Life Insurance Lawyer Maine

Experienced Life Insurance Lawyers Maine: The Lassen Law Firm Handling life insurance claims in Maine can be challenging, especially when faced with denied benefits or bad faith insurance practices. At The Lassen Law Firm, we’re dedicated to assisting clients across the Pine Tree State in recovering the payouts they deserve. Whether you’re in Portland Maine, Lewiston, Bangor, Auburn, or anywhere else in Maine, we’re here to provide trusted legal expertise and personalized support.

With a nationwide presence, our life insurance attorneys have successfully recovered hundreds of millions in policies for our clients. At The Lassen Law Firm, we combine experience, dedication, and relentless advocacy to ensure justice for every individual and family. 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.

Maine denied life insurance claims: answers to common questions

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

You should immediately contact a top Maine life insurance lawyer. Denied claims can often be overturned with the right legal strategy, especially when insurers rely on technicalities or vague policy language.

What happens if I was served with a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in Maine?

You must act quickly. Interpleader lawsuits place the death benefit with the court while beneficiaries dispute who is entitled. Without an experienced life insurance attorney, you could forfeit your rights.

Can a life insurance claim be denied in Maine due to a policy lapse?

Yes, but these denials are often challenged. If the insurer failed to provide adequate lapse notice or if the death occurred during a grace period, the policy may still be enforceable.

Is misrepresentation on an application enough for a denial in Maine?

Not always. The insurer must prove the misrepresentation was material and intentional. If the incorrect information had no bearing on the risk or cause of death, our lawyers can fight the denial.

Can an AD&D claim be denied if the insurer says it wasn’t an accident?

Yes, but we frequently challenge these denials. Insurers often misclassify accidental deaths as natural. With medical and legal evidence, we help prove accidental causes to recover full benefits.

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

Yes. Under Maine law, a divorce generally nullifies an ex-spouse’s beneficiary status. We handle these disputes frequently.

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

No, Maine is not a community property state. However, spousal rights can still come into play based on how the policy was funded or the terms of a divorce decree.

What should I do if the denial cites the contestability period in Maine?

Contestability applies during the first two years. Even then, the insurer must show a material misstatement. We investigate and dispute weak contestability denials regularly.

Can alcohol use lead to a denied life insurance claim in Maine?

Yes, some policies have alcohol exclusions. However, we analyze the policy language and causation closely. If alcohol wasn't the primary cause or if exclusions are vague, we fight the denial.

What if I got a denial letter referencing Maine state law?

Insurers often misapply or misinterpret state laws. We review the denial against actual legal standards and frequently identify ways to contest the decision.

What life insurance companies deny the most claims in Maine?

New York Life in Bangor, F.A. Peabody Life, and American Income Life in Bangor are known for denying a high volume of claims.

Can the insurer delay a payout without a valid reason?

No. Maine law requires timely payment. If the insurer delays without justification, we can file a bad faith lawsuit for interest, penalties, and attorney's fees.

Can a life insurance claim be denied due to foreign death?

Yes, especially if the policy has travel or foreign death exclusions. We handle international claim denials and work with foreign officials to obtain required proof.

What if the insured failed to disclose a health condition?

If the omission wasn’t intentional or related to the death, the insurer may not be able to deny the claim. We evaluate the application and cause of death closely.

Can I fight a denial due to an excluded activity like scuba diving?

Yes. Many exclusions are vague or misapplied. If the activity was not clearly excluded or if causation is unclear, we can challenge the denial.

Is a beneficiary change before death valid in Maine?

Only if the insured had capacity and the change followed policy procedures. We investigate and challenge last-minute or suspicious changes.

What if the agent made an error on the application?

If the agent filled in incorrect answers or misrepresented information, the insurer may still be liable. We hold insurers accountable for agent mistakes.

Can a will override a life insurance beneficiary in Maine?

No. The named beneficiary receives the payout regardless of a conflicting will. We handle disputes where beneficiaries challenge or defend designations.

What happens if there’s no beneficiary on record?

The benefit may go to the estate or be distributed under Maine’s intestacy laws. We help rightful heirs assert claims in these cases.

Can a minor child receive life insurance money in Maine?

Yes, but a guardian or custodian must manage the funds. We assist families with probate court filings and disputes involving minors.

Can a claim be denied due to felony involvement in the death?

Yes, but the insurer must prove the felony directly caused the death. These exclusions are strictly interpreted, and we challenge many of them.

Can life insurance proceeds be taken by creditors in Maine?

Generally, no. Proceeds go directly to the named beneficiary and are protected from creditors. We help enforce these protections.

How does an interpleader affect my rights in Maine?

It places the money with the court and forces you to defend your claim. Our attorneys ensure you're properly represented and don’t lose out due to legal procedure.

Can ERISA life insurance claims be appealed in Maine?

Yes, but you only get one administrative appeal. We handle ERISA appeals with thorough legal and medical support to overturn bad faith denials.

What if I was a contingent beneficiary and the primary died?

You likely inherit the benefit, but proof may be required. We help clients assert their rights as successor beneficiaries.

Can a claim be denied because of a mistake in the beneficiary form?

Possibly. We investigate these cases to determine if the error invalidates the form. Often, courts will still honor the insured’s intent.

Can someone challenge a beneficiary designation due to undue influence?

Yes. If the designation was made under pressure, coercion, or fraud, we can ask the court to void it.

How long does the insurer have to pay a life insurance claim in Maine?

Generally, insurers must pay promptly upon receipt of all required documents. Unreasonable delays can lead to penalties.

Can I file a bad faith lawsuit in Maine for wrongful denial?

Yes. If the denial lacks merit, you may recover more than the policy amount, including attorney's fees and damages.

Can I collect partial benefits if I'm one of multiple beneficiaries?

Yes. If you're a named co-beneficiary, you are entitled to your share. We assist with disputes over benefit division.

What if the insured disappeared and was declared dead?

Maine allows for legal presumption of death after absence. We help families obtain court declarations and pursue claims.

Can group life insurance claims be denied differently than individual ones?

Yes. Group policies, especially under ERISA, follow different rules. We know how to appeal both types of claims.

Can someone not named as a beneficiary ever get the life insurance money?

Rarely, but in cases of fraud or if the named beneficiary is disqualified, courts may award benefits to alternate parties.

Can you reopen a denied claim in Maine after some time?

Often yes. As long as the statute of limitations hasn't passed, we can reopen claims and pursue your rightful benefits.

What if the life insurance policy was part of a union plan?

Union-sponsored life insurance may have additional rules. We help navigate union claim processes and challenge improper denials.

Can a surviving spouse claim benefits if not listed on the policy?

Only under limited circumstances. If community funds paid the premiums or there's a legal entitlement, we may pursue a claim on their behalf.

What if the insurer is requesting unnecessary documents?

Insurers sometimes request excessive paperwork to delay payments. We intervene to demand action and prevent bad faith tactics.

Does Maine have laws protecting life insurance beneficiaries?

Yes. State law offers protections against improper denials, beneficiary fraud, and delayed payments. We use these laws to win for our clients.

2025 Maine Denied Life Insurance Claims: settlements & verdicts

• Mutual Security Life coronavirus denial $203,000.00
• Mass shooting death denial $150,000.00
• Inter-American Life COVID-19 denied $105,000.00
• Denied SGLI claim change in beneficiary $406,400.00
• Ameriprise wrong age on application $30,000.00
• Executive Life power of attorney change $77,000.00
• First Capital Life felony exclusion claim $128,000.00
• Iowa Farm Life suicide gun accident won $175,000.00
• American Standard Life alcohol exclusion $202,500.00
• FG Life lapse of policy two month time $31,000.00
• NEA Life chronic illness exclusion won $10,000.00

• Globe denial material misrepresentation $109,250.00
• Iowa Farm Life denial of benefits resolved $502,000.00
• SGLI claim wife and ex dispute won $400,000.00
• American General suicide exclusion $213,800.00
• Equitable nonpayment of premium $103,000.00
• Denial of FEGLI claim benefits won $409,300.00
• Lewiston interpleader lawsuit resolved $740,000.00
• Maine denied life insurance claim $921,500.00
• FEGLI appeal resolved in three weeks $154,000.00
• Denied AD&D claim suicide case won $920,000.00
• Biddeford long delay of benefits obtained $950,000.00
• Auburn Maine material misrepresentation $821,000.00
• AIG divorce ex-spouse against spouse $319,300.00
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment $750,000.00
• Hartford drug exclusion opioid death $204,650.00
• Bangor divorce settlement court order $350,000.00
• AIG interpleader beneficiary dispute $560,000.00
• Prudential denial of AD&D policy $526,000.00
• ERISA appeal life insurance benefits $144,000.00
• Denied life insurance claim Maine $815,300.00
• New Jersey Life denial of benefits $270,000.00
• USAA Life dispute among family $720,000.00
• Standard autoerotic asphyxiation $320,000.00
• Reliance Standard sickness exclusion $210,000.00
• Maine divorce settlement life insurance $500,000.00
• Portland ambiguous language resolved $911,000.00
• Gerber denial felony exclusion $106,000.00

In Maine, life insurance is an essential safety net for families, offering a financial cushion when an insured person passes away. However, there are situations where life insurance claims are denied, and it’s important for residents to understand the less common reasons behind these denials. While most people are familiar with the traditional reasons, such as missed premium payments or misrepresentation on the application, other more obscure factors can also lead to a claim being rejected. Companies like Globe Life, Symetra, and AIG may deny claims for reasons that are less widely recognized but still impact the payout process. Additionally, disputes between beneficiaries or complex legal issues can add another layer of difficulty for survivors. Maine residents need to be aware of these challenges to ensure their loved ones aren’t left in a vulnerable position when filing a claim.

One reason for denial that may surprise policyholders in Maine is what’s known as “lack of insurable interest.” While it’s common knowledge that life insurance beneficiaries typically need to have a close relationship with the insured, such as being a spouse or dependent, this isn’t always the case. Insurers like MetLife, Reliastar, and American General may challenge a claim if they determine that the beneficiary did not have an insurable interest in the life of the insured. This could occur in cases where the beneficiary is a distant relative, a business partner, or someone with no clear financial dependency on the insured’s life. Even if the beneficiary is listed on the policy, the insurance company might claim that the beneficiary had no legitimate reason to be named, and this could lead to a denial of the claim. This is particularly concerning for Maine residents who might not fully understand the implications of insurable interest or assume that a will or informal arrangement overrides the insurance company’s rules.

Another less common but significant reason for denial comes into play when the insured’s death occurs under “suspicious circumstances.” Insurers like Prudential, Banner, and Securian may reject claims if there’s evidence suggesting the insured’s death was not accidental, natural, or due to an event covered under the policy. For instance, if the death occurs in circumstances that appear suspicious or involve potential foul play, the insurer might delay the payout or refuse to honor the claim until further investigation is completed. Even when there’s no criminal investigation, the insurance company may conduct its own internal review to determine if there was any intentional self-harm, fraud, or reckless behavior involved in the insured’s passing. This can happen in cases where the policyholder's death was the result of a high-risk hobby, such as skydiving or scuba diving, which the insurance company may not have been made aware of. The company may argue that the policyholder’s involvement in these activities constituted a breach of the policy’s terms and conditions, and the death should be considered outside the scope of coverage.

A particularly tricky situation arises when there is a dispute over the interpretation of policy language, especially around exclusions. Life insurance policies often contain specific exclusions for causes of death that may seem unclear to the average person. For example, policies issued by companies such as Lincoln Financial, USAA, and Transamerica may have clauses that exclude deaths resulting from acts of war, civil unrest, or even certain forms of terrorism. In Maine, where the proximity to international borders and the unpredictability of certain natural events might lead to a broader interpretation of these clauses, claims could be denied if the insured dies in an event considered an act of terrorism or a war-related incident. Even if the cause of death was not directly related to combat or warfare, some insurers might argue that the policyholder’s death occurred in an environment that posed excessive risk, and they would refuse to payout based on those terms. These exclusions are often buried in the fine print of the policy, and policyholders may not realize how they affect their coverage until it’s too late.

A rare but nonetheless important reason for denial relates to “pre-existing conditions.” While most people are aware that insurers may not cover deaths related to pre-existing conditions within the first two years of a policy, it’s less widely known that some insurers will scrutinize the policyholder's medical history more deeply, even after the contestability period has passed. Companies like Globe Life, Reliance Standard, and MassMutual may deny claims if they discover that the insured had an undisclosed medical condition or prior treatment that directly contributed to their death, even years after the policy was issued. For instance, if an insured person failed to disclose their history of heart disease, and the cause of death was a related heart attack, the insurer might argue that the original underwriting process was misled, and deny the claim. This issue can create confusion and tension for beneficiaries, especially when they believe the death was unrelated to any pre-existing conditions, only to find that their loved one’s medical history was more significant than originally thought.

In Maine, one of the less common reasons for claim denial that can leave families in a tough spot involves “misrepresentation of lifestyle or occupation.” Life insurance companies like AIG, New York Life, and Foresters often ask policyholders about their work and personal habits, especially if the insured is employed in high-risk jobs or engages in dangerous activities like rock climbing, deep-sea diving, or hazardous construction work. If the policyholder fails to disclose this information when applying for insurance, the company may later use that omission as grounds for denying a claim if the death was in any way linked to those activities. For example, if a policyholder who works in a high-risk occupation like offshore drilling or as a stunt performer dies while engaged in a work-related accident, the insurance company could claim that the insured had an obligation to inform them of the risk associated with their occupation. The omission could result in the policy being voided or the claim being denied. This situation highlights the importance of full transparency when filling out a life insurance application.

Beneficiary disputes can also complicate the life insurance claims process in Maine. Even when the insured has clearly designated a beneficiary in their policy, it is not uncommon for relatives or others to contest the choice, especially if there are changes made to the beneficiary designation shortly before the death. For example, an ex-spouse might challenge the claim, arguing that they were the rightful beneficiary, or a family member could claim that they were the one who should have received the benefits, not the policyholder’s new partner. Disputes over beneficiary designations often result in lengthy legal battles, and life insurance companies such as Lincoln Heritage, Hartford Life, and Symetra might be left with no choice but to hold the payout until the dispute is resolved.

In these cases, the insurer may file what’s known as an interpleader lawsuit. An interpleader is a legal action taken by the insurance company when they are uncertain about the rightful recipient of the death benefit. By filing an interpleader, insurers like Securian, Reliastar, and Transamerica ask the court to determine which party should receive the death benefit. While this legal process is meant to protect the insurer from being caught in the middle of a dispute, it often delays the payout, leaving the beneficiaries without the support they need. The process can drag on for months or even years, causing financial and emotional strain on the family while the legal system sorts out who has the legal right to the policy proceeds.

Finally, in some cases, a life insurance claim may be delayed or denied because of an issue with the insured’s mental health history. Insurance companies like MassMutual, Protective Life, and State Farm may deny claims if it is discovered that the insured had a history of mental health issues, such as depression, suicidal thoughts, or bipolar disorder, which they failed to disclose during the underwriting process. If a death occurs under circumstances that suggest mental health issues were a contributing factor, the insurer may argue that the policyholder was at greater risk of dying prematurely due to these undisclosed conditions. This denial could be especially challenging for beneficiaries, as it might not be clear until after the death that the insured’s mental health history was a significant factor in the decision to deny the claim.

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