Life Insurance Lawyer Kansas

Experienced Life Insurance Lawyers Kansas: The Lassen Law Firm Life insurance claims in Kansas can be tough to navigate, especially when dealing with denied payouts or bad faith insurance practices. At The Lassen Law Firm, we’re here to help residents of the Sunflower State recover the benefits they deserve. Our Kansas life insurance lawyers serve clients across the state, including Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City KS, Olathe, and Topeka.

As life insurance lawyers handling cases across all 50 states, we’ve recovered hundreds of millions in policies for our clients. At The Lassen Law Firm, we combine expertise, dedication, and personalized attention to ensure justice for every client. 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.

Kansas denied life insurance claims: answers to common questions

What should I do if my Kansas life insurance claim was denied?
The most important step is to contact an experienced Kansas life insurance attorney. Denials often stem from errors, misinterpretations of the policy, or unfair claim handling. Legal representation gives you the best chance of recovering the full benefit.

I’ve been served with a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in Kansas—what now?
An interpleader means the insurer wants a court to decide who should receive the payout. If you’ve been named, you need a Kansas life insurance lawyer to protect your interests and assert your claim in court before a judgment is issued.

How can I resolve a life insurance beneficiary dispute in Kansas?
Disputes between multiple claimants—like ex-spouses, children, or new partners—can tie up payouts. We resolve these conflicts by examining policy language, the decedent’s intent, and applicable Kansas law to enforce or contest designations.

What leads to denial of AD&D life insurance claims in Kansas?
Insurers may argue the death wasn’t accidental or point to alcohol involvement or excluded activities like skydiving. We challenge these tactics and work to prove the death fits the policy’s definition of accidental.

Can a lapse in policy coverage result in a denied claim in Kansas?
Yes, but lapses can be disputed. Many denials result from the insurer failing to give required notice or from the death occurring within a grace period. We investigate policy timelines to determine if the coverage was wrongfully terminated.

Can insurers in Kansas deny claims for alleged misrepresentation on the application?
They can try, but they must prove the misstatement was material and intentionally made. If the issue was minor or had nothing to do with the cause of death, we may be able to reinstate the policy.

Does an alcohol exclusion automatically void a life insurance claim in Kansas?
No. The exclusion must clearly apply to the cause of death and be properly worded in the policy. Many alcohol-related denials are based on vague clauses or lack of evidence—we know how to challenge both.

My ERISA-based life insurance claim was denied in Kansas—what can I do?
Act quickly. ERISA only allows one administrative appeal, and it must be comprehensive. We build detailed appeals and challenge improper denials at both the insurer and federal court level when necessary.

What happens if the death occurred during the policy’s contestability period?
Even during the first two years, the insurer must show that a misstatement was both material and fraudulent. We frequently overturn contestability period denials that lack proof.

Can a life insurance claim be denied based on Kansas state law?
Insurers sometimes cite Kansas statutes to justify denials, but they often misapply or overstate the law. We analyze their reasoning and challenge it with accurate legal arguments and precedents.

Which Kansas life insurance companies are known for denying claims?
Security Benefit Life in Topeka and Kansas City Life Insurance Company have a history of high denial rates. We’ve successfully recovered benefits from these and other Kansas-based insurers.

Does Kansas law revoke an ex-spouse’s beneficiary rights after divorce?
Yes. Kansas has a statute that automatically removes an ex-spouse as beneficiary unless the policyholder reaffirms the designation after the divorce. We handle these disputes frequently and can help establish intent.

Is Kansas a community property state, and how does that affect life insurance?
No. Kansas is not a community property state. However, a surviving spouse may still have a claim if the premiums were paid from joint marital funds or the policy was part of a divorce decree or marital contract.

Can a life insurance will override the named beneficiary in Kansas?
No. The policy pays the beneficiary listed on the form, not the person listed in the will. That said, courts can intervene in cases involving fraud, coercion, or legal incapacity.

What if the death occurred outside of the United States?
Foreign death claims often get delayed or denied due to documentation issues or policy exclusions. We help collect the proper proof and dispute wrongful denials tied to overseas deaths.

How can I challenge a suspicious last-minute beneficiary change?
We often contest late beneficiary changes made near the time of death, especially where there's evidence of undue influence, mental incapacity, or coercion. Courts will reverse unlawful changes.

My life insurance claim is being delayed—what are my options?
Unreasonable delays can be a form of bad faith. If the insurer stalls or asks for excessive documentation, we pressure them to act and, if necessary, file suit for additional damages.

How do insurers reclassify accidental deaths to avoid payouts?
They may claim the death was due to illness or a pre-existing condition. We work with experts and forensic records to prove it was accidental under the policy’s terms.

What if the insurance agent made a mistake on the application?
If the agent filled out forms incorrectly or failed to explain questions, the insurer may still be liable. We investigate agent conduct and hold insurers accountable for agent errors.

Can I sue for bad faith if the insurer acted unfairly in Kansas?
Yes. Kansas law allows you to sue for bad faith if the insurer denied your claim without proper justification. You may be entitled to the full benefit plus additional damages and legal fees.

Do suicide exclusions apply indefinitely in Kansas?
No. Suicide exclusions generally only apply within the first two years of the policy. If the policy was active longer than that, the insurer must pay unless other exclusions apply.

Does ERISA govern life insurance through Kansas employers?
In most cases, yes. Employer-provided life insurance is usually governed by ERISA, meaning federal rules apply. We handle both ERISA and non-ERISA claims across Kansas.

Can a policy be voided due to an undisclosed health condition?
Only if the omission was intentional and material to the underwriting process. Many claims are wrongly denied for conditions that had nothing to do with the cause of death.

What happens if no beneficiary is listed on the life insurance policy?
If the policy has no designated beneficiary, the payout usually goes to the estate. We help families navigate the probate process to claim the funds and prevent delays.

Can you contest a forged or falsified beneficiary form in Kansas?
Yes. If there’s any sign of forgery or manipulation, we can challenge the document and fight for the rightful beneficiary in court.

What if the insurer canceled the policy without proper notice?
Kansas law requires clear and timely notice before a policy can be canceled. If that notice was lacking, we may be able to reinstate the policy and recover the full death benefit.

Do union-sponsored life insurance policies have different rules?
They can. Union or association-backed life insurance plans may have different appeals processes or administrators. We’re familiar with those variations and know how to navigate them.

What if I’m a co-beneficiary—can I still get my share?
Yes. Even if another beneficiary is disputing or disqualified, we ensure your portion is protected and work to resolve conflicts involving shared payouts.

How do I file a claim if the insured disappeared but hasn’t been declared dead?
We can help initiate the legal process to obtain a declaration of death in Kansas, which is required before the claim can be paid. Once that’s done, we file the claim for you.

What deadlines apply to appeals of denied life insurance claims in Kansas?
If the policy is governed by ERISA, you may have as little as 60 days. Other policies vary. Contacting a lawyer immediately helps preserve your rights and deadlines.

Are life insurance payouts protected from creditors in Kansas?
Yes, in most cases. If a named beneficiary exists, the proceeds are typically exempt from creditors. If paid to the estate, however, they may be reachable in probate.

Can vague or unclear policy language be used to deny a claim?
Insurers often try to exploit unclear wording, but Kansas law requires ambiguous language to be interpreted in the beneficiary’s favor. We fight denials based on vague terms.

Can a lapsed policy still be paid if cancellation procedures weren’t followed?
Yes. If the insurer didn’t send proper notice or failed to apply grace periods, the policy may still be valid. We regularly win lapse-related denial cases.

Can a child be named as a life insurance beneficiary in Kansas?
Yes, but minors can't directly receive funds. A guardian or trust may be required. We assist families in setting up the right structure to protect the child's benefit.

What happens if multiple people say the insured promised them the payout?
Verbal promises don’t override written designations, but we can explore claims of fraud, undue influence, or constructive trust to recover benefits for the rightful party.

Are deaths during illegal acts excluded from Kansas life insurance policies?
Some policies have exclusions, but the act must be clearly linked to the death. We challenge denials based on overly broad or unproven allegations.

Can a claim be reopened after it’s been denied in Kansas?
Yes. Many denied claims can be appealed, disputed, or litigated—especially if new facts emerge or the original denial was unfair or unsupported.

2025 Kansas Denied Life Insurance Claims: settlements & verdicts

  • Mass Shooting life insurance claim denied $109,490.00
  • Chase Life coronavirus exclusion $40,300.00
  • SGLI claim denied beneficiary dispute $405,638.00
  • AD&D claim denial alcohol exclusion $523,000.00
  • Sentinel Life prescription drug denial $25,000.00
  • Whole Life felony exclusion crime $31,000.00
  • Paul Revere Life material misrepresentation $14,000.00
  • Great Southern Life heart attack death $125,000.00
  • All American Life incontestability period $50,000.00
  • Puritan Life alcohol and drug exclusions $88,000.00
  • AVMA Life sickness exclusion resolved $52,000.00
  • Colonial sickness exclusion settlement $212,400.00
  • ERISA appeal successfully resolved $119,000.00
  • Globe commission of a felony exclusion $109,200.00
  • Mutual autoerotic asphyxiation death $305,600.00
  • Prudential accidental death AD&D $519,300.00
  • Topeka interpleader lawsuit resolved $1,000,000.00
  • Kansas divorce and life insurance case $750,000.00
  • Central United prescription drug overdose $312,750.00
  • Denied SGLI claim disputed beneficiary $403,230.00
  • Kansas foreign death claim resolved $802,000.00
  • Overland Park competing claimants case $405,000.00
  • Kansas denied life insurance claim $925,500.00
  • Denied FEGLI claim settled quickly $407,300.00
  • AAA alcohol exclusion vehicle death $116,000.00
  • Federal denial material misrepresentation $309,150.00
  • Transamerica self-inflicted injury exclusion $129,340.00
  • Lawrence policy less than two years old medical $504,000.00
  • Denied AD&D claim felony exclusion resolved $690,000.00
  • Kansas City divorce court orders settlement $815,000.00
  • Olathe allegation of fraud successfully resolved $202,000.00
  • AIG contestable period medical records $142,000.00
  • Baltimore Life denial of benefits paid to our client $280,000.00
  • State Farm foreign death problem resolved $158,000.00
  • North American lapse in nursing home $180,000.00
  • Shawnee long delay due to medical records $103,000.00
  • Atlantic American delay for two years we resolved $260,000.00
  • RiverSource 2 year contestable period resolved $107,000.00
  • Denied life insurance claim Kansas $1,350,000.00
  • Wichita mistake on the application $640,000.00
  • Guarantee Trust interpleader case $250,000.00
  • Kansas bad faith life insurance case $714,000.00
  • SGLI beneficiary dispute ex-wife $400,000.00

In Kansas, life insurance is essential for providing financial security to families in the event of a loved one's death. However, even with the peace of mind that insurance promises, many policyholders find themselves facing claim denials that can be both financially and emotionally distressing. While some reasons for these denials—such as missed premiums or misrepresentation during the application process—are relatively well-known, there are several lesser-known or more complex reasons why insurance companies like Reliance Standard, MetLife, and AIG might deny a claim. Understanding these uncommon causes can help Kansas residents navigate the intricacies of life insurance and protect their rights as beneficiaries.

One of the lesser-known reasons for life insurance claim denial in Kansas involves the condition of the policyholder’s mental health at the time of application or death. Insurers such as Lincoln Heritage, Transamerica, and Banner often include clauses that can complicate claims if the insured person had a history of mental illness or psychiatric conditions. This is particularly true if the insured did not fully disclose their mental health history during the application process. While life insurance companies in Kansas are prohibited from denying coverage outright based on mental health conditions alone, the situation becomes more complicated if the insured’s death is a result of a mental health-related issue that was not disclosed. For instance, if an individual died by suicide, the insurance company may invoke a clause that excludes suicide within the first two years of the policy (a contestability period), especially if the insured had a known history of mental health disorders. Even if suicide is not the cause of death, insurers may still deny claims based on non-disclosure of psychiatric conditions that would have influenced the underwriting process. Kansas residents should ensure they disclose all health-related information, including mental health issues, to avoid complications later on.

Another uncommon reason for denial is linked to the insured's participation in risky recreational activities or high-risk hobbies. While most people are aware that extreme sports or hazardous activities such as skydiving or scuba diving could void their life insurance policy, it’s important to note that even some less extreme hobbies may fall into this category. Insurance companies like American National, Reliastar, and Foresters often include exclusions for death resulting from activities deemed too risky, including things like horseback riding, rock climbing, or even traveling to countries with high levels of civil unrest or unstable governments. These exclusions can be particularly problematic if the policyholder’s death is not directly tied to a high-risk activity, but if the activity contributed in some way to the fatal incident. For example, if a Kansas policyholder were injured during a routine hike, but the injury was worsened due to their previous participation in risky behavior (such as bungee jumping), the insurer may argue that the insured person put themselves in harm’s way and use this as a reason to deny the claim. Kansas residents should carefully review their policies to identify any exclusions related to high-risk hobbies, especially if they regularly participate in activities that could be categorized as dangerous.

An even more uncommon reason for denial in Kansas is related to disputes regarding the legitimacy of the beneficiary designation. Companies such as Prudential, State Farm, and Transamerica generally handle claims smoothly when the beneficiary is clear and undisputed, but complications can arise when there is uncertainty regarding who should receive the benefits. This could occur if the policyholder failed to update their beneficiary information after a significant life change, such as a divorce, remarriage, or the birth of a child. If the policyholder’s ex-spouse remains listed as the beneficiary but a new spouse or family member believes they should be the rightful recipient, the insurance company may delay or deny the claim until the dispute is resolved. It is critical for policyholders in Kansas to review and update their beneficiary designations regularly to avoid these kinds of complications. Additionally, a life insurance company may deny a claim if the beneficiary is found to be in conflict with other designated individuals or if the legitimacy of the beneficiary is questioned due to fraud or a lack of proper legal documentation.

Another unusual denial reason comes into play when an insurer challenges the cause of death itself, particularly in cases where the insured’s death is sudden or unexplained. Life insurance providers such as Globe Life, Symetra, and AIG may conduct a detailed investigation if there are any inconsistencies regarding the cause of death. In instances where an autopsy is required to determine the exact cause, or if the death occurred under circumstances that the insurer finds unusual or suspicious, there could be a delay or denial of the claim while the investigation is carried out. This is often the case if the death is sudden, occurs in an unusual manner, or the cause of death is ambiguous, leaving the insurer with questions about whether it aligns with the terms of the policy. This kind of denial is rare but can be particularly distressing for families, as it might involve a lengthy investigation that causes additional stress and uncertainty. Kansas residents should be prepared for the possibility of delays in these situations, especially if the death was unexpected or there is a lack of clarity about what happened.

In Kansas, a life insurance claim may also be denied due to the insured’s prior history of drug or alcohol abuse, especially if the abuse was not disclosed during the application process. Insurance providers such as Lincoln Financial, Nationwide, and Reliastar will sometimes review the deceased’s medical history and lifestyle behaviors before approving a claim, and if there is evidence that the insured had been using illegal substances or had a history of alcohol dependency, they may deny the claim if it is determined that these factors contributed to the death. This can apply even if the insured did not die directly from an overdose but rather from a related incident, such as an accident or injury that occurred under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For example, if an insured individual died in a car accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the insurer may argue that the death was directly related to the policyholder’s substance use and could invoke a clause excluding coverage for deaths linked to intoxication. Kansas residents with a history of substance use should be particularly careful when applying for life insurance and disclose this information to avoid complications with claims in the future.

In some cases, life insurance claims are denied in Kansas due to discrepancies or miscommunication between the policyholder’s medical records and the details they provided during the application process. This situation, while uncommon, can arise when the insured has a history of medical treatment or hospitalizations that was not fully disclosed or documented in the application. Insurance companies like USAA, American General, and MetLife may choose to deny a claim if they discover that important details about the policyholder’s health were left out or were misrepresented, especially if the death is related to an undisclosed condition. For instance, if a policyholder had a history of heart disease or cancer but failed to report this on their application, the insurer could claim that they were misled about the individual’s medical history, thus denying the claim. It’s important for Kansas residents to keep their health records up to date and to be honest and thorough when disclosing medical information to life insurance companies.

A less frequent but still possible reason for a denial in Kansas is the failure to comply with specific administrative requirements. Life insurance companies like Sagicor, Anthem, and Foresters may require specific documents to be submitted in order to process the claim, such as a death certificate, proof of identity, or other legal paperwork. If the claimant fails to provide the necessary documents or if they miss deadlines, this can delay or even result in a denial of the claim. This issue is more common in the aftermath of an unexpected death when beneficiaries are unsure about what paperwork needs to be submitted. Kansas residents should make sure they understand exactly what documentation is required by their insurer and submit it in a timely manner to avoid unnecessary delays or denials.

Lastly, in some rare cases, the cause of death might involve the policyholder’s participation in illegal or fraudulent activities that can lead to a claim denial. If an insured person dies while engaging in criminal behavior, such as committing a robbery or participating in organized crime, life insurance providers like AIG, Transamerica, and MetLife may refuse to pay out the death benefit, arguing that the cause of death was directly related to illegal conduct. In these instances, even if the insured’s family members were unaware of their involvement in criminal activities, the life insurance company may still invoke an exclusion clause that removes coverage in cases of illegal conduct.

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