Life Insurance Lawyer Mississippi

Trusted Life Insurance Lawyers Mississippi: The Lassen Law Firm Life insurance claims in Mississippi can be fraught with challenges, from denied benefits to bad faith insurance practices. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping residents across the Magnolia State recover the payouts they deserve. Whether you’re in Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, or anywhere else in Mississippi, we’re here to provide expert legal representation and personalized support.

As nationally recognized life insurance attorneys, we proudly handle cases across all 50 states, with a proven track record of success—hundreds of millions in policies recovered. At The Lassen Law Firm, we bring unwavering dedication, expertise, and results-driven advocacy to every case we take on. 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.

Mississippi denied life insurance claims: answers to common questions

• What should I do if my life insurance claim is denied in Mississippi?
  If your life insurance claim was denied in Mississippi, you should speak with a qualified Mississippi life insurance attorney right away to determine whether the denial can be overturned.

• How should I handle a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in Mississippi?
  If you’ve been served with an interpleader in Mississippi, the insurance company is letting the court decide who should get the money. You’ll need a Mississippi life insurance lawyer to defend your right to the benefits.

• What are my legal options in a Mississippi life insurance beneficiary dispute?
  Beneficiary disputes in Mississippi often involve family members, ex-spouses, or questionable last-minute changes. Our Mississippi law firm specializes in resolving these disputes through litigation and negotiation.

• Why do accidental death and dismemberment claims get denied in Mississippi?
  AD&D claims in Mississippi are often denied when the insurer claims the death resulted from a medical issue or alcohol use. We investigate these cases and fight back when the denial is not supported by facts or policy terms.

• Can a policy lapse be used as a reason to deny a life insurance claim in Mississippi?
  Yes, but only if the insurer followed Mississippi's rules for notifying the policyholder. If proper notice wasn’t given, the policy may still be enforceable.

• Is misrepresentation on a Mississippi life insurance application a valid reason for denial?
  Only if the misrepresentation was material and made intentionally. Our Mississippi attorneys often show that the misstatement had no effect on the insurer's risk assessment.

• Can an alcohol exclusion clause lead to a life insurance claim denial in Mississippi?
  Yes, but many alcohol-related exclusions are too vague or broadly applied. We help Mississippi beneficiaries fight back against unjustified alcohol-based denials.

• What can I do if my Mississippi ERISA life insurance claim was denied?
  If your group life insurance policy is governed by ERISA, you only get one appeal. A Mississippi ERISA attorney should handle it to ensure the strongest possible case.

• What is the contestability period for life insurance policies in Mississippi?
  Mississippi insurers can deny claims based on application errors during the first two years of the policy. We fight these denials when the misstatements are minor or unrelated to the death.

• What should I do if I get a life insurance denial citing Mississippi law?
  Mississippi law is often misapplied by insurers in denial letters. A Mississippi life insurance lawyer can review the law and identify legal grounds to challenge the denial.

• Which life insurance companies in Mississippi are known for claim denials?
  New York Life in Ridgeland, Palmer Insurance in Mendenhall, and Kilpatrick in Alexandria are often cited in denied life insurance cases in Mississippi. We handle claims against all insurers statewide.

• Does Mississippi law revoke ex-spouses as beneficiaries after divorce?
  Yes, Mississippi has an automatic revocation statute. Unless the policyholder reaffirmed the ex-spouse’s designation after divorce, the ex is typically disqualified.

• Is Mississippi a community property state for life insurance purposes?
  No, Mississippi is not a community property state. However, a surviving spouse may still have a legal claim if premiums were paid with shared funds.

• Can a Mississippi will override a life insurance beneficiary designation?
  No. In Mississippi, the person listed on the policy takes priority over the will, unless there’s evidence of fraud, coercion, or undue influence.

• How much does a Mississippi life insurance attorney charge?
  Our Mississippi life insurance law firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

• Can a Mississippi life insurance claim be denied for a death outside the U.S.?
  Yes, if the policy has a foreign death exclusion. However, we often challenge these denials if the exclusion is overly broad or was incorrectly applied.

• What if the beneficiary was changed shortly before the insured’s death in Mississippi?
  Last-minute changes in Mississippi are often contested. We investigate whether the change was valid or the result of undue influence or diminished capacity.

• What can I do if my Mississippi life insurance claim is delayed for months?
  Delays without a valid reason may constitute bad faith. We push insurers in Mississippi to process claims and pursue penalties for unjustified delays.

• Can a Mississippi insurer deny an AD&D claim by calling the death natural?
  Yes, but we challenge this tactic. If the death meets the criteria for accidental under Mississippi law and policy terms, we fight to recover the benefit.

• What happens if a Mississippi life insurance agent made a mistake on the application?
  If an agent in Mississippi incorrectly filled out the application, the insurer may still be liable. We handle disputes arising from agent error.

• What is considered bad faith in a Mississippi life insurance denial?
  Bad faith includes refusing to pay a valid claim, misrepresenting the policy, or stalling payment. Mississippi law allows beneficiaries to pursue extra compensation in bad faith cases.

• Can I challenge a denial during the contestability period in Mississippi?
  Yes. Many denials are successfully challenged during this period by showing the alleged misrepresentation was not intentional or material.

• Are ERISA appeals for life insurance claims more difficult in Mississippi?
  They can be. ERISA limits your remedies, so it’s critical to work with a Mississippi attorney experienced in federal life insurance litigation.

• What happens if a Mississippi life insurance policy has no named beneficiary?
  If there’s no listed beneficiary, the payout typically goes to the estate. We help Mississippi families navigate probate to recover the funds.

• Can I dispute a suspicious life insurance beneficiary change in Mississippi?
  Yes. If there’s reason to believe the change was coerced or made without capacity, we can challenge it through the Mississippi court system.

• Does Mississippi law require insurers to send notice before canceling a policy?
  Yes. If the insurer failed to follow Mississippi’s notification requirements, the cancellation may be invalid, and coverage may still apply.

• What if the life insurance came through a Mississippi employer?
  Group policies through Mississippi employers are often governed by ERISA. We handle enrollment errors, policy disputes, and wrongful denials.

• What happens when multiple people claim a Mississippi life insurance policy?
  The insurer may file an interpleader case in Mississippi court. We represent beneficiaries in these disputes and help secure rightful payouts.

• Can I file a life insurance claim in Mississippi if the insured was declared legally dead?
  Yes. Once the court issues a legal death declaration in Mississippi, we can proceed with filing the claim and disputing any denial.

• What deadlines apply for appealing a denied life insurance claim in Mississippi?
  ERISA claims must usually be appealed within 180 days. For private policies in Mississippi, deadlines vary. We help ensure your appeal is filed correctly and on time.

• Do verbal promises override written life insurance policies in Mississippi?
  No. Mississippi law enforces the written policy and beneficiary designations, but we may challenge fraud or undue influence claims in court.

• Are life insurance benefits protected from creditors in Mississippi?
  Yes, if there’s a named beneficiary. If the benefit goes to the estate, it may be subject to creditor claims under Mississippi probate rules.

• Can vague or confusing policy terms be used to deny a claim in Mississippi?
  No. Mississippi courts typically interpret ambiguous terms in favor of the insured. We challenge vague language that leads to denials.

• Can a canceled Mississippi life insurance policy still pay out?
  Possibly. If the insurer didn’t properly notify the policyholder or followed incorrect cancellation procedures, the policy may still be active.

• What if the Mississippi policy lapsed due to non-payment?
  We review whether proper lapse notices were sent and whether automatic loan provisions apply. Many lapse-based denials in Mississippi are reversed.

• Can a minor child receive life insurance proceeds in Mississippi?
  Yes, but the funds may need to be managed by a guardian or trust. We help Mississippi families ensure the funds are protected and properly distributed.

• Can a Mississippi life insurance claim be denied for suspected fraud?
  Only if the insurer proves the fraud was intentional and material. We contest these denials when there is insufficient or speculative evidence.

• Can Mississippi life insurance disputes be settled without going to court?
  Yes. Many cases are resolved through direct negotiation or mediation. But if needed, we are fully prepared to take your case to court in Mississippi.

• What if a beneficiary change form wasn’t processed correctly in Mississippi?
  If the change wasn’t formally accepted by the insurer, the original designation may still control. We help clarify and enforce rightful designations.

• Are old life insurance policies still valid in Mississippi?
  Yes. If the policy was active at the time of death, even older Mississippi policies can still pay out. We assist beneficiaries with recovering these funds.

• How do I prove I’m the rightful life insurance beneficiary in Mississippi?
  We gather all supporting documentation, including policy forms and family records, and use Mississippi legal procedures to enforce your right to the benefit.

2025 Mississippi Denied Life Insurance Claims: settlements & verdicts

• Oxford life sickness exclusion won $22,000.00
• Family Heritage intoxication exclusion $130,000.00
• USAA coronavirus denial resolved $108,000.00
• Progressive Life COVID-19 denial we won $75,000.00
• AFBA Life lapse of policy overturned $40,000.00
• Physician's Mutual Life exclusions $280,000.00
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment alcohol $750,000.00
• New Era competing beneficiaries after change $130,000.00
• Summit National interpleader lawsuit won $55,000.00
• American Memerial power of attorney change $112,000.00
• Mass shooting death denied claim resolved $78,000.00

• Genworth dispute beneficiaries interpleader $250,000.00
• Mid Continental self-inflicted injury exclusion won $50,000.00
• American General sickness exclusion resolved $412,500.00
• Denied Life insurance claim due to COVID-19 $503,100.00
• First National suicide exclusion we overcame $30,400.00
• Primerica autoerotic asphyxiation death $308,000.00
• Denied SGLI claim change of beneficiary $401,210.00
• Denial of life benefits due to coronavirus $313,900.00
• Kentucky Central Life sickness exclusion $545,000.00
• Monumental prescription drug exclusion $104,200.00
• Mississippi denied life insurance claim $1,450,000.00
• Denied FEGLI claim settled quickly for client $173,000.00
• American Fidelity material misrepresentation $209,000.00
• SGLI issue with competing beneficiaries $400,000.00
• Mississippi life insurance and divorce $500,000.00
• Denied AD&D claim due to suicide won $883,000.00
• Colonial Life policy lapse and other issue $301,750.00
• Lincoln Heritage alcohol came up on report $204,000.00
• Denial of Accidental Death & Dismemberment $289,400.00
• Denied life insurance claim Mississippi $671,450.00
• HSBC spouse and ex-spouse dispute $300,000.00
• Metropolitan felony exclusion issue $230,000.00
• Reliance Standard big delay of payment $109,000.00

One of the more unusual reasons for a claim denial occurs due to the “contestability period.” This period, which typically lasts for two years after the policy is issued, allows the insurer to review the policyholder's history for any signs of fraud or misrepresentation. If the insured passes away during this period and the insurance company suspects that there was inaccurate or incomplete information provided on the application, they may deny the claim. This is most often seen with companies such as Reliastar, Prudential, and Securian, where insurers may scrutinize whether the insured had undisclosed health issues or a history of risky behaviors that could have affected the underwriting process. The insurer might argue that the misrepresentation materially impacted the terms of the policy. Even seemingly small omissions, such as not disclosing a history of high blood pressure or prior hospitalizations, can lead to denial. Though this is not a common occurrence, it is one that beneficiaries may not anticipate, particularly if the cause of death seems unrelated to the insurer's concerns.

Another issue that can lead to claim denials, and one that may come as a surprise to beneficiaries in Mississippi, involves “failure to meet policy requirements” regarding the beneficiary. Life insurance policies often contain stipulations about who can be named a beneficiary. If, for example, the named beneficiary is found to be ineligible due to a legal issue—such as being a convicted felon, someone involved in criminal activity, or even someone with a history of fraud—the insurer may refuse to honor the claim. Companies like American National, Transamerica, and Globe Life have, on occasion, used this clause to justify the denial of claims. If the beneficiary is considered unfit or legally incapable of receiving the payout, the insurer may seek a court’s decision to determine who is entitled to the benefit. This can lead to delays and complications, particularly in cases where the beneficiary’s eligibility is not immediately obvious to the claimant.

In certain situations, claim denials can occur due to “disputed cause of death,” even when the beneficiary assumes the death is covered under the policy. For example, if the insured passed away as a result of an accident or from an illness that was not clearly listed in the policy’s exclusions, the insurance company may claim that the cause of death falls under an excluded category, such as self-inflicted injury or death resulting from a prohibited activity. Some policies, especially those from companies like Symetra, AIG, and Lincoln Financial, include clauses that exclude coverage for deaths caused by certain actions or behaviors. For instance, if the policyholder was involved in an illegal activity, even indirectly, and the death occurred during that activity, the insurer may decline the claim. This often leads to a dispute between the beneficiary and the insurance company, especially if the beneficiary feels that the insurer is unfairly applying the exclusions.

Furthermore, another less-common denial reason is the “insufficient premiums” issue. In some life insurance policies, especially those offered by companies like Foresters, Reliance Standard, and Banner Life, the insurer may adjust the premiums based on the policyholder’s health status, age, or the addition of certain benefits. If the policyholder failed to pay the adjusted premiums—whether due to misunderstanding the changes or financial difficulties—the insurer may decide that the policy was effectively lapsed or invalid. In these cases, even though the policyholder might have believed that they were still covered, the insurance company may argue that a lapse in premium payments led to a forfeiture of coverage. This situation can be especially confusing for beneficiaries, who may not have been aware of the policyholder’s failure to meet updated premium requirements.

In Mississippi, life insurance claims can also be denied due to “policy exclusions based on lifestyle.” For example, some life insurance policies, particularly those from companies like Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, and New York Life, exclude coverage for deaths caused by the insured's involvement in high-risk activities. These exclusions are often tied to dangerous hobbies or activities such as extreme sports, skydiving, or scuba diving. If the policyholder failed to disclose that they regularly participated in such activities or died while engaged in one of them, the insurance company could use that as a reason to reject the claim. This can create a situation where the beneficiary might have no idea that such exclusions exist, leading to confusion and frustration when the claim is denied.

Another reason for claim denials that is less frequently discussed involves the legal status of the beneficiary. For instance, if the beneficiary named on the life insurance policy is someone whose legal rights to the benefit are disputed, such as in cases of divorce or estrangement, the insurance company may delay or deny the claim altogether. Companies like Prudential, Foresters, and AIG may become involved in situations where the beneficiary designation is contested due to family dynamics, such as a former spouse seeking a share of the policy proceeds despite not being the designated beneficiary. This could lead the insurer to file a life insurance interpleader lawsuit, which essentially forces the court to determine who the rightful beneficiary is. During this process, which can take months or even years, the rightful claimant may not receive the benefits of the policy, which can cause additional emotional and financial hardship.

Life insurance interpleader lawsuits are not uncommon when there are multiple competing claims for the death benefit. In Mississippi, these types of disputes can arise when family members or other potential beneficiaries disagree about who is entitled to the policy’s proceeds. For example, a policyholder who had children from multiple relationships may have failed to update their beneficiary designation, leading to confusion and competing claims from estranged family members. In such cases, insurance companies like Nationwide, Lincoln Heritage, and Reliastar may file an interpleader lawsuit, effectively freezing the payout until the court determines who should receive the funds. This process often leads to a lengthy legal battle, further complicating the financial situation for all parties involved.

The emotional and financial toll of beneficiary disputes can be immense. In many cases, beneficiaries who are initially unaware of the dispute may be left waiting for a resolution, unaware that the insurance company is caught in a legal battle over who the rightful recipient is. This can be especially difficult for the primary beneficiaries who need the payout to cover funeral costs, outstanding debts, and living expenses. The interpleader process, though designed to protect the insurer from legal liability, often leaves the claimant in a precarious situation, without access to the financial support they were expecting.

For more information on insurance regulations and consumer protections in Mississippi, you can visit the Mississippi Insurance Department. Additionally, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers nationwide insurance resources.