Life Insurance Lawyer New Jersey

"Life Insurance Lawyers Serving New Jersey: The Lassen Law Firm" Navigating life insurance claims in New Jersey can be complicated, particularly when dealing with denied benefits or bad faith insurance practices. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are committed to helping individuals and families across the Garden State recover the payouts they deserve. Whether you’re in Cherry Hill, Marlton, Princeton, Newark, Jersey City, Trenton, Paterson, or any other part of New Jersey, we bring trusted legal expertise and personalized attention to every case.

As experienced life insurance attorneys handling cases nationwide, with offices in New Jersey, we’ve successfully recovered over $750 million in policies for our clients. At The Lassen Law Firm, we combine dedication, legal expertise, and compassionate advocacy to deliver justice for the people we serve.

Life insurance companies, such as American General, AARP, and MetLife, while often reliable providers, are notorious for rejecting claims on various grounds, leaving grieving families to navigate the complex and sometimes frustrating process of contesting a denial. For policyholders in New Jersey, understanding why claims get denied and what steps to take when faced with a denial can be crucial in ensuring that beneficiaries receive the financial support they deserve during one of life’s most difficult times.

A significant issue leading to claim denials in New Jersey involves errors or discrepancies in the original application for life insurance. Insurance companies like Banner, MetLife, and Lincoln Heritage are known for their thorough vetting processes, especially when it comes to examining the medical history of the insured person. If the applicant failed to disclose pre-existing conditions or made any form of misrepresentation, whether intentionally or unintentionally, the insurer may use that as a basis to deny a claim. For example, a policyholder might have neglected to mention a history of hypertension or smoking, even though those factors weren’t immediately relevant to the cause of death. In such cases, companies like Reliance Standard and Midland National could argue that the policy is void because of a misrepresentation, even if the cause of death had nothing to do with the omitted information. This can leave the beneficiary with little recourse, and they may have to engage in a lengthy and often expensive appeal process.

Policy exclusions and fine print are another major source of claim denials for New Jersey residents. Life insurance policies issued by companies like Hartford Life, Jackson Life, and Foresters often contain a variety of exclusions that can limit or outright deny coverage under certain circumstances. For example, many policies have clauses excluding coverage for deaths resulting from suicide, participation in dangerous activities, or deaths that occur within a specified contestability period, typically the first two years of the policy. While these exclusions are generally outlined in the policy’s fine print, many beneficiaries don’t fully understand their scope. This lack of awareness can be especially problematic when an insurer like Lumico or USAA denies a claim due to an exclusion clause, leaving the grieving family with little recourse. New Jersey residents, in particular, should be aware of the potential for these exclusions, especially if their loved one had a history of mental health issues or participated in activities that could be considered high risk.

Another common reason for life insurance claims being denied in New Jersey is the contestability period. Many policies include a clause that allows the insurer to investigate the cause of death and potentially dispute the claim if it occurs within the first two years of the policy’s issuance. Insurers like Symetra, Transamerica, and AAA may invoke this period if the death occurs within the initial term. During this time, the insurer has the right to scrutinize the applicant’s health and lifestyle, and if there is any perceived discrepancy between the application and the cause of death, the insurer can deny the claim. This period is designed to protect the insurance company from fraud, but it can create significant hurdles for beneficiaries who may be waiting for the payout after the death of their loved one. Furthermore, even if the death was not related to any misrepresentation, companies like Ameritas, Globe, and Horace Mann may still choose to deny the claim based on their findings during the contestability review.

For policyholders in New Jersey, another concerning issue that may lead to denials is the failure to meet specific policy terms or requirements. Life insurance companies like Columbian Mutual, Integrity, and Corebridge may reject a claim if the policyholder did not meet the conditions outlined in the contract. These conditions might include requirements about the type of death (e.g., death by accident, natural causes, or illness), the age of the insured, or the condition of the policy at the time of death (whether premiums were paid on time, etc.). In some cases, beneficiaries are left in the dark about these conditions, leading to denials when they least expect it. For instance, if the policyholder’s premiums lapsed and the death occurred after a period of non-payment, companies like Mass Mutual, Pekin, and Prosperity could claim the policy is no longer valid, leaving the family without any support.

Additionally, the insurance claims process itself can be riddled with obstacles, leading to unnecessary delays and, at times, denials due to technicalities. Smaller or less well-known insurers like Trustmark, Wells Fargo, and Anthem have been known to be less responsive when handling claims, especially when it comes to missing documents or incomplete paperwork. In New Jersey, where many families may face difficulty in securing the necessary documentation or navigating the insurance system, these administrative hurdles can lead to further complications. A missing signature, incomplete beneficiary information, or an incorrect date on the claim form may be enough for companies like CMFG, Dearborn, and First Colony to deny a claim outright, even though the family did everything they were supposed to do. This is a frustrating reality for many policyholders, particularly when the error was not on the part of the beneficiary.

The complexity of life insurance policies can also contribute to denial cases in New Jersey. Life insurance providers like Humana, Mutual Savings, and State Life sometimes issue policies with complicated terms that are difficult for policyholders and beneficiaries to fully understand. For example, the insured might not realize that a certain type of death—such as one caused by an existing health condition or self-inflicted harm—may not be covered by the policy. If an insurer like TIAA, Alfa, or National Western determines that the cause of death falls under an exclusion, the claim can be denied, leaving beneficiaries in a difficult position. The dense language used in many life insurance contracts can also make it difficult for policyholders to know exactly what is covered and what is not, making it easy for insurance companies to use this lack of understanding to their advantage.

Larger life insurance providers, such as Assurant, Progressive, and Protective, can be particularly aggressive when it comes to denying claims. These companies, while financially stable and well-established, may engage in lengthy investigations or dispute the cause of death, especially if there is any indication that the deceased person did not meet the terms of the policy. This practice is not uncommon among insurers who deal with large numbers of claims, and the process of contesting a denial can be both time-consuming and costly for the beneficiaries. These challenges can be particularly difficult for families in New Jersey, where navigating the legal and regulatory landscape can seem overwhelming. Often, insurance companies like Prudential, Sagicor, and Securian rely on their vast resources to delay payouts, hoping that beneficiaries will give up or settle for less than what they are owed.

In New Jersey, residents who find themselves in the unfortunate situation of having a claim denied should be aware that they have options for recourse. The state offers a consumer assistance program through the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, which can help individuals file complaints and investigate claims. For those who are facing denials from companies like State Farm, The Hartford, or Unum, working with a lawyer who specializes in life insurance disputes can also be a helpful strategy. A legal professional can review the details of the policy, identify any potential missteps, and assist in preparing an appeal to the insurer. In many cases, insurance companies are more likely to settle or approve claims when faced with a well-prepared legal challenge.

Questions about life insurance claims in New Jersey

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

You need a top NJ life insurance lawyer to represent you.

What do I do If I was served with a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in NJ?

You don't want to jeopardize your case, so you'll need a top NJ life insurance attorney for representation.

What does a NJ life insurance lawyer cost?

Our lawyers don't charge you a retainer or big hourly fees, we work on a no recovery no fee contingency fee basis.

Why do life insurance claims in NJ get denied?

There are many reasons for denied life insurance claims in NJ such as: material misrepresentation; policy lapse; exclusions; and more. Remember, our top NJ life insurance law firm will fight any claim and win.

Can an accidental death & dismemberment life insurance claim in NJ be denied if the insurance company says the death was not accidental?

We can fight claims when there is a dispute as to whether the death was accidental versus a medical event.

What do I do if I have a life insurance beneficiary dispute in NJ?

Our top NJ life insurance law firm can represent you with respect to your beneficiary dispute.

Why would an AD&D life insurance claim in New Jersey be denied?

An AD&D life insurance claim is typically denied either because the death was caused by a medical event not an accident, or that there was alcohol involved which is typically an exclusion in the policy.

Can policy lapse be a reason for a denied life insurance claim in New Jersey?

Yes, but the lapse can be contested by our life insurance attorneys.

Is alleged misrepresentation on a life insurance application a reason for a denied life insurance claim in New Jersey?

Yes, but our life law firm can dispute the misrepresentation.

Can an alcohol exclusion be a reason for a denied life insurance claim in New Jersey?

Yes, but there are ways a life insurance lawyer can dispute this.

What do I do about a bad faith ERISA life insurance denial of death benefits in NJ?

As you only have one appeal, best to have our lawyers resolve it.

What should I do about a life insurance contestability period claim denial in NJ?

You should always get legal representation as any denial can be contested.

What do I do if I get a denial letter for my life insurance claim stating it was denied due to NJ state law?

There are many exceptions to denials based on NJ state law.

What are the worst life insurance companies in New Jersey for paying claims?

These New Jersey life insurance companies deny many claims: Prudential Life Insurance in Newark NJ, and MetLife in Bridgewater NJ.

2025 New Jersey Denied Life Insurance Claims

  • Mutual Benefit denied coronavirus claim $55,000.00
  • Mass shooting NJ denied life insurance claim $210,000.00
  • John Hancock ex-wife vs wife $50,000.00
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment $529,600.00
  • Farmers denial of COVID-19 claim $45,000.00
  • Denied SGLI claim beneficiary dispute $401,476,00
  • First National ex-wife versus wife $101,300.00
  • American United interpleader $145,000.00
  • Midland National health misrepresentation $10,000.00
  • Confederation Life sickness exclusion $129,000.00
  • Denied FEGLI claim competing beneficiaries $253,000.00
  • Lincoln Mutual heart attack denial $314,600.00
  • AAA dispute among siblings $125,000.00
  • State Farm prescription drug exclusion $16.000.00
  • Denied AD&D claim felony exclusion $103,200.00
  • Mutual of Omaha AD&D denial $253,000.00
  • Allianz Life illegal drug exclusion heroin $212,600.00
  • United of Omaha Life suicide exclusion $245,300.00
  • West Coast Life misrepresentation alleged 105,100.00
  • Ohio National Life interpleader lawsuit $314,500.00
  • American National Life self-inflicted injury $124,000.00
  • AARP Life sickness exclusion won $253,400.00
  • New Jersey life insurance claim $822,300.00
  • Western Southern Life foreign death $325,000.00
  • FEGLI denied claim success $102,000.00
  • Globe Life delay of life benefits $106,300.00
  • Mutual Life AD&D claim denied $307,900.00
  • American United Life accidental death $220,400.00
  • Sun Life autoerotic asphyxiation death $275,000.00
  • New York Life delay for no reason $109,250.00
  • Gerber Life forgery of beneficiary $100,000.00
  • New Jersey divorce and life insurance $513,150.00
  • Denied life insurance claim NJ $1,500,000.00
  • MetLife AD&D denial won by us $759,450.00
  • Columbian Life interpleader case $232,620.00
  • William Penn Life long delay $100,000.00
  • Met LIfe dispute beneficiaries $138,000.00
  • ERISA appeal won by our law firm $417,900.00
  • Denied life insurance claim NJ $750,000.00
  • NJ denied AD&D claim won $613,500.00
  • United Life felony exclusion $249,300.00
  • TIAA life insurance denial $109,500.00
  • Transamerica Premier accidental death $307,350.00
  • Principal Life three exclusions $125,000.00
  • Globe Life drug exclusion $103,480.00
  • Primerica alleged misrepresentation $249,200.00
  • NJ life insurance claim denied $1,250,000.00
  • Great American Life Suicide exclusion $251,100.00
  • Combined Life beneficiary change $264,700.00
  • SGLI change of beneficiary lawsuit $400,000.00
  • Omaha Life dispute among family $350,000.00
  • Physicians Mutual Life exclusion alcohol $105,320.00

Our top life insurance lawyers handle all life insurance denied claims as well as beneficiary disputes and life insurance interpleader lawsuits.