Life Insurance Lawyer Pennsylvania

Trusted Life Insurance Lawyers in Pennsylvania: The Lassen Law Firm Navigating life insurance claims in Pennsylvania can be complex, particularly when dealing with denied payouts or bad faith insurance practices. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are proud to support individuals and families across the Keystone State, helping them recover the benefits they deserve. Our Pennsylvania life insurance lawyers serve clients across the state, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown.

As experienced Pennsylvania life insurance attorneys handling cases nationwide, we’ve successfully recovered hundreds of millions in policies for our clients. At The Lassen Law Firm, we bring dedication, legal knowledge, and compassionate advocacy to every case we handle, ensuring justice for all. 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.

Pennsylvania denied life insurance claims: answers to common questions

What happens when there is a life insurance interpleader in Pennsylvania?
When an insurer files an interpleader, they’re asking the court to decide who should receive the payout. If you’ve been named in an interpleader lawsuit, you need a Pennsylvania life insurance attorney to protect your interest in the benefit. Trying to handle it yourself could cost you the entire claim.

How much does a life insurance lawyer cost in Pennsylvania?
Our Pennsylvania life insurance lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and only owe a fee if we recover the payout for you. If we don’t win, you owe nothing.

What can void a life insurance payout in Pennsylvania?
Common reasons include material misrepresentation on the application, lapse in premiums, exclusion clauses, and failure to update beneficiaries. However, many denials are legally challengeable. We review every detail to dispute improper voiding of policies.

What happens when a life insurance claim is denied in Pennsylvania?
You should not try to appeal the denial on your own. Many claims—especially ERISA-governed group policies—allow only one appeal. Hiring an experienced Pennsylvania life insurance attorney is essential to protect your one and only chance at recovering the benefit.

What should I do if I’m involved in a life insurance beneficiary dispute in Pennsylvania?
These disputes can arise between spouses, ex-spouses, adult children, or others. We litigate beneficiary disputes throughout Pennsylvania and have experience resolving cases involving undue influence, forgery, or last-minute changes.

Why would a Pennsylvania AD&D life insurance claim be denied?
Most AD&D denials result from insurers claiming the death wasn’t accidental or involved an excluded circumstance like a medical event or intoxication. We investigate these denials and often recover payouts by disputing the insurer’s interpretation.

Can a policy lapse result in a denied life insurance claim in Pennsylvania?
Yes, but many lapse-related denials are improper. If the insurer failed to provide sufficient notice of lapse or if the death occurred during a grace period, the policy may still be in effect.

Is misrepresentation on the life insurance application a reason for denial in Pennsylvania?
It can be, but only if the misstatement was material and intentionally misleading. We challenge these denials by showing the insurer had enough information to issue the policy—or that the misrepresentation was unrelated to the cause of death.

Can an alcohol exclusion be used to deny a life insurance claim in Pennsylvania?
Yes, some policies have alcohol exclusions. But insurers often stretch these clauses beyond what the law allows. We fight back when a denial is based on questionable interpretation of alcohol involvement.

What should I do about a bad faith ERISA life insurance denial in Pennsylvania?
Because ERISA only allows one appeal, you must get legal help immediately. We build compelling appeals that address both the facts and legal standards required to overturn ERISA denials.

What should I do if my life insurance claim was denied during the contestability period in Pennsylvania?
The contestability period typically lasts two years after a policy is issued. If the insurer denies the claim based on misstatements, we can help show those statements weren’t material or related to the cause of death.

What if I receive a denial letter citing Pennsylvania state law?
Insurers often misinterpret or misuse Pennsylvania law when denying claims. An experienced attorney can determine if the denial actually holds up under the law and identify ways to challenge it.

Which life insurance companies deny the most claims in Pennsylvania?
Lincoln Heritage in Harrisburg, Penn Mutual in Horsham, and Guardian Life in Bethlehem are often reported to deny a high volume of claims. That said, any insurer can deny a valid claim, and we hold all of them accountable.

Does Pennsylvania have a law that revokes an ex-spouse’s beneficiary rights after divorce?
Yes. Under Pennsylvania law, an ex-spouse is automatically removed as a beneficiary after divorce unless the policyholder reaffirmed the designation. If there’s a dispute involving an ex-spouse, we can help determine whether the revocation law applies.

Is Pennsylvania a community property state, and does a spouse have rights to life insurance benefits?
No, Pennsylvania is not a community property state. However, a surviving spouse may have a claim to part of the policy if marital funds were used to pay premiums. We analyze financial records to assess spousal rights.

Can a will override the named beneficiary on a Pennsylvania life insurance policy?
No. The policy pays the beneficiary listed on the policy, not someone named in a will. However, courts may get involved if there are signs of fraud, coercion, or disputes over the policy's intent.

Can I fight a denial if the death occurred outside the U.S.?
Yes. While some policies include foreign death exclusions, many do not or apply only under specific conditions. We handle international death cases and can challenge wrongful denials involving overseas incidents.

What happens if a beneficiary change was made shortly before the insured's death?
These last-minute changes are often challenged. We investigate whether the change was made voluntarily or under pressure, and we take legal action if the change was due to undue influence or mental incapacity.

What if the insurance company delays my claim for months without payment?
Delays without justification can be considered bad faith in Pennsylvania. We hold insurers accountable and may pursue additional compensation for wrongful delay.

Can an insurance company deny an accidental death claim by calling it natural causes?
Yes, and they do it frequently. We work with forensic experts to prove the death was accidental and recover the full AD&D benefit when insurers try to reclassify a death to avoid payment.

What if the agent helped fill out the application and made a mistake?
If the agent made a mistake or filled in inaccurate information, the insurer may still be liable. We fight denials based on agent error and often succeed in overturning them.

Can I sue for bad faith if my claim was wrongly denied in Pennsylvania?
Yes. If the insurer acted unreasonably, you may be entitled to punitive damages and attorney fees in addition to the benefit amount. We litigate bad faith life insurance cases statewide.

Can a suicide exclusion be challenged in Pennsylvania?
Suicide exclusions generally apply only within the first two years of the policy. If the policy is older, or if the death was misclassified, we may be able to dispute the denial.

Are ERISA policies different from private life insurance policies in Pennsylvania?
Yes. ERISA governs most employer-provided life insurance and imposes strict appeal rules. We handle both types of claims and understand how to navigate ERISA’s complexities.

What if the insured didn’t disclose a health condition on their application?
The insurer must show the omission was intentional and would have affected underwriting. If the condition had no bearing on the cause of death or was already known to the insurer, we may still recover the benefit.

What happens if no beneficiary is named on the policy?
If there is no named beneficiary, the benefit usually goes to the estate or to default beneficiaries under Pennsylvania law. We help families recover the benefit through the proper legal channels.

Can I dispute a beneficiary designation that seems suspicious?
Yes. If there’s evidence of fraud, coercion, or manipulation, we can ask the court to invalidate the designation and award the benefit to the rightful party.

Do insurers need to give notice before canceling a life insurance policy in Pennsylvania?
Yes. They must follow strict notice requirements. If the insurer failed to notify the policyholder properly, the policy may still be in effect, and we can challenge the denial.

What if the life insurance policy was bought through a union or professional organization in Pennsylvania?
Group policies through unions or associations may have unique provisions. We’re experienced in dealing with union-based denials and will review the fine print to protect your rights.

Can I recover only part of a policy if I’m one of multiple beneficiaries?
Yes. Payouts are divided among co-beneficiaries. If one is disqualified or deceased, the benefit may pass to others depending on the policy terms. We help beneficiaries resolve these issues.

What if the policyholder was missing and later declared legally dead?
Insurers may deny the claim until legal death is established. We help families navigate the process and fight back against delays based on uncertainty or suspicion.

Can I appeal a denied life insurance claim months after the initial denial?
Yes. Many claims can be appealed or reopened, especially if new evidence is found. Don’t assume a denial is final—speak to our team to review your options.

What happens if multiple people claim the insured promised them the benefit?
Verbal promises don’t override written policy documents, but we can investigate whether legal remedies like constructive trusts apply in unique cases.

Are life insurance proceeds in Pennsylvania subject to creditor claims?
Not usually. If the policy names a living beneficiary, the funds are protected from creditors. However, if payable to the estate, creditors may be able to reach the proceeds.

What if the policy language is unclear or confusing?
Ambiguities in a policy are interpreted in favor of the policyholder. If your claim was denied due to vague terms, we can argue that the language supports your right to payment.

Can a denial be reversed if the policy was allegedly canceled for non-payment?
Yes. If the insurer failed to follow Pennsylvania’s notice rules, we may be able to show the policy never properly lapsed and demand payment.

Do minors need a guardian to receive life insurance proceeds in Pennsylvania?
Yes. If a child is named as a beneficiary, a guardian may be required. We help families set up proper legal structures to ensure the benefit is protected and used for the child’s well-being.

2025 Pennsylvania Denied Life Insurance Claims: settlements & verdicts

In 2025, Pennsylvania experienced numerous significant legal outcomes involving denied life insurance claims, effectively resolved through expert legal advocacy:

• MassMutual’s interpleader lawsuit was resolved favorably, securing $275,000 by clearly establishing rightful beneficiaries.
• American Standard Life’s coronavirus-related denial was overturned, recovering $77,000 by proving insurer misinterpretation of pandemic clauses.
• Global Atlantic’s COVID-19 denial was successfully contested, securing $114,000 through clarification of policy coverage.
• Primerica’s denial for incorrect age listed on the application was successfully resolved, recovering $91,000 by demonstrating clerical error.
• Bestow Life’s sickness exclusion denial was effectively resolved, recovering $55,000 by addressing ambiguous policy terms.
• First Capital Life’s interpleader lawsuit was favorably resolved, securing $106,000 by clearly identifying rightful beneficiaries.
• Athene Life’s denial due to unauthorized power of attorney changes was successfully contested, recovering $105,000 through valid documentation.
• Foresters Financial’s delayed claim was successfully resolved, recovering $33,000 after highlighting insurer procedural errors.
• Senior Life’s contested beneficiary claim was favorably resolved, recovering $105,000 through clear beneficiary documentation.
• Chubb Life’s denial due to lapse of payment was successfully contested, recovering $49,000 by proving administrative mistakes.
• North American Life’s denial involving unauthorized power of attorney changes was overturned, securing $202,400 by establishing valid authorization.
• Bankers Life’s felony exclusion denial involving a crime was successfully contested, securing $68,000 by clarifying policy misinterpretation.
• CUNA Mutual’s denial for policy lapse was effectively resolved, recovering $47,000 by demonstrating insurer errors.
• Transamerica’s sickness exclusion denial was successfully overturned, securing $57,000 by clarifying ambiguous policy provisions.
• AARP’s coronavirus denial was effectively contested, recovering $110,000 by proving insurer errors in pandemic-related coverage.
• SGLI’s denial involving an unlogged beneficiary change form was successfully resolved, recovering $409,300 through demonstrating insurer administrative errors.
• A significant Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) claim denial was resolved, securing $920,000 by clarifying policy ambiguities.
• Ohio National’s denial due to payment lapse was successfully resolved, recovering $30,000 by highlighting insurer notification failures.
• A Pennsylvania mass shooting-related denial was successfully contested, securing $275,000 by clarifying policy exclusions.
• MetLife’s denial related to divorce proceedings and ex-spouse beneficiary rights was successfully contested, securing $1,000,000 per court order.
• Jackson National Life’s denial involving autoerotic asphyxiation was successfully contested, recovering $107,400 through policy clarification.
• Standard Life’s alcohol exclusion denial was overturned, securing $155,000 by proving alcohol was not the direct cause of death.
• Guaranteed Life’s misrepresentation denial was successfully contested, recovering $253,700 by establishing inaccuracies were unintentional.
• A substantial denied life insurance claim in Philadelphia totaling $507,630 was successfully litigated, highlighting insurer errors.
• North American Life’s sickness exclusion denial was overturned, recovering $148,200 by clarifying policy terms.
• Transamerica Life’s accidental death denial was successfully contested, securing $214,000 by addressing ambiguous accidental death provisions.
• Liberty National Life’s delayed claim was successfully resolved, recovering $112,500 by demonstrating insurer negligence.
• Another significant denied claim totaling $630,000 in Pennsylvania was effectively resolved through legal advocacy.
• Foresters Life’s drug overdose denial was overturned, securing $284,100 by clarifying accidental circumstances.
• Minnesota Life’s felony exclusion denial involving a shooting was successfully contested, securing $135,000 by addressing policy ambiguities.
• Colonial Penn Life’s accidental death denial was overturned, securing $208,300 through litigation.
• Prudential Life’s significant AD&D denial was successfully contested, recovering $513,500 by addressing policy ambiguities.
• Another denied life insurance claim totaling $740,200 in Pennsylvania was successfully litigated, highlighting insurer procedural failures.
• Phoenix Life’s undue influence beneficiary denial was successfully contested, recovering $214,000 by proving rightful beneficiary intentions.
• Unum Life’s denial involving medical records was overturned, securing $265,300 by demonstrating insurer errors.
• Metropolitan Life’s interpleader lawsuit was favorably resolved, recovering $250,000 through clearly identified beneficiaries.
• Gerber Life’s denial involving two exclusions was resolved favorably, securing $302,900 by clarifying ambiguous policy language.
• Continental Life’s dispute involving spouse versus ex-spouse was successfully resolved, securing $175,000.
• AXA Equitable Life’s failure to accept premium denial was overturned, recovering $103,200 by demonstrating insurer errors.
• A significant Philadelphia denied life insurance claim totaling $825,000 was successfully contested, emphasizing insurer procedural failures.
• Lincoln National Life’s denial involving natural death was successfully contested, securing $211,750 by clarifying policy terms.
• Protective Life’s denial based on drug exclusion was overturned, securing $102,900 through litigation clarifying legitimate medication usage.

Pennsylvania Life Insurance Claim Denials

In Pennsylvania, the denial of life insurance claims is a growing concern for policyholders and their beneficiaries, often leading to frustration and confusion at an already difficult time. When someone passes away, family members expect to receive financial support through life insurance, a safety net that was promised when the policy was taken out. However, many beneficiaries in Pennsylvania face unexpected denials, as certain insurance companies, such as American General, AARP, and MetLife, have built reputations for rejecting claims for various reasons. Understanding why claims are denied, and how to address these challenges, is essential for policyholders in Pennsylvania to ensure they are treated fairly when the time comes.

One of the most common reasons that life insurance claims are denied in Pennsylvania is due to issues with the insured person’s application. Companies like Banner, MetLife, and Lincoln Heritage often conduct thorough investigations into an applicant’s medical history and lifestyle habits when a claim is filed. If there is any perceived misrepresentation or omission of crucial information on the original application, such as pre-existing health conditions or risky behaviors, the insurer may claim that the policy is invalid. For example, if the deceased person failed to disclose a history of smoking or an existing heart condition, the insurer might argue that the claim is void due to non-disclosure or misrepresentation. This can happen even if the cause of death was unrelated to the undisclosed condition, leaving the beneficiary in a difficult position. Insurers like Reliance Standard and Midland National are known for conducting extensive reviews of claims, seeking any inconsistencies to justify their denials.

Another challenge that policyholders in Pennsylvania face is the complexity of the insurance policy itself. Life insurance policies issued by companies like Hartford Life, Jackson Life, and Foresters often include clauses that beneficiaries may not fully understand. These clauses can include exclusions for specific causes of death, such as suicide, deaths caused by illegal activities, or deaths occurring within a certain time frame after the policy is issued. In Pennsylvania, where there is a mix of urban and rural populations, individuals may not always fully comprehend the implications of these terms, leading to confusion when a claim is denied. For example, a policyholder who dies in a car accident while driving under the influence of alcohol might find their claim denied due to a policy exclusion for deaths resulting from illegal activities. Similarly, companies like Lumico and USAA may deny claims if the insured person dies within the policy’s contestability period, typically the first two years, during which the insurer has the right to investigate and potentially dispute the cause of death.

Moreover, many life insurance policies include a contestability clause, which gives insurers the right to investigate the cause of death and the information provided by the insured person when the policy was issued. If the death occurs within a certain time frame—often the first two years of the policy—companies like Symetra, Transamerica, and AAA may scrutinize the death more heavily to ensure there was no fraud or misrepresentation on the part of the policyholder. This clause is often invoked when the cause of death is not immediately clear, or when the insurer believes there might be a connection between the death and the information provided on the application. While this is a standard practice, it can delay claims and lead to denials if the insurer finds that the policyholder had misrepresented their health or lifestyle. The process can be especially difficult for beneficiaries who are left waiting for a payout, often at the worst possible time.

Smaller or lesser-known insurance companies like Ameritas, Globe, and Horace Mann can also be sources of frustration when it comes to denied life insurance claims. These companies, while offering competitive rates, may use aggressive tactics to avoid paying out claims. In some cases, insurers like Columbian Mutual, Integrity, and Corebridge have been known to reject claims based on small errors, such as missing signatures or discrepancies in personal details. While these technicalities might seem trivial, they are often enough for the insurance company to deny a claim. Beneficiaries in Pennsylvania may find themselves having to contest a denial due to minor administrative errors, which can be time-consuming and emotionally draining.

Additionally, beneficiaries should be aware of the exclusions written into their life insurance policy. Companies like Mass Mutual, Pekin, and Prosperity often have exclusions related to certain risky behaviors, such as extreme sports, high-risk jobs, or death caused by a pre-existing condition. If the insured person’s cause of death is linked to any of these exclusions, the insurer can refuse to pay out the claim. This is particularly common with insurers that have policies specifically designed for high-risk individuals, such as those offered by Trustmark and Wells Fargo. Pennsylvania’s diverse population means that people engage in a wide range of activities, and if an individual’s death is related to a behavior or activity not covered by the policy, the claim may be rejected.

Another issue that Pennsylvania residents face is the difficulty in understanding policy terms and exclusions, which may lead to misinterpretation and confusion when claims are denied. Life insurance companies like Anthem, CMFG, and Dearborn may deny claims based on ambiguous wording in the policy. For example, policies from companies like First Colony, Humana, and Mutual Savings may include clauses that limit payouts under specific circumstances, such as deaths resulting from accidents or deaths that occur after a certain age. If these terms are not clearly understood or explained, beneficiaries might feel blindsided when their claims are denied. In many cases, policyholders may not even realize that they have been subject to these clauses until after the death of the insured.

A particularly troubling aspect of life insurance claims denial in Pennsylvania is the behavior of larger insurance companies like State Life, TIAA, and Alfa. These companies, while financially stable and well-known, have sometimes been accused of denying claims based on factors such as pre-existing conditions or policy exclusions. In these cases, the insurer may argue that the policyholder did not meet the terms of the contract, even though the beneficiary feels they are entitled to the payout. Large companies like Assurant, Progressive, and Protective Life Insurance may attempt to use their resources and legal teams to contest a claim, making it more difficult for the beneficiary to fight the denial. This can be a particularly challenging situation for families who may not have the legal knowledge or financial resources to mount a proper appeal.

When facing a denied claim in Pennsylvania, it’s important for beneficiaries to know their rights and options. Pennsylvania law allows beneficiaries to challenge a denial, and they can file complaints with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department if they believe the denial was unjust. Legal experts who specialize in life insurance law can also provide valuable assistance in navigating the appeals process. These professionals can review the policy, investigate the circumstances surrounding the denial, and help the beneficiary understand whether the claim should have been paid out. Additionally, many life insurance companies, such as Prudential, Sagicor, and Securian, offer an appeal process that can allow beneficiaries to present additional evidence or correct any errors that may have led to the denial.

Finally, it’s worth noting that life insurance claims denials in Pennsylvania may also occur when companies like State Farm, The Hartford, or Unum attempt to avoid payouts due to disputes over the policy’s terms. In some cases, companies may even argue that the insured person did not meet the requirements of the policy due to health or lifestyle reasons. In these situations, it’s crucial for beneficiaries to be aware of the possibility of an appeal and the legal recourse available to them. Working with legal professionals who understand the complexities of life insurance policies and the regulations in Pennsylvania can make a significant difference in achieving a favorable outcome.

In conclusion, life insurance claim denials in Pennsylvania are a real concern for policyholders and their beneficiaries. Companies such as Aetna, AIG, Allianz, and Allstate, as well as smaller insurers like American Family, American Fidelity, and American Income Life, may deny claims for a variety of reasons, including issues with the application, exclusions in the policy, and misinterpretations of the terms. Understanding the details of the policy, knowing your rights, and seeking legal assistance when necessary are essential steps for beneficiaries who face a claim denial. By being informed and proactive, Pennsylvania residents can navigate the challenges of life insurance claims and ensure that they receive the financial support they are entitled to.

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