Life Insurance Lawyer Pennsylvania

"Life Insurance Lawyers Serving 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. From Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, Harrisburg to Allentown, and every community in between, we provide trusted legal expertise and personalized attention.

As experienced life insurance attorneys handling cases nationwide, including Pennsylvania, we’ve successfully recovered over $750 million 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.

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.

Questions about life insurance claims in Pennsylvania

What happens when there is a life insurance interpleader in Pennsylvania?

You'll need a top life insurance lawyer to represent you, as a non-lawyer wouldn't be able to handle it.

How much does a life insurance lawyer cost in Pennsylvania?

A life insurance lawyer from our firm will work on a contingency fee basis, meaning no fee unless we get you the full policy amount.

What voids a life insurance payout in Pennsylvania?

There are many reasons for a life insurance payout being voided in Pennsylvania such as material misrepresentation or the many exclusions, but our top PA life insurance lawyers will fight for you and win.

What happens when a life insurance claim in Pennsylvania is denied?

You don't want to try to appeal it yourself, as with work policies you only have one shot. Getting representation from a life insurance lawyer to fight for you is the best course of action.

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

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

Why would an accidental death & dismemberment life insurance claim in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

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 Pennsylvania?

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

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

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 Pennsylvania?

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 Pennsylvania?

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 Pennsylvania state law?

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

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

These Pennsylvania life insurance companies deny many claims: Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance in Harrisburg, Penn Mutual Life Insurance in Horsham, and Guardian Life Insurance in Bethlehem.

2025 Pennsylvania Denied Life Insurance Claims

MassMutual interpleader $275,000.00
American Standard Life coronavirus $77,000.00
Global Atlantic COVID-19 denial $114,000.00
Primerica wrong age on application $91,000.00
Bestow sickness exclusion worked out $55,000.00
First Capital Life interpleader lawsuit $106,000.00
Athene power of attorney change $105,000.00
Foresters Financial delay $33,000.00
Senior Life beneficiary contested $105,000.00
Chubb Life lapse of payment issue $49,000.00
North American Life POA change $202,400.00
Bankers Life felony exclusion crime $68.000.00
CUNA Mutual lapsed policy resolved $47,000.00
Transamerica sickness exclusion $57,000.00
AARP coronavirus denial resolved $110,000.00
SGLI denial change form not logged $409,300.00
Accidental Death & Dismemberment $920,000.00
Ohio National lapse of payment problem $30,000.00

Mass shooting death Pennsylvania claim denial $275,000.00
MetLife divorce cut off ex-spouse but court order $1,000,000.00
Jackson National Life autoerotic asphyxiation $107,400.00
Standard Life alcohol exclusion $155,000.00
Guaranteed Life misrepresentation application $253,700.00
Denied life insurance claim Philadelphia $507,630.00
North American Life sickness exclusion $148,200.00
Transamerica Life accidental death $214,000.00
Liberty National Life delayed claim $112,500.00
Pennsylvania denied life insurance claim $630,000.00
Foresters Life drug overdose death $284,100.00
Minnesota Life felony exclusion shooting $135,000.00
Colonial Penn Life accidental death claim $208,300.00
Prudential Life AD&D policy denied $513,500.00
Denied life insurance claim Pennsylvania $740,200.00
Phoenix Life undue influence beneficiary $214,000.00
Unum Life medical record denial of benefits $265,300.00
Metropolitan Life interpleader lawsuit $250,000.00
Gerber Life two exclusions resolved $302,900.00
Continental Life spouse against ex-spouse $175,000.00
AXA Equitable Life failure to accept premium $103,200.00
Philadelphia denied life insurance claim $825,000.00
Lincoln National Life natural death claim $211,750.00
Protective Life denial drug exclusion $102,900.00