny claims based on involvement in a crime or illegal activity?
Some policies exclude such deaths, but the insurer must prove the act and its connection to the death. We dispute exclusions that are vague or inapplicable.

How long do I have to challenge a denied life insurance claim in Illinois?
Time limits vary. ERISA cases have short appeal periods, while individual policies may allow more time. Don’t delay—speak with an Illinois life insurance attorney right away.

2025 Illinois Denied Life Insurance Claims: settlements & verdicts

National Benefit life coronavirus denial $77,000.00
Trustmark Life felony exclusion we won $50,000.00
Principal Life COVID-19 denial resolved $91,000.00
Columbian Mutual sickness exclusion $84,000.00
Denied VGLI claim beneficiaries $405,250.00
Accidental Death & Dismemberment $900,000.00
Scotia Life lapse of premiums resolved $60,000.00
Prosperity life prescription drug denial $89,000.00
Lombard autoerotic asphyxiation death $209,000.00
American Equity felony gun denial $155,000.00
Birla Sun emergency room visit records $67,000.00
Royal Neighbors Life long lapse of payment $104,000.00
Anthem autoerotic asphyxiation death $409,000.00
AARP denial due to coronavirus resolved $112,000.00
US Financial denied life claim we won $229,000.00
Term Life lapse of premiums resolved $75,000.00
AD&D denial alcohol car crash we won $80,000.00
Paul Reverse material misrepresentation $67,000.00
United Life insurable interest issue $33,000.00
Manhattan Life long delay medical records $109,000.00
Costco Life insurance claim denied won $11,000.00

First National COVID-19 exclusion won $251,000.00
Midland National suicide exclusion $316,400.00
SGLI resolution of competing beneficiaries $400,000.00
Trans Premier material misrepresentation $281,000.00
Navy Federal alcohol exclusion denial $112,800.00
Denied life insurance claim Illinois $3,000,000.00
Denied FEGLI claim only took a week to win $149,000.00
United Republic delay of claim resolved $506,300.00
Family Life policy not in force allegedly $106,000.00
Peoria ambiguous policy language case $545,000.00
Illinois divorce and life insurance $720,000.00
Elgin no coverage at the time of death $490,000.00
RiverSource fentanyl exclusion case $220,000.00
Denied SGLI claim due to dispute $407,210.00
Rockford competing beneficiary claimants $605,000.00
Naperville accidental death and dismemberment $2,100,000.00
Aurora mistake on the application won $378,000.00
Mass shooting death $212,100.00
Denied SGLI claim change of beneficiary $401,000.00
Inter-American delay of benefits we got $505,000.00
Joliet divorce court orders settlement $514,000.00
Illinois bad faith life insurance claim $867,000.00
Mass shooting death exclusion $125,000.00
Springfield alleged fraud resolved $934,000.00
Prudential AD&D policy accidental death $529,300.00
Cicero denial of benefits medical records $711,000.00
Denied AD&D claim due to stabbing $890,000.00
Mony misrepresentation at renewal $102,750.00
Globe denied due to foreign death $108,600.00
Chicago denied life insurance claim $5,000,000.00
Southern Farm Bureau prescription drug $273,000.00
Guardian Life autoerotic asphyxiation death $314,200.00
Illinois denied life insurance claim $1,500,000.00
Banner application deceptively worded $112,900.00
Northwestern interpleader case resolved $402,740.00

In Illinois, life insurance is a crucial tool for families to maintain financial stability in the event of the unexpected loss of a loved one. With the variety of insurance providers, including companies such as American General, AARP, MetLife, and Transamerica, families in the state can often rely on life insurance policies to cover funeral expenses, debts, or ongoing living costs. However, for many beneficiaries, their experience with life insurance may take a painful turn if their claim is denied. Life insurance companies, like those mentioned above, sometimes refuse to honor claims, citing a variety of reasons. It is essential for Illinois residents to understand the potential reasons for denial and take proactive steps to prevent or address these issues.

One of the most common reasons for life insurance claims being denied in Illinois is the failure to keep the policy active due to missed or late premium payments. Life insurance policies, including those issued by companies such as Reliance Standard, Banner, and Lincoln Heritage, require policyholders to make timely premium payments in order to keep the policy in force. If the policyholder misses a payment and does not bring the policy current within the grace period (typically 30 to 60 days), the insurer may consider the policy to have lapsed. When the policy lapses, any claim made after the policyholder’s death may be denied. This is especially concerning for Illinois residents, who may experience financial hardships or forgetfulness when it comes to premium payments. To avoid having a claim denied due to missed premiums, policyholders should set up reminders or automatic payments to ensure they never miss a payment. It’s also crucial to maintain open communication with the insurer to address any issues with payment as soon as they arise.

Another significant reason for life insurance claim denials in Illinois is related to the application process, specifically misrepresentation or failure to disclose material information about the policyholder’s health or lifestyle. Life insurance companies such as Reliastar, Symetra, and Foresters assess an applicant’s risk by reviewing their medical history and lifestyle habits, including any pre-existing conditions or high-risk behaviors. If an applicant fails to disclose relevant information, such as smoking, a history of heart disease, or recent major surgeries, the insurance company may later deny a claim if the death is linked to a condition that wasn’t disclosed during underwriting. This is particularly important during the policy’s contestability period, which generally lasts for the first two years. During this period, insurers such as Aetna, AIG, and Allianz can investigate the cause of death and may refuse to pay the death benefit if they find that misrepresentation occurred. For example, if a person dies of a heart attack and it is found that they had a history of heart disease that wasn’t disclosed when they applied for the policy, the claim could be denied. To avoid this, Illinois residents should ensure they fully disclose all relevant information when applying for life insurance and keep their policy updated if their health changes.

In Illinois, exclusions in life insurance policies also play a role in the denial of claims. Many life insurance policies, including those issued by companies like Mass Mutual, Pekin, and Prosperity, contain exclusions that can limit the circumstances under which a claim will be paid. One of the most common exclusions is for suicide, particularly if it occurs within the first two years of the policy. If a policyholder dies by suicide within this contestability period, companies like Prudential, Sagicor, and Securian are typically allowed to deny the claim. Other exclusions can include deaths caused by illegal activities, deaths while participating in high-risk activities such as extreme sports or skydiving, or deaths related to drug or alcohol abuse. These exclusions are often buried in the fine print of the policy and can come as a surprise to beneficiaries after a claim is denied. Illinois residents should carefully review the terms of their policies to ensure they are aware of any exclusions that might apply. In cases where exclusions could be relevant, it’s a good idea to discuss them with an insurance agent to ensure full understanding of the policy.

Another reason for claim denials in Illinois is the involvement of the insured in risky behavior or activities that are not covered by the insurance policy. Many life insurance policies, including those issued by companies such as State Farm, The Hartford, and Unum, have clauses that specifically exclude high-risk activities such as skydiving, bungee jumping, and motorcycling from coverage. If a policyholder dies while engaging in one of these activities, the insurance company may deny the claim. In Illinois, some residents may enjoy outdoor adventures or participate in activities deemed dangerous by insurers. If someone dies in an accident during one of these activities, even if it’s an accident, the life insurance company may argue that the cause of death falls outside of the coverage parameters. Illinois residents should take the time to carefully review their policy’s exclusions to ensure they understand the risks involved and consider whether their activities could jeopardize their coverage.

A further reason for life insurance claim denials in Illinois involves administrative errors or clerical mistakes on the part of the insurer. Life insurance companies, including companies like American National, Shelter Life, and Ohio National, occasionally make mistakes that can lead to the denial of claims. For example, an insurer may incorrectly update a policyholder’s personal information, leading to confusion about beneficiaries or other key details when the policyholder passes away. Additionally, paperwork may be lost or filed incorrectly, causing unnecessary delays in processing the claim or, in some cases, leading to a denial. While this is less common, administrative errors can have a serious impact on beneficiaries who are already grieving the loss of a loved one. To avoid such issues, Illinois residents should maintain records of all life insurance correspondence, payments, and updates. If a claim is denied due to a clerical mistake, contacting the insurer and providing the necessary proof can often resolve the issue.

Illinois residents should also be aware of the contestability period, a clause that is standard in most life insurance policies, including those issued by companies like Liberty Mutual, Liberty National, and Lincoln Financial. The contestability period generally lasts two years and allows insurance companies to thoroughly investigate a claim, even if the death appears to be natural. During this period, if the insurance company uncovers any discrepancies or misrepresentations in the application, they may deny the claim. This period is important for beneficiaries to understand because if the policyholder dies during this time, it’s not uncommon for the insurer to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the death. To avoid a claim denial during this period, Illinois policyholders should be especially diligent about providing accurate information when applying for life insurance.

Finally, in some instances, life insurance claims are denied due to the policyholder’s involvement in activities that violate the terms of the policy. For example, insurance companies such as American Family, American Fidelity, and American Income Life may deny claims if the policyholder dies as a result of committing a crime or engaging in illegal behavior. These clauses are typically outlined in the policy and serve as a safeguard for the insurer, but they can lead to claim denials for beneficiaries who were unaware that such activities would impact coverage.

If a life insurance claim is denied in Illinois, beneficiaries have the right to appeal the decision. The first step is to carefully review the denial letter to understand the reason for the denial. In some cases, the denial may have been due to an administrative error, which can be corrected with additional documentation. In other cases, if the reason for denial is due to misrepresentation or exclusions, it may be necessary to seek legal advice or assistance to pursue the appeal. Legal professionals who specialize in life insurance claims can help beneficiaries navigate the complexities of the appeals process, especially in cases where the denial is related to complicated policy terms or exclusions.

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