Life Insurance Lawyer Massachusetts

Trusted Life Insurance Lawyers Massachusetts: The Lassen Law Firm Life insurance claims in Massachusetts can be overwhelming, particularly when dealing with denied benefits or bad faith insurance practices. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping individuals and families across the Bay State recover the payouts they rightfully deserve. Whether you’re in Boston, Worcester, Springfield Massachusetts, Cambridge, or any other part of Massachusetts, we’re here to provide trusted legal representation.

With a nationwide reach, our experienced life insurance attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions in policies for our clients. At The Lassen Law Firm, we combine legal expertise with unwavering dedication to deliver justice for every client we serve. 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.

Massachusetts denied life insurance claims: answers to common questions

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

You should contact a top Massachusetts life insurance lawyer as soon as possible. Many denials can be challenged and overturned through experienced legal representation.

What happens if I’m served with a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in Massachusetts?

An interpleader requires you to defend your rights to the policy benefit in court. You’ll need a skilled Massachusetts life insurance attorney to assert your position and avoid losing out.

What if there's a dispute over the life insurance beneficiary in Massachusetts?

Beneficiary disputes are common and complex. Our life insurance law firm can determine the rightful beneficiary and contest changes made through fraud or undue influence.

Why are AD&D life insurance claims denied in Massachusetts?

Insurers often deny these claims by asserting the death was due to natural causes or alcohol. We analyze the evidence and fight to prove the death qualifies as accidental under the policy.

Can a lapsed policy lead to a denied life insurance claim in Massachusetts?

Yes, but lapses are frequently contested. We examine whether proper lapse notices were issued and if the death occurred during the policy’s grace period.

Does misrepresentation justify claim denial in Massachusetts?

Only if it was intentional and material. Our attorneys can challenge denials based on minor or irrelevant misstatements that had no effect on the policy.

Can insurers deny claims based on alcohol exclusions in Massachusetts?

Yes, but only if the exclusion is clear and directly related to the cause of death. We’ve reversed many denials based on questionable application of alcohol exclusions.

What should I do after a bad faith ERISA denial of life insurance benefits in Massachusetts?

You have only one administrative appeal. Our team builds strong ERISA appeals and litigates wrongful denials in federal court.

What does a denial during the contestability period mean in Massachusetts?

It means the insurer is investigating for misstatements within the first two policy years. Even then, we fight to show the policy should remain in force.

What if the claim denial cites Massachusetts law?

Massachusetts statutes may be misapplied. We review the cited laws and policy terms to determine if your denial can be reversed.

What Massachusetts insurers deny the most life insurance claims?

Fisher Insurance in Milford, American Income Life in Foxboro, and Colonial Life in Marlborough are frequently reported for denied claims.

Does Massachusetts revoke ex-spouse beneficiaries after divorce?

Yes. Under Massachusetts law, divorce generally revokes an ex-spouse’s beneficiary rights unless the policyholder reaffirmed the designation. We dispute these.

Is Massachusetts a community property state?

No, but spousal rights may arise under estate law or divorce settlements. We help surviving spouses claim what they’re entitled to.

Can a Massachusetts court override a life insurance beneficiary designation?

Yes, in certain cases involving fraud, undue influence, or mental incapacity. We represent clients in court to protect rightful beneficiaries.

What if the insured died abroad and the insurer denies the claim?

Foreign death denials are common. We help gather proof and challenge exclusions tied to overseas deaths.

Can I dispute a last-minute beneficiary change?

Yes. Changes made just before death are often suspect and may be overturned due to undue influence or incapacity.

Is it legal for an insurer to delay payment for months in Massachusetts?

No. Massachusetts law requires timely payment. We pursue bad faith claims when insurers unreasonably delay payment.

What if the insured didn’t name a beneficiary?

The benefit may go to the estate or default next of kin.

Can a will override the life insurance beneficiary?

No. The policy controls unless there’s evidence of fraud or improper designation.

What if the insurer claims the death wasn’t accidental?

We work with medical experts to challenge misclassifications and prove the death meets the policy’s accidental death criteria.

Can someone be disqualified from receiving the life insurance benefit in Massachusetts?

Yes. If the beneficiary was involved in the insured’s death or committed fraud, they may be legally barred from receiving proceeds.

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

If the agent misled the applicant or filled out the form incorrectly, we can still hold the insurer accountable.

What happens when multiple people claim the benefit?

Insurers may file an interpleader. We represent beneficiaries in these court actions to protect their share.

What if the insured disappeared and was declared legally dead?

Massachusetts courts can establish a presumption of death.

Can I reopen a denied life insurance claim in Massachusetts?

Yes, if new evidence emerges or the denial was unjustified. We evaluate and litigate previously denied claims.

What if the insured failed to disclose a health condition?

If the omission wasn’t material or intentional, the claim should still be paid. We challenge denials based on minor oversights.

Do minors need a guardian to receive life insurance benefits?

Yes. A guardian or trust may be necessary to manage funds. We help families through the legal process.

Can I appeal a claim denied due to suicide in Massachusetts?

Yes. Suicide exclusions typically expire after two years. If the policy was in force longer or the death was misclassified, we can challenge it.

How long does the insurer have to pay in Massachusetts?

Insurers must pay claims within a reasonable time. Delays without cause may lead to penalties. We enforce prompt payment.

What if the claim was denied for incomplete paperwork?

We ensure your documents are properly submitted and challenge denials based on technical errors.

Can a business or creditor collect life insurance benefits?

Only if they are properly named beneficiaries.

Are union-provided life insurance plans handled differently?

Yes. Union policies may involve ERISA or internal appeal processes. We help you navigate union-specific claims.

Can the insurer rescind a policy for misstatements years later?

Only within the contestability period. After that, the policy is generally incontestable. We stop rescission attempts beyond that time.

Do life insurance proceeds go through probate in Massachusetts?

Not usually—unless the estate is the beneficiary or no one is named.

Can a court split a life insurance benefit among relatives?

Yes, in certain disputes or when there is no named beneficiary. Courts may divide the payout fairly.

Are life insurance benefits in Massachusetts taxable?

Generally, no. But interest earned on delayed payments may be taxable.

What should I do if the insurer demands excessive documentation?

We push back against unreasonable delays and ensure the insurer is held to fair standards.

Can a denial due to criminal activity be contested?

Yes, especially if the insured’s involvement in the crime is unclear or unrelated to the death. We evaluate and fight these denials.

2025 Massachusetts Denied Life Insurance Claims: settlements & verdicts

• USAA COVID-19 denial case resolved $109,800.00
• Mass Shooting denied life insurance claim $303,000.00
• Country Financial Life coronavirus $50,000.00
• AD&D claim due to heart attack $102,000.00
• Chubb interpleader lawsuit won spouse vs ex-spouse $230,000.00
• Massachusetts interpleader lawsuit $750,000.00
• Great-West competing beneficiaries $57,000.00
• Kemper Life prescription drugs in system $74,000.00
• iA Financial felony exclusion crime $33,000.00
• Massachusetts denied life insurance claim $1,350,000.00
• Boston Mutual lapse in payment $204,000.00

• American Income interpleader dispute beneficiaries $759,300.00
• First Capital Life COVID-19 exclusion that we just won $339,000.00
• Boston Mutual material misrepresentation medical $211,550.00
• Denial of claim due to coronavirus not known illness $280,000.00
• Denial of SGLI claim due to dispute ex-wife $408,540.00
• Anthem prescription drug opioid denial case $147,000.00
• Massachusetts denied life insurance claim $2,500,000.00
• Globe Divorce dispute ex-spouse and spouse $114,000.00
• Denial of FEGLI claim three exclusions resolved $274,000.00
• Mass Mutual while in nursing home lapse $302,000.00
• Prudential denial felony exclusion won $519,000.00
• AIG accidental death & dismemberment $535,400.00
• Denied AD&D claim exclusion avoiding court $820,000.00
• Mutual Security denial of life benefits to client $530,000.00
• Lincoln National alcohol level denial $112,150.00
• SGLI change of beneficiary dispute $400,000.00
• Kentucky Central Life felony exclusion won $507,300.00
• Guarantee Security competing beneficiaries $298,320.00
• Denied life insurance claim Massachusetts $1,038,999.00
• Villanova Life denied claim due to exclusions $389,400.00
• Massachusetts divorce and life insurance $635,000.00
• Colonial autoerotic asphyxiation claim $106,500.00
• Fidelity Security missed one payment $202,000.00
• American General beneficiary dispute $507,900.00

In Massachusetts, life insurance is intended to be a crucial safety net for families when the unthinkable happens. However, many residents may find themselves in the unfortunate situation of having their life insurance claims denied. While most people are aware of standard denial reasons such as missed premium payments or undisclosed health conditions, there are several less obvious factors that can cause a claim to be rejected. Companies like MassMutual, Banner Life, and New York Life may deny claims based on clauses in the policy that are often overlooked, including disputes over beneficiary designations, the insured’s occupation, or lifestyle. The consequences of such denials can be devastating, and understanding the nuances of life insurance policies is essential for ensuring that loved ones are properly protected.

One reason for denial that is not always well-known is the “delayed notification” clause. Many life insurance policies require that the insurer be notified within a specific time frame after the policyholder’s death. Companies like AIG, Prudential, and Hartford Life may deny a claim if they determine that the beneficiaries waited too long to file the claim, even if the delay was only a matter of weeks or months. This can occur if there’s any indication that the beneficiary failed to follow the proper procedures or failed to report the death in a timely manner. Though the delays might seem minor, insurers can use them as a reason to question the legitimacy of the claim. In such cases, even if the death is clearly covered by the policy, the insurer may argue that the claim should be void due to a breach of the terms regarding prompt notification.

Another, less common reason for claim denial in Massachusetts involves issues around the “continuation of coverage” after a policyholder’s employment ends. Many individuals in Massachusetts receive life insurance through their employer, but when their job status changes, their insurance policy might not follow them. Insurers such as Transamerica, Securian, and Lincoln Heritage may deny claims if they find that the insured continued to rely on their employer-sponsored life insurance without realizing that their coverage lapsed after they left their job. This can lead to an unpleasant surprise for beneficiaries, especially if the policyholder did not proactively convert their group policy into an individual one. The life insurance policy may have expired without the insured realizing it, leaving their family without the benefit they were counting on.

Some insurers may also deny claims for what they consider "poor underwriting practices" on the part of the policyholder. This can happen when the insured person fails to disclose certain lifestyle factors, such as engaging in risky hobbies or traveling frequently to unstable regions, which were relevant at the time of underwriting but not shared with the insurer. For instance, if a policyholder with a policy from a company like Globe Life, Foresters, or Reliastar was a regular participant in activities like hang gliding or went on frequent trips to areas with high levels of civil unrest, and they did not disclose these facts during the application process, the insurer might consider the policy to be void. While this may seem minor to the insured, these activities can significantly increase the risk of death, leading to policyholders’ families being left without the intended financial safety net.

The "mental health history" exclusion is another less common but important reason for claim denial. Life insurance policies from companies like Symetra, MetLife, and AIG can include clauses that deny coverage if it is found that the insured had a history of mental health disorders that were not properly disclosed during the application process. This is particularly concerning in cases where an individual’s death might be related to a mental health crisis, including suicide or an accident stemming from poor judgment linked to depression or bipolar disorder. Even if the insured was receiving treatment for mental health issues, the insurer may argue that full disclosure of those issues was required for the policy to be valid. If a claim is denied for this reason, beneficiaries may be left struggling to understand why, especially if the insured was otherwise healthy and had no previous history of life-threatening conditions.

One of the more unexpected causes for claim denial in Massachusetts is the “fraudulent beneficiary” situation. While many are familiar with the process of naming beneficiaries, not all understand the strict rules surrounding this process. Insurers like American General, Securian, and State Farm have specific protocols for ensuring that the listed beneficiaries are legitimate and that the designation was made in good faith. If an insurer finds that the beneficiary named on the policy was involved in fraud or had questionable intentions—such as a beneficiary who was not financially dependent on the insured or one who may have manipulated the insured into changing the beneficiary designation—the insurer may dispute the claim. Fraudulent beneficiary issues may also arise if someone improperly influenced the policyholder’s decision or coerced them into naming them as the beneficiary. In cases like these, the insurer may file an interpleader lawsuit to determine who the rightful beneficiary is, especially if there are conflicting claims from multiple parties.

Beneficiary disputes are a particularly tricky issue in Massachusetts. Sometimes, beneficiaries will contest the life insurance claim, claiming that they were the intended recipient, even if they were not listed on the policy. Such disputes are more common when the insured person fails to update their beneficiary designations after significant life events like divorce, remarriage, or the birth of children. A policyholder may have intended to leave the benefit to one party but forgot to update the official records, leading to a dispute over the rightful claimant. In these situations, life insurance companies such as MetLife, Prudential, and Banner Life may file a life insurance interpleader lawsuit, which involves the insurer filing a court action to determine the proper recipient of the death benefit. These lawsuits are a way for the insurer to protect itself from liability by leaving the decision to the court, but they can also significantly delay the payout of the claim.

Interpleader lawsuits are typically time-consuming, involving a lengthy legal process that can leave beneficiaries in a state of financial uncertainty. The court must review the details of the dispute and make a ruling on who is entitled to the death benefit. During this time, the insurance company holds the life insurance proceeds in escrow, meaning that neither claimant receives the money until the case is resolved. This can lead to months or even years of delay, placing an unnecessary financial burden on the claimants, who may already be struggling with the loss of their loved one. It’s important for Massachusetts residents to understand that these lawsuits are sometimes unavoidable, especially in complex cases involving contested beneficiary designations.

Sometimes, claims may be denied based on the interpretation of the policy’s exclusions. While the exclusions for death caused by activities like suicide or criminal acts are often well-known, life insurance policies also frequently contain exclusions for causes of death that may seem more ambiguous to the policyholder. Insurers like American General, AIG, and Reliastar could deny claims if the insured’s death was linked to a reason that falls under an exclusion clause, such as involvement in dangerous travel (e.g., war zones, natural disasters), certain health conditions, or even experimental medical procedures. While these clauses may be included to protect the insurer from extraordinary risks, they can create confusion when the cause of death falls into a grey area. For example, a policyholder who passed away in a foreign country due to an accident during a vacation may have their claim denied if the insurer deems the location to be a high-risk area due to political instability or natural disasters, even though the policyholder had no way of knowing that their trip would be dangerous at the time of booking.

Finally, the most unfortunate and confusing scenario occurs when the insured dies in an event that is not directly covered by the policy, but the beneficiaries are unaware of the fine print exclusions in the policy. Even in situations that seem straightforward, such as a car accident or sudden illness, some life insurance policies—issued by companies like Nationwide, New York Life, and Lincoln Heritage—may exclude certain causes of death that aren’t immediately apparent to the policyholder. For example, a policy might exclude coverage for deaths related to natural disasters, certain pre-existing conditions, or even deaths that occur while the insured is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When these exclusions are not clear, it can lead to frustrations for the beneficiaries who expected the policy to provide a payout but are instead met with a denial due to technicalities that were buried in the fine print of the agreement.

You can explore nationwide insurance resources through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).