Life Insurance Lawyer Louisiana

Trusted Life Insurance Lawyers Louisiana: The Lassen Law Firm Life insurance claims in Louisiana can present unique challenges, especially when dealing with denied benefits or delayed payouts. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are committed to helping individuals and families across the Pelican State secure the benefits they rightfully deserve. From New Orleans to Baton Rouge, Shreveport to Lafayette, and every community in between, our team is here to provide expert legal representation. 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.

Louisiana denied life insurance claims: answers to common questions

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

Denied claims are often based on weak or improper reasoning. You should contact a top Louisiana life insurance lawyer immediately to review the denial, identify any legal errors, and pursue a reversal through appeal or litigation.

What are the most common reasons life insurance claims get denied in Louisiana?

Common reasons include alleged misrepresentations, lapse in payment, exclusions like suicide or alcohol use, and deaths during excluded activities. Each of these can often be challenged with the help of a skilled attorney.

What should I do if I was named in a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in Louisiana?

You need to act fast. Interpleader lawsuits place the funds with the court while competing claims are resolved. Without legal representation, you could lose your share of the benefit or miss deadlines.

Can a life insurance claim be denied if the insured died in an accident involving alcohol?

Insurers often cite alcohol exclusions in accident-related deaths. However, these clauses must be explicit and causally linked to the death. Our attorneys regularly challenge alcohol-related denials in Louisiana.

What happens if the policy lapsed due to missed payments before the insured’s death?

If the insurer failed to provide proper notice or the death occurred during a grace period, the policy may still be enforceable. We review payment history and notice procedures to fight unjust lapse-based denials.

Is it true that a misrepresentation on the life insurance application voids the policy?

Not always. The misstatement must be material and intentional to justify denial. If it had no impact on the risk or was unrelated to the cause of death, we may be able to reverse the denial.

Can Louisiana insurers deny life insurance claims based on vague policy language?

Louisiana law requires that ambiguities in life insurance policies be interpreted in favor of the insured. If the terms used to deny your claim are unclear or conflicting, we will challenge the decision in court.

What should I do if the claim was denied under the policy’s contestability period?

Even during the first two years of the policy, insurers must prove a material and intentional misstatement. We have extensive experience overturning these denials and enforcing valid claims.

Does Louisiana law revoke an ex-spouse’s beneficiary designation after divorce?

Yes, under Louisiana law, unless the policyholder reaffirmed the ex-spouse after the divorce, their designation is presumed revoked. We assist clients in asserting or defending against these claims.

Is Louisiana a community property state and does that affect life insurance payouts?

Yes. If the premiums were paid with community funds, the surviving spouse may be entitled to half the policy proceeds—even if not named as a beneficiary. We frequently handle community property disputes.

How can a life insurance lawyer help with a denied claim in Louisiana?

We investigate policy language, gather medical and legal evidence, and file appeals or lawsuits when needed. Whether it’s a group plan or individual policy, we know how to fight wrongful denials.

Can a will change who receives life insurance proceeds in Louisiana?

No. The life insurance policy controls. A will cannot override the named beneficiary. However, in cases of fraud or undue influence, we can challenge the designation in court.

What if the insured died outside the U.S. and the insurance company won’t pay?

Foreign death claims are often denied for vague reasons or missing documentation. We obtain the required records and fight exclusions related to international travel or overseas deaths.

Are ERISA life insurance denials different in Louisiana?

Yes. ERISA governs most employer-provided policies. These claims follow strict appeal timelines and procedures. Our attorneys specialize in handling ERISA appeals and lawsuits throughout Louisiana.

Can I dispute a claim where the insurer says the death wasn’t accidental?

Absolutely. Insurers often argue the death was from natural causes to avoid paying AD&D claims. We work with forensic experts to prove the death qualifies as accidental.

What if the insured had a medical condition they didn’t disclose?

The insurer must show the condition was material and knowingly withheld. If the omission was minor or unrelated to the death, we can challenge the denial.

What if multiple people claim to be the rightful beneficiary?

This often leads to an interpleader action. We represent clients in these disputes to prove valid designations or challenge changes based on fraud or undue influence.

What can be done if the beneficiary was changed just before death?

Last-minute changes can be challenged if there’s evidence of manipulation, mental incapacity, or coercion. We investigate the circumstances and file suit if needed.

How long does the insurance company have to pay a valid claim in Louisiana?

Insurers must pay promptly after receiving all required documents. Unjustified delays may constitute bad faith, and we can sue for penalties in addition to the policy benefit.

What happens if there was no named beneficiary on the policy?

The proceeds may go to the estate or follow Louisiana’s intestacy laws. We help families determine who is legally entitled and ensure the claim is processed properly.

Can a minor child be a beneficiary of a life insurance policy in Louisiana?

Yes, but a guardian or custodian must be appointed to manage the funds. We assist families with court procedures and disputes involving minors as beneficiaries.

Are life insurance payouts in Louisiana protected from creditors?

Generally, yes. If a beneficiary is named, the proceeds are shielded from the insured’s creditors. If the estate is the recipient, creditors may have access. We help protect beneficiaries' rights.

What happens if the policy was issued through a union or trade association?

Union-sponsored policies may involve different rules and appeal procedures. We handle union-related life insurance denials and appeals throughout the state.

What if the insured disappeared and was never found?

Louisiana allows a legal presumption of death after a period of disappearance. We help families get court declarations and pursue life insurance payouts based on presumed death.

What’s the process for appealing a denied claim in Louisiana?

First, we gather all documentation, evaluate the denial letter, and file a detailed appeal. If that fails, we file a lawsuit. Each step has strict deadlines, so contact us immediately after a denial.

What if the insurance company says a felony was involved in the death?

Felony exclusions require proof that the insured was committing a felony at the time of death and that it directly caused the death. We often contest these findings and win.

Can a creditor of the beneficiary claim the life insurance money?

Generally not, unless the proceeds are comingled or the policy names the estate. We advise clients on how to protect benefits from creditors in these situations.

Can someone challenge a life insurance designation due to fraud?

Yes. If a signature was forged or the insured was mentally incapacitated at the time of the change, the designation can be contested. We gather medical and legal evidence to support these claims.

What if the policy was canceled for non-payment but the insured never got a notice?

Louisiana law requires proper notice before cancellation. If the insurer failed to comply, the policy may still be valid. We file suits to reinstate policies wrongfully canceled.

Can a surviving spouse sue if excluded from the life insurance payout?

In a community property state like Louisiana, the spouse may be entitled to half the benefit if community funds paid for the policy. We litigate these disputes on behalf of spouses.

What should I do if the insurer claims the death occurred during a high-risk activity?

Policies often exclude skydiving, racing, and similar events. We evaluate whether the exclusion was properly written and applied, and challenge denials when possible.

What if the agent made a mistake on the life insurance application?

If the agent filled in incorrect information or failed to explain questions, the insurer may still be liable. We investigate the agent’s conduct and hold companies accountable.

Can the insurer deny a claim after accepting premiums for years?

Only under certain conditions, such as fraud or lapse. But if the company kept accepting payments without enforcing exclusions, we can argue waiver or estoppel and recover benefits.

What if the insurer is demanding too many documents before paying?

While insurers can ask for documentation, excessive or irrelevant demands can be delay tactics. We step in to ensure compliance while pushing for timely payout.

Can I file a bad faith lawsuit against a Louisiana life insurance company?

Yes. If the insurer denies or delays payment without a valid reason, you may be entitled to penalties, interest, attorney’s fees, and even punitive damages.

Can a beneficiary be disqualified if found to have caused the insured’s death?

Yes. Louisiana’s “slayer rule” prevents a beneficiary from profiting from their wrongdoing. We assist in removing disqualified beneficiaries and redirecting proceeds to rightful heirs.

What should I do if I was named as a secondary beneficiary and the primary has died?

If the primary beneficiary predeceased the insured, you may now be entitled to the benefit. We help prove your standing and file the necessary documents to claim the payout.

2025 Louisiana Denied Life Insurance Claims: settlements & verdicts

• Farmers Life COVID-19 denial $202,000.00
• SGLI beneficiary dispute won $411,000.00
• American General coronavirus denied $50,000.00
• VA Life felony exclusion resolved $405,200.00
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment $803,000.00
• Brighthouse Financial misrepresentation $20,000.00
• National Life sickness exclusion resolved $75,000.00
• Denied FEGLI claim that was resolved $138,000.00
• AD&D claim denial due to drugs won $920,000.00
• Mass shooting felony denial $300,000.00
• Summit National power of attorney change $44,000.00

• Primerica interpleader dispute lawsuit $306,200.00
• Shooting denial of benefits $298,000.00
• Continental nonpayment of premium $111,640.00
• Shreveport accidental death and dismemberment $709,000.00
• FEGLI appeal successful quick resolution $153,000.00
• Bossier City delay due to medical issue $366,000.00
• American General denial AD&D accidental death $415,000.00
• Guardian self-inflicted injury exclusion $258,000.00
• Standard sickness exclusion settlement $114,900.00
• Denied SGLI claim quick resolution $405,300.00
• Louisiana denied life insurance claim $873,000.00
• SGLI competing beneficiaries action $400,000.00
• OneAmerica denial of life benefits won $501,300.00
• Baton Rouge dangerous activity exclusion $528,000.00
• Denied FEGLI claim avoiding litigation $407,900.00
• ERISA appeal life insurance benefits won $107,000.00
• Monroe three exclusions overcome here $416,000.00
• Denied AD&D claim felony exclusion $1,000,000.00
• Lafayette ambiguous language won $791,000.00
• Met life AD&D denied accidental death $512,790.00
• John Hancock divorce beneficiary resolved $239,000.00
• Stabbing death denial of benefits $304,600.00
• FEGLI appeal success in less than a week $159,000.00
• Liberty National exclusion for drug overdose $116,000.00
• New Orleans material misrepresentation application $923,000.00
• Union National autoerotic asphyxiation $152,000.00
• Lake Charles life beneficiary dispute $1,000,000.00
• Denied life insurance claim Louisiana $518,500.00
• AETNA beneficiary dispute interpleader $220,350.00

One significant but lesser-known reason for denial involves the concept of “incontestability,” which is a clause present in many life insurance policies. This provision states that after a policy has been in force for a certain period, usually two years, the insurance company cannot contest or void the policy based on misrepresentation or omission in the initial application. However, companies like AIG, MassMutual, and Nationwide sometimes invoke exceptions to this rule. For instance, if the insured passes away due to a cause that was directly related to fraud or intentional misrepresentation, the insurer may argue that the policy is void, even after the incontestability period. This issue may arise when an insured individual is found to have intentionally concealed dangerous lifestyle choices, such as smoking or engaging in high-risk activities, and this is later discovered after the death. Insurers like Transamerica, Symetra, and Lincoln Financial may seek to challenge the claim if they believe the death occurred due to these unreported actions, which might be considered “material misrepresentations.” This rare occurrence leaves beneficiaries with a complicated legal battle ahead if they hope to secure the life insurance payout.

Another less common reason for life insurance denial in Louisiana is the occurrence of what’s called a “lapse in coverage.” While many people understand that missing premium payments can result in a policy lapse, the specific circumstances surrounding this event can vary. For example, if an individual moves or changes their billing address and the insurance company is not notified, payment notices may not be received, leading to an unintentional lapse in coverage. Similarly, companies such as Prudential, Reliastar, and American General can deny a claim if the beneficiary fails to provide proof that the policyholder paid their premiums right up until the time of death. Even though the insured might have intended to maintain coverage, a missed payment that went unnoticed by either party could result in a denial. This issue becomes even more complicated if the insured passed away shortly after a missed payment or if the beneficiary did not keep track of the renewal dates or changes in payment details. In these cases, the grieving family might find themselves locked in a dispute over whether the policy was in force when the insured died.

One more rare but important reason for claim denial is what is referred to as the "criminal activity exclusion." Insurers such as Lincoln Heritage, USAA, and Banner Life might refuse to pay out a claim if the policyholder’s death resulted from engaging in criminal activity at the time of their death. This can include involvement in a robbery, assault, or other illegal activities. The reasoning behind this is based on the principle that life insurance should not benefit someone who deliberately engaged in high-risk or unlawful behavior. In Louisiana, where communities are often affected by crime, the risk of a life insurance claim being denied on these grounds is an issue that policyholders may overlook. Even in cases where the insured's death appears accidental or unrelated to criminal activity, insurers might still investigate whether the individual’s actions were part of a criminal event or if they had previously been involved in illegal activities that led to their death. This exclusion can be particularly devastating for beneficiaries, as it adds complexity to the claim process and often leads to lengthy disputes.

Another issue that can arise in Louisiana is when an insurer uses "lack of insurable interest" to deny a claim. This occurs when the beneficiary named in the policy does not have a legitimate financial interest in the life of the insured. This situation can arise when someone who is not related to the insured or does not have a close financial connection to them is listed as the beneficiary. Life insurance companies such as Globe Life, Foresters, and Protective Life may argue that the beneficiary has no right to receive the death benefit because they have not suffered a financial loss due to the insured's death. The “insurable interest” requirement is intended to prevent individuals from purchasing life insurance policies on strangers in order to profit from their death. This can become a gray area if the beneficiary is not immediately recognized as having an insurable interest, and the insurer may seek legal action to dispute the claim.

Additionally, beneficiary disputes can arise, particularly in cases where there is a disagreement over who should rightfully receive the death benefit. In Louisiana, it’s not uncommon for family members or other parties to challenge the validity of the named beneficiary, especially in the wake of a sudden death. For example, an ex-spouse might claim the right to the death benefit, arguing that the beneficiary designation on the policy is outdated and should be replaced with the ex-spouse’s name. In situations like these, even if the policyholder had verbally indicated their intention to change the beneficiary, the absence of proper documentation can lead to conflict. Some insurance companies, such as Reliance Standard, The Hartford, and Securian, have seen claims delayed or denied due to disputes among family members regarding the rightful beneficiary. These disputes often require legal intervention, and it can take months or even years for a final determination to be made, delaying the much-needed financial support for the surviving family members.

In these situations, insurance companies may file a life insurance "interpleader" lawsuit. This occurs when the insurer is unsure who the rightful beneficiary is and asks the court to determine who should receive the benefits. Companies like Lincoln Financial, MetLife, and Allianz are known for taking this route when they receive conflicting claims from multiple parties. These interpleader lawsuits can prolong the payout process and create an additional layer of stress for the family members already grieving their loss. While the company is technically not denying the claim, they are not providing a payout until the court resolves the dispute. In some instances, this legal procedure can delay the disbursement of funds for months, if not longer, leading to significant frustration for those relying on the payout to cover final expenses and other costs.

One of the more rare reasons for denial involves the insured’s activities during the application process. If the policyholder has intentionally misrepresented their lifestyle or occupation, it may lead to a refusal of the claim, especially if the insured was involved in dangerous activities that they failed to disclose. Life insurance providers like American Family, Erie, and Kemper may consider engaging in certain high-risk occupations—such as working in hazardous conditions or in dangerous industries like construction or oil drilling—as grounds for denying a claim if the individual did not fully disclose this during the underwriting process. Even if the insured’s death wasn’t directly linked to their job, life insurance companies may argue that their risky occupation contributed to the overall risk, and they could deny the claim based on non-disclosure.

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