Life Insurance Lawyer Maryland

Trusted Life Insurance Lawyers Maryland: The Lassen Law Firm Life insurance claims in Maryland can be challenging, especially when dealing with denied payouts or bad faith practices. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are here to fight for individuals and families across the Old Line State, ensuring they recover the benefits they rightfully deserve. Whether you’re in Baltimore, Frederick, Rockville MD, Silver Spring, or anywhere else in Maryland, we provide trusted legal expertise tailored to your needs.

As life insurance attorneys handling cases nationwide, we have recovered hundreds of millions in policies for our clients. At The Lassen Law Firm, we combine deep experience, relentless advocacy, and personalized care to deliver justice 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.

Maryland denied life insurance claims: answers to common questions

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

You should immediately contact a top Maryland life insurance lawyer. Denied claims can often be reversed if challenged correctly, particularly when based on vague policy language or technical denials.

What if I’ve been served with a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in Maryland?

Don’t delay. These lawsuits mean multiple parties are claiming the benefit. If you don’t respond properly, you could lose your claim. Our attorneys regularly handle complex interpleader cases.

Can a life insurance policy lapse lead to claim denial in Maryland?

Yes, but not all lapses are valid. If the insurer didn’t provide proper lapse notices or the death occurred within a grace period, we can challenge the denial.

Is misrepresentation a valid reason for denial in Maryland?

Only if it’s proven to be intentional and material. If the misstatement had no impact on the risk or wasn’t related to the cause of death, our team can often fight the denial.

Why would a Maryland accidental death & dismemberment claim be denied?

These denials usually involve the insurer arguing the death was due to natural causes or alcohol. We review the evidence and policy language to prove the death qualifies as accidental.

Can an alcohol exclusion be disputed in Maryland life insurance denials?

Yes. The insurer must prove that alcohol directly caused the death and that the exclusion is valid. We regularly challenge these denials.

What are the most common life insurance denial reasons in Maryland?

They include misrepresentation, non-payment, exclusions (alcohol, suicide, illegal activity), delayed filings, and disputes among beneficiaries. We investigate the cause and challenge weak denials.

Does Maryland have a law revoking an ex-spouse’s beneficiary rights after divorce?

Yes. Under Maryland law, divorce revokes a former spouse’s right to life insurance proceeds unless the policyholder reaffirmed them after divorce. We help resolve these disputes.

Is Maryland a community property state, and does it impact life insurance claims?

No. Maryland is not a community property state, but spousal rights may still arise based on divorce settlements or estate law. We handle spousal disputes regularly.

Can I appeal an ERISA life insurance denial in Maryland?

Yes, but you have only one administrative appeal. Our ERISA attorneys prepare strong appeals and, if necessary, sue in federal court to enforce your rights.

What happens if the insurer says the policy lapsed for non-payment?

We check if proper notices were sent and if the grace period applies. Many policies are wrongfully lapsed, and we’ve reinstated coverage through legal action.

What should I do if the denial cites Maryland state law?

State law is often cited incorrectly. We review the denial and the actual legal language to determine if your claim was improperly denied.

Which life insurance companies deny the most claims in Maryland?

Baltimore Life Insurance and some smaller regional carriers have high denial rates, but any insurer can issue a bad denial. We handle cases against all major companies.

Can a denial be challenged if it cites the contestability period?

Yes. Even in the first two years, the insurer must prove an intentional misstatement. We’ve overturned many contestability denials with solid evidence.

What if the beneficiary designation changed shortly before death?

Last-minute changes are often disputed due to undue influence or mental incapacity. We investigate and challenge suspicious beneficiary updates.

Can the insurer delay payment indefinitely?

No. Maryland law requires prompt claim payments. Delays without valid cause may constitute bad faith. We pursue additional compensation when delays are unreasonable.

What happens if no beneficiary is named on a Maryland life insurance policy?

The benefit may go to the estate or next of kin. We help clients determine rightful recipients and file appropriate legal paperwork.

What if the insured died overseas and the claim was denied?

Foreign death claims face heightened scrutiny. We assist in gathering proof and overcoming exclusions tied to travel or overseas deaths.

Can a minor child receive life insurance proceeds in Maryland?

Yes, but a legal guardian or trust may be needed to manage the funds. We assist families through court and probate proceedings.

Is a will ever able to override a life insurance policy in Maryland?

No. The named beneficiary controls. But if fraud or undue influence occurred, we can take the case to court to challenge the designation.

What if two people both claim to be the rightful beneficiary?

The insurer may file an interpleader. We represent clients in these disputes to establish the valid claim through evidence and court proceedings.

How do I fight a denial based on felony involvement in the death?

Felony exclusions must directly relate to the cause of death. If this can’t be proven, we can challenge the denial and recover benefits.

What if the insurer claims the death was not accidental?

We use forensic experts and witness statements to prove accident causation and reverse AD&D denials that lack valid support.

Can the insurer cancel the policy without notice in Maryland?

No. Policies must be canceled following strict notification rules. Failure to follow these rules can keep coverage active. We handle wrongful cancellation cases.

Can I sue for bad faith in Maryland?

Yes. If the insurer acts unfairly, delays payment, or denies without valid cause, we pursue bad faith lawsuits for damages beyond the policy benefit.

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

If the agent gave misleading advice or filled out the form incorrectly, the insurer may still be responsible. We investigate agent conduct and hold them accountable.

Can life insurance be denied if the insured failed to disclose a health condition?

Only if the omission was intentional and material. If not, or if the condition didn’t contribute to death, the claim should be paid. We dispute these denials regularly.

Can a contingent beneficiary claim the benefit if the primary is deceased?

Yes, with proper proof. We assist contingent beneficiaries in asserting their rights and securing the payout.

What if a claim is denied for administrative or clerical reasons?

Simple mistakes shouldn’t void coverage. We correct the record and force the insurer to honor the claim when valid.

Are union-based life insurance policies different in Maryland?

Yes, they often have different appeals processes. We handle union-based denials and ensure compliance with labor law and benefit plans.

What if the beneficiary is a creditor or business?

As long as the designation is valid, these entities may collect. We also defend against improper claims from businesses or creditors.

Can someone be disqualified from receiving benefits due to wrongdoing?

Yes. Under Maryland’s slayer statute, a beneficiary who caused the insured’s death cannot collect. We help reassign the benefit to the rightful party.

What happens if the insured was missing and later declared dead?

Maryland courts may issue a presumption of death. We file the necessary petitions and help families recover the death benefit.

What if the insurer keeps asking for more documents?

Endless document requests can be delay tactics. We ensure you comply with reasonable requests and push back on stalling.

Can a life insurance policy be reinstated after cancellation?

In some cases, yes—especially if cancellation was improper or if the grace period still applied. We’ve successfully reinstated many canceled policies.

What if the insurer claims suicide and the exclusion no longer applies?

Most suicide exclusions expire after two years. If the policy is older or death was misclassified, we dispute these denials.

Can you reopen a claim that was denied years ago?

Yes, if it’s within the statute of limitations or if new evidence emerges. We evaluate your case to see if a reopened claim is viable.

How long does the insurer have to pay in Maryland?

Insurers must pay within 30 days of receiving all required documentation. We take legal action when they miss this deadline.

Do Maryland laws favor beneficiaries in close cases?

Yes, courts generally interpret ambiguous policy terms in favor of the insured and beneficiaries. We use this legal principle to our advantage in litigation.

Can a court split the benefit if there’s no clear beneficiary?

Yes. Courts may divide proceeds based on intent, family structure, or other evidence. We advocate for fair distribution based on the facts.

Does Maryland law offer protections for life insurance policyholders and beneficiaries?

Yes. Maryland’s Insurance Code and case law support beneficiary rights and limit insurer abuse. We use all available legal tools to enforce your claim.

2025 Maryland Denied Life Insurance Claims: settlements & verdicts

  • Mass shooting Maryland death denial $139,000.00
  • Lincoln Memorial sickness exclusion $52,000.00
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment claim $204,000.00
  • Global Life felony exclusion case $102,000.00
  • SGLI claim denial beneficiary change $408,200.00
  • Kentucky Central Life alcohol exclusion $55,000.00
  • First National Life fentanyl exclusion $122,000.00
  • AD&D denial due to alcohol and drugs $583,000.00
  • London Pacific lapse in payment we won $75,000.00
  • Monarch Life interpleader lawsuit won $211,000.00
  • Universe Life COVID-19 exclusion we fought $349,000.00
  • Genworth beneficiary dispute interpleader $312,750.00
  • Penn Treaty Life denial of benefits exclusion $509,300.00
  • Denied SGLI claim two beneficiaries disputing $405,290.00
  • Prudential nonpayment of premium lapse $258,200.00
  • Security National alcohol exclusion denial $113,000.00
  • Summit National beneficiary issue resolved $227,000.00
  • American General material misrepresentation $422,500.00
  • Denied FEGLI claim due to exclusion $401,200.00
  • Lincoln National suicide exclusion $104,300.00
  • Maryland denied life insurance claim $1,759,250.00
  • Unison International denial life insurance claim $501,800.00
  • Denied AD&D claim self-inflicted injury $502,900.00
  • American change of beneficiary $314,820.00
  • Pioneer divorce and ex-spouse $175,300.00
  • AIG accidental death AD&D claim $516,900.00
  • Northwestern Mutual lapse of policy $150,000.00
  • United Republic Life denied claim $212,000.00
  • Denial of Accidental Death & Dismemberment 870,000.00
  • Banner prescription drug exclusion $106,000.00
  • Transamerica autoerotic asphyxiation $224,600.00
  • Cigna dispute among beneficiaries $317,100.00
  • Denied life insurance claim Maryland $752,630.00
  • Bankers denial of life benefits won $116,000.00

In Maryland, life insurance plays a pivotal role in providing financial security for families in the event of an untimely death. However, there are times when life insurance claims are denied, and the reasons behind these denials can be more complex than most policyholders realize. While many people are aware of common reasons like missed premium payments or failure to disclose pre-existing conditions, there are other, less commonly discussed reasons why a claim may be denied. Insurers such as Symetra, AIG, and Transamerica may refuse to honor a claim based on certain clauses or conditions that policyholders might not fully understand. Additionally, disputes over who should receive the death benefit can lead to significant delays in payouts, as well as the need for life insurance interpleader lawsuits.

One lesser-known reason for claim denial in Maryland involves the “material misrepresentation” of the insured’s lifestyle or occupation. While most individuals are aware that they must accurately disclose their medical history on the life insurance application, they may not realize the extent to which insurers investigate their occupation or personal activities. For instance, life insurance companies like Prudential, Nationwide, and MetLife could deny a claim if they find that the insured failed to disclose a high-risk occupation or dangerous hobbies, such as skydiving, rock climbing, or working in hazardous conditions like mining or construction. These activities, which may seem harmless or routine to the policyholder, can significantly increase the risk of injury or death, making them material to the insurer's decision to issue the policy in the first place. If the insured dies in an accident related to one of these activities, the insurance company could argue that they were never informed about the risk involved, and therefore, the claim should be denied. Even if the death seems unrelated to the disclosed occupation or activity, the insurer may use the failure to disclose these risks as grounds to reject the claim.

Another less common reason for a life insurance claim denial in Maryland is due to the “suicide clause” in many policies. While most people are familiar with the fact that life insurance will not pay out if the insured dies by suicide within the first two years of the policy, the specifics of how insurers handle these claims can be more nuanced. For example, companies like Lincoln Heritage, Reliastar, and Hartford Life may continue to investigate a death even if the suicide occurs after the contestability period, particularly if there are reasons to believe that the insured was in a mental health crisis at the time of death. If the insurer determines that the individual was mentally incapacitated or that the death was linked to a pre-existing mental health issue that wasn’t fully disclosed on the policy application, they may still contest the claim. Even if the insured’s death was ruled a suicide after the two-year period, the insurance company might argue that the insured's mental health conditions significantly contributed to the cause of death. This situation can lead to delays, denials, and extensive legal battles, leaving the beneficiaries in a difficult position as they try to secure the financial support they need.

In some cases, life insurance companies may deny claims based on a “criminal activity exclusion.” Life insurance policies, particularly those issued by insurers like USAA, Lincoln Financial, and Securian, often include clauses that exclude coverage for deaths caused by illegal activities. For example, if an insured person dies while committing a crime, such as engaging in a robbery or other unlawful activities, the insurance company may argue that the policy should not cover the death because it occurred while the insured was participating in criminal conduct. This can be a contentious issue, especially if the circumstances surrounding the death aren’t immediately clear. A policyholder could have been involved in a criminal event that led to their death, even if the death appeared accidental, and this could lead the insurer to contest the claim. Insurers may also deny claims if the insured had a history of criminal behavior that wasn’t disclosed during the application process. This clause can create a particularly difficult situation for beneficiaries who may be left without the life insurance proceeds due to the insured’s involvement in illegal activities that were not previously disclosed.

Another reason that might not be immediately obvious to policyholders in Maryland involves the “failure to notify” clause. Many life insurance policies contain requirements about notifying the insurer of certain changes to the policyholder’s circumstances, such as a change of address, change of beneficiary, or significant health changes. Insurers like MetLife, Globe Life, and Reliance Standard could deny a claim if they can prove that the policyholder failed to inform them of such changes. For instance, if the insured changes their beneficiary and does not notify the insurance company in writing, or if a policyholder moves to a different state and does not update their address with the insurer, these issues could result in a denied claim. While this may seem like a minor detail, it could have serious implications for beneficiaries who find themselves unable to receive the death benefit. Even if the insurer has no reason to believe that the change in circumstances directly caused the insured’s death, the lack of notification could still give them grounds to reject the claim, forcing the beneficiaries to navigate the complicated process of proving that they were entitled to the payout.

Perhaps one of the most difficult situations arises when there are disputes between beneficiaries. Even when a life insurance policy is clearly written, disputes can occur over who should receive the death benefit. These disputes can happen if the policyholder did not update their beneficiary designation after a significant life change, such as a divorce, remarriage, or the birth of children. In Maryland, disputes between beneficiaries are not uncommon, especially when family members or other parties have conflicting claims. An ex-spouse may claim entitlement to the benefits, arguing that they are still the rightful beneficiary, or siblings may dispute the terms if the policyholder never clearly communicated their intentions. In these cases, life insurance companies like Symetra, Securian, and American General may be caught in the middle and unable to resolve the situation without legal intervention. The insurer may decide to file an interpleader lawsuit, which is a legal process used to resolve the issue when multiple parties are competing for the benefits. The insurer essentially asks the court to decide who the rightful beneficiary is. While this protects the insurance company from liability, it can leave the beneficiaries waiting months or even years for a resolution, during which time they may be relying on the death benefit to cover expenses.

Life insurance interpleader lawsuits are relatively rare but not unheard of in Maryland. If there are conflicting claims from multiple parties, companies such as Transamerica, Lincoln Financial, and AIG may file an interpleader action to resolve the dispute. The insurer essentially deposits the death benefit into the court’s custody and asks the judge to determine which claimant is entitled to the funds. While the intention is to avoid further complicating the situation, these lawsuits can significantly delay the payout, often creating more tension among family members who are already grieving the loss of a loved one. If the interpleader lawsuit drags on, it can prolong the financial uncertainty and strain the relationships between family members who were once in agreement about the distribution of the proceeds.

In some cases, the insurer may also conduct an extensive investigation into the insured's activities leading up to their death, particularly if the insured was involved in risky activities or had an unconventional occupation. If a life insurance policyholder was, for example, a pilot or someone involved in extreme sports, insurers like Nationwide, Banner Life, and State Farm might investigate whether the insured disclosed these activities accurately during the application process. If the insurer determines that the insured’s occupation or activities significantly increased the risk of death, and that information was not disclosed, the claim could be denied on the basis of non-disclosure or misrepresentation.