Life Insurance Lawyer Minnesota

Experienced Life Insurance Lawyers Minnesota: The Lassen Law Firm Navigating life insurance claims in Minnesota can be complex, particularly when dealing with denied benefits or bad faith insurance practices. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are committed to supporting individuals and families across the North Star State in securing the payouts they deserve. From Minneapolis to St. Paul, Duluth to Rochester MN, and every other part of Minnesota, we provide experienced legal representation to fight for your rights.

As life insurance attorneys handling cases nationwide, we have recovered hundreds of millions in policies for our clients. The Lassen Law Firm combines personalized attention, legal expertise, and unwavering dedication to deliver justice for those 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.

Minnesota denied life insurance claims: answers to common questions

What should I do if my life insurance claim is denied in Minnesota?
If your claim was denied in Minnesota, the first step is to contact an experienced Minnesota life insurance lawyer to assess the situation and explore ways to overturn the decision.
How should I respond to a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in Minnesota?
If you’ve been served with a life insurance interpleader in Minnesota, it’s crucial to have legal representation. Our Minnesota life insurance attorneys will defend your right to the payout in court.
What can I do if I'm in a life insurance beneficiary dispute in Minnesota?
Beneficiary disputes in Minnesota often involve conflicting claims from family members or challenges to recent changes. Our firm handles these cases statewide and protects your legal interests.
Why would an accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) claim be denied in Minnesota?
Minnesota AD&D claims are frequently denied when the insurer argues the death was due to a medical condition or intoxication, not an accident. We challenge these denials with strong factual and legal arguments.
Can a policy lapse justify denial of a life insurance claim in Minnesota?
Only if the insurer followed Minnesota’s strict notice requirements. If those weren’t met, the policy may still be enforceable. We review these cases in detail.
Is a misstatement on the application grounds for denial in Minnesota?
Yes, but only if it was intentional and material. Our Minnesota life insurance attorneys often prove the misrepresentation didn’t influence the underwriting decision or the cause of death.
Can a Minnesota life insurance claim be denied due to an alcohol exclusion?
Yes, but we frequently dispute denials based on alcohol clauses when they are applied unfairly or vaguely under Minnesota law.
What should I do about a denied ERISA life insurance claim in Minnesota?
You only get one ERISA appeal. Our Minnesota attorneys build comprehensive appeals and pursue litigation when necessary to recover benefits under employer-provided policies.
What is the contestability period for life insurance policies in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, the contestability window is typically two years. Insurers can deny claims based on application misstatements during this time, but we often succeed in disputing those denials.
What if I receive a life insurance denial letter citing Minnesota law?
Insurers often misapply Minnesota statutes. Our legal team reviews these denials and identifies legal strategies to challenge them effectively.
Which life insurance companies in Minnesota are frequently reported for claim denials?
Minnesota Life Insurance Company (Securian Financial), Allianz Life Insurance, and Thrivent, all based in the Twin Cities, are often named in Minnesota life insurance disputes. We pursue cases against all major insurers.
Does Minnesota law automatically revoke an ex-spouse as a beneficiary after divorce?
Yes. Unless the insured reaffirmed the ex-spouse’s designation after the divorce, Minnesota law typically removes them as a beneficiary.
Is Minnesota a community property state, and how does that affect life insurance claims?
No, Minnesota is not a community property state. However, if marital funds were used to pay premiums, a spouse may have a legal interest in the policy proceeds.
Can a will override the beneficiary on a Minnesota life insurance policy?
No. In Minnesota, the policy controls. A will does not change the named beneficiary unless fraud or legal error is involved.
How much does a Minnesota life insurance lawyer charge?
Our firm represents clients in Minnesota on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover the benefit.
Can a Minnesota life insurance claim be denied for a death outside the U.S.?
Yes, but only if the policy includes a valid and enforceable foreign death exclusion. We challenge unjustified international death denials.
What happens if the beneficiary was changed shortly before the insured’s death in Minnesota?
Last-minute changes are often contested. We investigate whether the change was valid or the result of undue influence under Minnesota law.
What should I do if my Minnesota life insurance claim is delayed?
Unreasonable delays may qualify as bad faith. Our attorneys pressure Minnesota insurers to act quickly and pursue damages when delays are unjustified.
Can a Minnesota insurer deny an accidental death claim by calling it a natural death?
Yes, but if evidence shows the death was accidental, we fight to recover the AD&D payout under Minnesota policy definitions.
What if an agent made an error on the life insurance application in Minnesota?
If a Minnesota insurance agent made the mistake, the insurer may still be liable. We help reverse claim denials caused by agent error.
What qualifies as bad faith in a Minnesota life insurance denial?
Bad faith in Minnesota includes delaying a valid claim, refusing to investigate, or misapplying policy language. We hold insurers accountable for such conduct.
Can a denial during the contestability period be overturned in Minnesota?
Yes. If the alleged misrepresentation was immaterial or unrelated to the death, our Minnesota attorneys can challenge the denial effectively.
Are ERISA life insurance policies harder to fight in Minnesota?
They are more restrictive, but our Minnesota ERISA lawyers are skilled in navigating the appeal process and pursuing federal litigation when needed.
What happens if no beneficiary was listed on the Minnesota life insurance policy?
If no beneficiary is named, the policy proceeds generally go to the insured’s estate. We assist Minnesota families with probate and benefit recovery.
Can a suspicious beneficiary designation be disputed in Minnesota?
Yes. We contest Minnesota beneficiary changes when there’s evidence of coercion, diminished capacity, or fraud.
Do Minnesota insurers have to provide written notice before canceling a policy?
Yes. Insurers must comply with Minnesota's notification laws. If they don’t, the cancellation may be invalid and the policy still enforceable.
What happens if a Minnesota group life insurance policy wasn’t properly set up?
Employer-related errors are common. We hold employers and insurers accountable in Minnesota when improper enrollment leads to denial.
Can multiple people claim a life insurance policy in Minnesota?
Yes, and the insurer may file an interpleader in Minnesota court. We represent beneficiaries in these cases to ensure your rightful share.
Can a claim be paid in Minnesota if the insured was declared legally dead?
Yes. After a court in Minnesota declares legal death, we help families pursue the life insurance claim and fight any delays or denials.
How long do I have to appeal a denied life insurance claim in Minnesota?
ERISA deadlines are usually 180 days. Non-ERISA claims in Minnesota may vary. We ensure your appeal is filed within the proper timeframe.
Can verbal agreements change the beneficiary of a Minnesota life insurance policy?
No. Minnesota law recognizes only written designations unless exceptional legal circumstances apply, such as fraud or undue influence.
Are life insurance proceeds protected from creditors in Minnesota?
Yes, if a living person is named as the beneficiary. If paid to the estate, creditors may be able to access the funds.
Can unclear life insurance policy language be used to deny a claim in Minnesota?
No. Under Minnesota law, ambiguities in policies are interpreted in favor of the insured or beneficiary.
Can a canceled life insurance policy still pay out in Minnesota?
Possibly. If cancellation procedures were not properly followed under Minnesota law, the policy may still be valid.
What happens if the Minnesota life insurance policy lapsed due to non-payment?
We investigate whether proper lapse notice was given. If not, we may argue that the policy remained in force at the time of death.
Can a child receive life insurance proceeds in Minnesota?
Yes, but a guardian may be required to manage the funds. We assist with legal arrangements for minors in Minnesota.
Can a Minnesota life insurance claim be denied for alleged fraud?
Only if the insurer proves the fraud was intentional and material. We dispute denials that are based on speculation or weak evidence.
Can Minnesota life insurance claims be resolved without going to court?
Yes. Many disputes settle through negotiation or mediation. However, we are fully prepared to litigate when necessary.
What if the beneficiary change form wasn’t properly processed in Minnesota?
If the insurer didn’t complete the change correctly, the original beneficiary may still be entitled to the payout under Minnesota law.
Are older life insurance policies still valid in Minnesota?
Yes. If the policy was in effect when the insured passed, it is enforceable. We help recover benefits from longstanding Minnesota policies.
How do I prove I’m the rightful beneficiary of a Minnesota life insurance policy?
We compile documentation, policy records, and supporting legal evidence to secure your benefit through Minnesota courts if needed.

2025 Minnesota Denied Life Insurance Claims: settlements & verdicts

Family Heritage life COVID-19 exclusion $44,000.00
Iowa Farm Life coronavirus denial won $98,000.00
Catholic Life lapse of policy nonpayment $50,000.00
SGLI claim change of beneficiary new wife $409,300.00
Equitrust sickness exclusion resolved $37,000.00
Chesapeake Life felony crime commission $108,000.00
Accidental Death & Dismemberment $905,000.00
ING Life heroin drug denial case won $50,000.00
SoFi Life lapse of policy due to late payment $13,000.00
First National Life wrong age on application $97,000.00
Mass shooting life insurance denial $149,000.00
USAA lapsed the policy due to nonpayment $31,000.00
Aflac interpleader action wife vs ex-wife won $72,000.00

AIG claimed misrepresentation application $318,300.00
COVID-19 life insurance claim denied we won $232,000.00
Inter-American life dispute among beneficiaries $113,000.00
Minnesota divorce and life insurance $251,690.00
SGLI dispute when beneficiary changed $400,000.00
Coronavirus life insurance claim we won $123,000.00
Denial of FEGLI claim wife versus ex-wife $245,000.00
Guarantee Security felony exclusion gun $276,000.00
American General was denied due to alcohol $214,500.00
Minnesota denied AD&D claim $519,300.00
MetLife self-inflicted injury resolved $128,421.00
Lincoln Heritage interpleader lawsuit 511,000.00
Denied SGLI claim girlfriend vs ex-wife $403,621.00
Minnesota denied life insurance claim $1,329,400.00
Prudential accidental death & dismemberment $406,000.00
Denied AD&D claim in Minnesota we just won $728,000.00
Globe material misrepresentation age & weight $218,000.00
Minnesota life insurance and divorce $304,250.00
Allianz drug exclusion opiates $101,400.00
Liberty Life autoerotic asphyxiation death $105,800.00
Denied life insurance claim Minnesota $2,075,000.00
FEGLI appeal won in record time $403,500.00
Claim of no coverage at time of death $66,900.00

In Minnesota, the importance of life insurance cannot be understated, as it offers vital financial protection for families in the event of an untimely death. Unfortunately, life insurance claims are sometimes denied for reasons that go beyond the usual missed premiums or exclusions related to suicide within a set period. While these are widely recognized, some denials are based on more obscure clauses and conditions in the policy that may not be immediately obvious to policyholders or their beneficiaries. In cases involving life insurance companies such as Banner Life, Transamerica, and Lincoln Heritage, certain policyholders in Minnesota may find themselves facing claim rejections due to reasons they were unaware of at the time of purchasing their policy. Some of these uncommon denial causes can make it difficult for beneficiaries to access the death benefits that are rightfully owed to them.

One of the less commonly discussed reasons for life insurance claim denials involves "lapsed policies." While most individuals understand that missed premium payments can result in a policy lapse, what many fail to recognize is that some policies contain automatic premium loan (APL) provisions. These provisions, offered by companies like Prudential, Foresters, and Mass Mutual, allow for the use of the policy’s cash value to pay overdue premiums. However, if the cash value is insufficient to cover these premiums, the policy may lapse without the policyholder’s knowledge, especially if they have not been keeping track of the policy’s performance. In the unfortunate event of the policyholder’s death, the insurer may deny the claim on the grounds that the policy was no longer in force at the time of death. This can lead to heartache for beneficiaries who believed their loved one was still covered by the policy.

Another significant but often overlooked reason for claim denial is related to “pre-existing conditions.” While many life insurance policies, particularly those from companies like AIG, MetLife, and Securian, will cover a policyholder’s death regardless of health status, certain policies may include clauses that exclude coverage for deaths caused by a condition that the insured was diagnosed with prior to purchasing the policy. If the policyholder had a known condition, such as a heart disease, cancer, or diabetes, and failed to disclose this during the application process, the insurance company could deny the claim if the death was related to the pre-existing condition. Although this is an issue that affects relatively few policyholders, those who fall into this category may face a lengthy battle to recover the benefits their loved one’s policy was supposed to provide.

In Minnesota, one of the more obscure reasons life insurance claims can be denied is due to “high-risk occupations.” Many life insurance companies, including those like Lincoln National, Transamerica, and Reliastar, will charge higher premiums for individuals employed in high-risk jobs such as construction, mining, or firefighting. However, if the insured fails to disclose their occupation accurately, the insurance company may use this omission as grounds to deny a claim. In some cases, even if the death was unrelated to the policyholder’s occupation, the insurer may argue that the death was influenced by the risk associated with the job, leading to a denial of benefits. The challenge for Minnesota beneficiaries is that the policyholder’s job may not seem particularly dangerous, but insurers will rely on the details disclosed during the application to determine whether coverage applies.

Another potential issue is the non-disclosure of risky activities or hobbies. Insurers such as Nationwide, Reliance Standard, and Symetra often ask about the insured’s participation in activities like scuba diving, skydiving, or mountaineering, and failing to disclose this information could lead to claim denial if death occurs during one of these activities. While it may seem like a small omission, the insurer may classify these activities as “hazardous,” and if a policyholder dies while engaging in one, their death could be excluded from coverage. This becomes an issue when the policyholder participates in such activities without informing the insurer. Beneficiaries may not understand that their loved one’s death was caused by an excluded event and may be blindsided when the claim is denied.

In some cases, a claim can be denied because the insured had been engaging in activities deemed illegal at the time of their death. For example, if the insured was involved in a criminal act, such as committing a felony, when they died, their claim might be rejected. Policies from companies like Aetna, Allstate, and American General could contain exclusions for deaths that occur as a result of criminal activity. This includes deaths that happen while committing a crime or in the course of an illegal act. The insurer may invoke this clause if it finds evidence that the death was linked to such behavior, even if the crime was unrelated to the cause of death.

In addition to these lesser-known reasons for denial, beneficiary disputes are also an issue that can delay or prevent a life insurance claim from being paid out. In Minnesota, family members may contest the designated beneficiary on a policy, particularly if the policyholder failed to update their beneficiary after a life change, such as a divorce or remarriage. In such cases, there could be multiple claimants, each arguing that they should receive the death benefit. Life insurance companies like Globe Life, New York Life, and Principal might find themselves caught in the middle of these disputes, which can lead to lengthy delays in the distribution of benefits. These disputes often arise when the policyholder’s wishes are unclear or if they failed to communicate their intent to family members or the insurance company.

When multiple parties are claiming to be the rightful beneficiary, insurers may choose to file a life insurance interpleader lawsuit. This legal procedure is designed to allow the insurance company to seek a court’s decision on who the legitimate beneficiary is, as companies like Mass Mutual, Symetra, and AIG are not in a position to make this determination themselves. Interpleader lawsuits can drag on for months or even years, and during this time, the beneficiaries may be left without the death benefit that they are entitled to. While the insurer is merely protecting itself from legal liability, the process can cause significant financial hardship for those who need the life insurance funds immediately.

What makes interpleader lawsuits particularly difficult is that the beneficiary disputes often center around highly emotional family dynamics. In some cases, beneficiaries may not realize that they were removed from the policy or that the deceased had changed their mind about who should receive the benefits. In other situations, beneficiaries may not agree on how the funds should be distributed, leading to further complications. These disputes are particularly common when a policyholder has children from a previous marriage or other relatives who believe they should be the primary beneficiary.

Ultimately, understanding the terms and conditions of a life insurance policy is essential in Minnesota to avoid the surprises that can come with a denied claim. Insurance companies like Transamerica, MetLife, and Reliastar have very specific clauses and exclusions that could impact the outcome of a claim, especially if they are not clearly communicated to the policyholder or their beneficiaries. When complications arise, whether due to a risky occupation, a pre-existing medical condition, or a beneficiary dispute, Minnesota residents should consult with an attorney who specializes in life insurance claims to ensure that their interests are protected and that they have the best chance of securing the benefits they deserve. By being proactive and informed, beneficiaries can reduce the chances of facing an unjust denial and make sure the insurance company follows through on its obligations.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers nationwide insurance resources.