Life Insurance Lawyer Montana

Experienced Life Insurance Lawyers Montana: The Lassen Law Firm Life insurance claims in Montana can be difficult to navigate, especially when facing denied benefits or delayed payouts. At The Lassen Law Firm, we proudly assist individuals and families across the Treasure State in securing the life insurance benefits they deserve. Whether you’re in Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, or anywhere else in Montana, we’re here to provide expert legal guidance and dedicated support.

With a nationwide presence, our life insurance attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions in policies for our clients. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are committed to protecting your rights with personalized attention and relentless advocacy. 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.

Montana denied life insurance claims: answers to common questions

• What should I do if my life insurance claim has been denied in Montana?
  If your claim was denied in Montana, don’t accept the denial without speaking to a Montana life insurance lawyer. Many denials can be successfully challenged with legal help.

• How do I handle a life insurance interpleader lawsuit filed in Montana?
  If you’ve been named in a Montana interpleader lawsuit, the insurer is asking the court to decide who gets the payout. You need a Montana life insurance attorney to protect your right to the benefit.

• What happens if there’s a beneficiary dispute over a Montana life insurance policy?
  In Montana, life insurance beneficiary disputes often arise between family members, ex-spouses, or others claiming a right to the benefit. Our Montana legal team can step in to resolve these disputes.

• Why would a Montana accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) claim be denied?
  AD&D claims in Montana are commonly denied when insurers say the death wasn’t accidental or that alcohol was involved. We push back against these denials with forensic and legal support.

• Can policy lapse be a reason to deny a life insurance claim in Montana?
  Yes, but only if the insurer complied with Montana’s lapse notification requirements. If they didn’t, the policy may still be considered active.

• Is a misrepresentation on a Montana life insurance application grounds for denial?
  It can be—but only if it was material and made with intent. We often prove the alleged misstatement had no bearing on the claim and challenge such denials.

• Can a Montana life insurance claim be denied because of an alcohol exclusion?
  Yes, some policies include alcohol exclusions. However, we examine whether the exclusion was applicable or whether the insurer is overreaching.

• What should I do about a bad faith ERISA life insurance denial in Montana?
  If your Montana ERISA-governed life insurance claim was denied, you only have one chance to appeal. Our attorneys file detailed appeals and can pursue litigation if needed.

• What does the contestability period mean in Montana life insurance cases?
  Montana policies usually have a two-year contestability period. Denials during this time can often be overturned if the alleged misstatement didn’t contribute to the insured’s death.

• What if I received a denial letter based on Montana state law?
  Insurers often cite Montana law in denial letters, but we regularly find errors or misinterpretations. Let our attorneys review the denial to determine if it can be challenged.

• Which life insurance companies in Montana deny the most claims?
  Insurance Unlimited in Helena and Hobson Insurance are among the Montana insurers that have been involved in multiple contested claims. We hold all insurers accountable.

• Does divorce automatically revoke a life insurance beneficiary designation in Montana?
  Yes. Montana law typically removes an ex-spouse as a beneficiary unless the policyholder reaffirmed the designation post-divorce. We can help resolve any resulting disputes.

• Is Montana a community property state and does that affect life insurance claims?
  Yes, Montana is a community property state. If premiums were paid using community funds, a surviving spouse may have a legal interest—even if not listed as the beneficiary.

• Can a will override the named beneficiary on a Montana life insurance policy?
  No. In Montana, the policy controls. A will cannot change the beneficiary designation unless fraud, coercion, or legal error is proven.

• How much does it cost to hire a Montana life insurance lawyer?
  We work on a contingency basis in Montana—you pay nothing unless we recover life insurance benefits for you.

• Can a Montana life insurance claim be denied for a death abroad?
  Yes, but only if the policy has a valid foreign death exclusion. We investigate these denials and often challenge them when the exclusion doesn’t apply.

• What if the beneficiary designation was changed shortly before the death in Montana?
  A last-minute change can be contested in Montana courts if there’s evidence of fraud, undue influence, or lack of mental capacity.

• What should I do if my Montana life insurance claim is unreasonably delayed?
  Delays may constitute bad faith under Montana law. Our lawyers take immediate action and may pursue additional damages for prolonged processing.

• Can an insurer deny an AD&D claim in Montana by calling the death “natural”?
  Yes, but we regularly challenge this. If the death resulted from an accident, even with complicating factors, we build a case to enforce the AD&D coverage.

• Can an agent’s error result in denial of a Montana life insurance claim?
  Yes, but if the Montana insurance agent made the mistake, the insurer may still be liable. We challenge denials based on application errors caused by agents.

• What is bad faith in the context of a Montana life insurance denial?
  Bad faith can include failing to investigate, misrepresenting the policy, or unjustifiably denying a claim. Montana allows legal remedies for bad faith conduct.

• Can I appeal a contestability-based denial in Montana?
  Absolutely. Many contestability denials in Montana are reversed when the alleged misstatement didn’t impact risk or was unrelated to the cause of death.

• Are ERISA-based life insurance appeals more difficult in Montana?
  They are procedurally stricter, but our Montana attorneys handle ERISA appeals and lawsuits in federal court regularly.

• What if no beneficiary was named on the Montana life insurance policy?
  If the policy lacks a named beneficiary, the payout may go to the estate. We guide families through the Montana probate process to recover the funds.

• Can I dispute a questionable Montana life insurance beneficiary designation?
  Yes. If there’s evidence of manipulation or legal incapacity, Montana courts can review and potentially invalidate the designation.

• Do Montana insurers have to send notice before canceling a life insurance policy?
  Yes. Montana law requires notice before lapse or cancellation. We use this to challenge wrongful terminations of coverage.

• How are group or employer life insurance claims handled in Montana?
  Group policies often fall under ERISA. We help Montana employees and their families appeal denials related to enrollment issues or administrative mistakes.

• What happens if more than one person claims the same Montana life insurance benefit?
  The insurer may file an interpleader in Montana court. We represent clients in these actions and work to secure their rightful share.

• Can life insurance proceeds be paid in Montana if the insured was declared legally dead?
  Yes. Once a Montana court declares the person legally dead, we help families move forward with filing the claim and recovering the benefit.

• How long do I have to appeal a denied life insurance claim in Montana?
  ERISA appeals must be filed within 180 days. Other types of policies may have different time limits. We ensure appeals are filed on time and fully supported.

• Are verbal promises about Montana life insurance enforceable?
  No. Only written beneficiary designations are honored in Montana, though we can sometimes pursue equitable relief in special circumstances.

• Are life insurance benefits protected from creditors in Montana?
  Yes, when there is a named beneficiary. If paid to the estate, however, creditors may be able to access the proceeds under Montana probate law.

• Can unclear policy wording be used to deny a Montana claim?
  No. Under Montana law, ambiguous terms are interpreted in favor of the beneficiary. We use this rule to challenge vague policy denials.

• Can a canceled or lapsed Montana policy still be enforced?
  Yes, especially if the insurer didn’t follow Montana’s required cancellation procedures or the policyholder attempted reinstatement.

• What happens if the Montana policy lapsed due to non-payment?
  We check if the insurer followed proper lapse notices. If not, the policy might still be valid and we can demand payment.

• Can a child be named as a beneficiary on a Montana life insurance policy?
  Yes. If the child is a minor, a guardian or trust may need to manage the funds. We help Montana families set up those arrangements.

• Can a Montana life insurance claim be denied for suspected fraud?
  Only if the insurer proves actual, intentional fraud. We contest fraud-based denials that are speculative or lack evidence.

• Can Montana life insurance disputes be settled out of court?
  Yes, and many are. But if negotiation fails, our Montana attorneys are fully prepared to litigate the matter.

• What if a beneficiary change wasn’t processed by the Montana insurer?
  If the form wasn’t accepted or documented correctly, we may argue the original beneficiary designation remains in effect.

• Is an old life insurance policy still valid under Montana law?
  Yes. As long as the policy was active when the insured died, the benefit is enforceable. We help beneficiaries claim payouts from longstanding policies.

• How can I prove I’m the correct beneficiary on a Montana life insurance policy?
  We gather documentation, communication records, and legal evidence to support your claim. Our Montana attorneys present strong cases for recovery.

2025 Montana Denied Life Insurance Claims: settlements & verdicts

• Family Heritage coronavirus death denied $103,000.00
• GA life intoxication exclusion won $120,000.00
• Iowa Farm COVID-19 death denial $85,000.00
• Reliastar Life sickness exclusion resolved $22,000.00
• Mutual Trust life felony exclusion $14,000.00
• Navy Mutual beneficiary issue $409,200.00
• Starmount Life wrong age on application $30,000.00
• Berkshire Life alcohol denial won $56,000.00
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment fentanyl $209,000.00
• Triple AAA Life lapse of policy nonpayment $51,000.00
• Security Plan Life competing beneficiaries $24,000.00
• Best Family Life suicide denial accidental shooting $103,000.00
• Zurich American wrong social security number $208,000.00

• Pioneer Security suicide clause problem $212,800.00
• Lincoln Memorial life insurance wouldn't pay $97,000.00
• Globe material misrepresentation application $116,250.00
• West Coast accidental drug overdose $317,830.00
• Denied SGLI claim wife versus girlfriend $401,320.00
• Kentucky Central life claim big delay won $38,000.00
• Colonial dangerous activity exclusion $205,100.00
• AIG accidental death insurance coverage exclusion $512,450.00
• Montana denied life insurance claim $1,259,400.00
• Mass shooting denial life insurance benefits $387,000.00
• Denied FEGLI claim that was resolved $125,000.00
• Transamerica commission of felony exclusion $602,531.00
• SGLI form change of beneficiary dispute $400,000.00
• First National Life shooting death denial $187,900.00
• Monumental coverage lawsuit resolved $290,130.00
• Denied AD&D claim due to exclusions $564,000.00
• American General AD&D claim won $412,760.00
• Denied life insurance claim Montana $821,700.00
• Primerica autoerotic asphyxiation claim $108,000.00
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment won $729,500.00
• Stonebridge contestable period issue $101,430.00
• Montana divorce and life insurance $275,000.00
• Lincoln Heritage spouse and ex-spouse $248,000.00

One reason for life insurance claim denial that often surprises beneficiaries in Montana is the issue of “lack of insurable interest.” While this issue may not come up often, it can be a significant obstacle for certain individuals. An insurable interest is a legal requirement that the person purchasing life insurance must have a financial or emotional interest in the life of the insured. Typically, this means that the beneficiary of the policy must have a close relationship with the policyholder, such as a spouse, child, or business partner. However, situations may arise where the beneficiary is someone without a clear insurable interest. For example, a distant relative or an unrelated individual might be named as the beneficiary. If the insurer believes that there was no legitimate reason for the beneficiary to hold an insurable interest in the policyholder's life, they may deny the claim. Insurers like AIG, Transamerica, and New York Life often scrutinize this aspect when determining whether to pay out a claim, and any perceived lack of insurable interest can result in a denial.

Another potential reason for life insurance denial in Montana is the “non-disclosure of hazardous occupation” clause. Some life insurance companies, including companies like Lincoln Heritage and Mutual of Omaha, have specific clauses in their policies regarding certain high-risk occupations. If a policyholder works in a job that the insurer deems hazardous—such as construction work, mining, or jobs involving heavy machinery—the policyholder is typically required to disclose this information when applying for coverage. Failure to accurately disclose such details can lead to the policy being voided or the insurer refusing to pay out the death benefit. If the insured passes away as a result of an accident related to their occupation and the insurer finds that they failed to disclose their occupation on the application, companies such as Reliastar and Prudential may use this as grounds to deny the claim. In some instances, the insurer may argue that had the correct occupation been disclosed, the policy would have been issued with higher premiums or with an exclusion for certain types of accidents.

Another, perhaps more surprising reason for a claim denial in Montana involves “misstatements regarding medical history” or “health exclusions.” If a policyholder failed to disclose pre-existing medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or mental health disorders, the insurer may contest the claim. This is particularly relevant with companies like MetLife, USAA, and Banner Life, where accurate health information is a key factor in determining premiums and coverage terms. Insurers may assert that if they had known about the pre-existing condition at the time of underwriting, they would have issued a policy with exclusions or higher premiums. Even if the death was unrelated to the disclosed condition, insurers may use this misrepresentation as a basis to deny the claim, especially within the contestability period, which typically lasts for the first two years of the policy.

Additionally, the insurer may invoke the “missing documentation” clause as a reason to deny a claim. In these cases, the beneficiary might provide the necessary paperwork but forget or fail to submit required documentation, such as a death certificate, proof of identity, or specific medical records. Life insurance companies like Allianz, Globe Life, and Reliance Standard may reject the claim if these documents are not submitted in a timely manner or if the documents are incomplete. In Montana, insurers may also have stricter requirements about how claims must be filed. In some cases, beneficiaries may not fully understand the documentation requirements or the deadlines involved, and as a result, the insurer may deny the claim based on technicalities.

One factor that may be overlooked by beneficiaries in Montana is the importance of understanding the terms of the “suicide exclusion.” While many people are aware of this provision, they may not fully comprehend how it applies in practice. For example, if a policyholder dies by suicide within the first two years of the policy’s issuance, many insurers, including companies like Transamerica, Lincoln Benefit Life, and Mass Mutual, will invoke the suicide exclusion to deny the claim. However, if the insured took their life after the contestability period had expired, the insurer may still investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. If they find any indication that the insured had been receiving psychiatric treatment or had a history of mental illness that was not disclosed, the claim could be denied. In some instances, insurers may argue that suicide was the result of a pre-existing mental condition that the insured failed to disclose during the application process.

Life insurance claims in Montana can also be complicated when there is a dispute about the named beneficiary. Beneficiary disputes arise when multiple people claim the death benefit, such as in situations where the policyholder had multiple marriages or children from different relationships. Disagreements can happen when the insured neglected to update their beneficiary designation, leaving out current spouses, children, or other relatives. For instance, if the policyholder did not update their beneficiary after a divorce, the ex-spouse may still be listed as the beneficiary. Companies like Guardian, Ohio National, and American National may find themselves caught in the middle of such disputes, which can lead to delays in the payout process. These disputes are often challenging to resolve without legal intervention, and beneficiaries may need to hire attorneys to help sort out who is entitled to the death benefit.

In cases where multiple people claim the death benefit, insurers might file a life insurance interpleader lawsuit to avoid liability. This legal process allows the insurer to deposit the death benefit into the court’s registry and ask a judge to decide who should receive the payout. Insurers like Reliastar, Symetra, and Foresters may use this procedure when they cannot determine the rightful beneficiary, leaving it up to the court to make the final decision. This lawsuit is particularly common when the insurer receives conflicting claims from family members or business partners and is uncertain who should rightfully receive the proceeds. While the legal system determines the outcome, the beneficiaries may experience significant delays in receiving the payout, which can further complicate the grieving process.

A common scenario in Montana involves the unfortunate situation in which a beneficiary is named, but due to a failure to properly update the beneficiary designation after significant life events (such as divorce or remarriage), a claim can be delayed or even denied. This is especially problematic when the policyholder passed away suddenly, and the beneficiary’s claim is contested because the deceased did not keep their beneficiary information up to date. Insurers like MetLife, Prudential, and Nationwide have processes in place to handle these disputes, but the waiting game can be excruciating for the individuals involved.

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