Life Insurance Lawyer Texas

Trusted Life Insurance Lawyers Texas: The Lassen Law Firm Navigating life insurance claims in Texas can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with denied benefits or bad faith insurance practices. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping individuals and families across the Lone Star State secure the payouts they deserve. From Houston to Dallas, Austin to San Antonio, El Paso, Arlington TX, Fort Worth, Corpus Christi, and every corner of Texas, we provide trusted legal expertise and personalized support tailored to your needs.

As nationally recognized life insurance attorneys, we’ve handled cases across all 50 states, with a proven track record of success—hundreds of millions in policies recovered for our clients. At The Lassen Law Firm, we combine unmatched dedication, legal expertise, and relentless advocacy to deliver justice for those we represent. 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.

Texas dened life insurance claims: answers to common questions

What should I do if my life insurance claim in Texas was denied?
If your life insurance claim in Texas was denied, don’t wait. You should contact a Texas life insurance lawyer to evaluate the reason for denial and build a legal strategy to recover the benefit.
What if I’ve been served with a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in Texas?
Being served with an interpleader lawsuit in Texas means the insurance company doesn’t want to decide between multiple claimants. A Texas life insurance attorney can protect your rights in court and help you claim what you’re owed.
How do I resolve a life insurance beneficiary dispute in Texas?
Our Texas life insurance law firm handles disputes between spouses, ex-spouses, children, and others. We have the experience to resolve beneficiary conflicts in court or through negotiation.
Why would a Texas accidental death & dismemberment life insurance claim be denied?
Texas AD&D claims are commonly denied when insurers say the death was due to illness or intoxication instead of an accident. We challenge these denials by reviewing the medical facts and the policy language.
Can a life insurance policy lapse cause a denial in Texas?
Yes, but in Texas, many lapse-related denials can be reversed. If the insurer didn’t send the required notices or the policy was in its grace period, we may still recover the benefit.
Can alleged misrepresentation on an application lead to denial in Texas?
Yes, but Texas law requires that the misrepresentation be both material and intentional. Our law firm challenges many misrepresentation-based denials and wins payouts for our clients.
Can an alcohol exclusion be used to deny a Texas life insurance claim?
Yes, but alcohol-related denials in Texas are often exaggerated. We evaluate whether alcohol actually caused the death and whether the exclusion is legally enforceable.
What should I do about a denied ERISA life insurance claim in Texas?
ERISA claims in Texas allow only one administrative appeal. Our Texas life insurance attorneys build strong, timely appeals that comply with federal law and set the stage for litigation if needed.
What do I do if my claim was denied during the contestability period in Texas?
Even within the two-year contestability window in Texas, the insurer must prove the misstatement was material. We investigate and challenge unfair denials based on minor or irrelevant application issues.
What if I received a denial letter citing Texas state law?
If your claim was denied based on Texas law, don’t assume the insurer is right. We analyze the statutes and challenge denials based on misapplication or misunderstanding of Texas insurance regulations.
Which Texas life insurance companies are known for denying claims?
Texas Life Insurance Company in Waco and Texas Legacy Insurance in Cross Plains have been named in multiple denied claim cases. We take on these and all other insurers operating in Texas.
Does Texas revoke ex-spouse beneficiary rights after divorce?
Yes. Texas law revokes an ex-spouse’s status as beneficiary upon divorce unless reaffirmed afterward. We help beneficiaries determine whether this law affects their claim.
Is Texas a community property state, and how does that impact life insurance?
Yes, Texas is a community property state. A surviving spouse may have a legal right to half the life insurance proceeds if community funds were used to pay premiums.
Can a Texas will override a life insurance beneficiary designation?
No. In Texas, the named beneficiary on the policy controls. A will cannot override that unless there’s proof of fraud or mistake. We help contest improper changes when necessary.
How much does a Texas life insurance attorney charge?
Our Texas life insurance lawyers work on contingency. You pay no legal fees unless we recover the benefit for you, so there’s no risk in hiring us to fight your case.
Can a life insurance claim in Texas be denied for a death abroad?
Yes, but not all policies exclude foreign deaths. We often challenge international death denials in Texas when the exclusion isn’t clearly worded or properly applied.
Can a beneficiary change made shortly before death be challenged in Texas?
Yes. In Texas, if a last-minute change appears suspicious, we can dispute it based on undue influence, lack of capacity, or fraud.
What if my Texas life insurance claim is being delayed with no resolution?
Under Texas law, life insurance claims must be processed within reasonable timeframes. We pursue bad faith actions against insurers that drag their feet or stall for no valid reason.
Can a Texas AD&D claim be denied by calling the death “natural causes”?
Yes, but we often reverse these denials. If the death in Texas was truly accidental, we gather medical and expert evidence to show the policy’s definition of “accident” applies.
What if a Texas insurance agent made an error on the application?
If a Texas insurance agent incorrectly filled out or submitted an application, we can hold the insurer responsible and challenge any denial based on that error.
What qualifies as bad faith in a Texas life insurance denial?
Bad faith in Texas includes refusing to pay a valid claim, making false statements about coverage, or failing to conduct a proper investigation. We pursue legal action when bad faith occurs.
Can I appeal a life insurance denial in Texas during the contestability period?
Yes. Even during the contestability period, insurers in Texas must follow the law. We appeal denials that are based on non-material or unrelated statements.
Are ERISA group life insurance claims harder to win in Texas?
ERISA limits your ability to sue and recover certain damages, but our Texas life insurance lawyers are skilled in navigating ERISA appeals and pursuing federal court action when necessary.
What if no beneficiary was listed on the Texas life insurance policy?
If no beneficiary was named, the benefit typically goes to the estate under Texas law. We help families through probate or assist in proving entitlement to proceeds.
Can a suspicious beneficiary change be disputed in Texas?
Yes. If the change was made under questionable circumstances, we file lawsuits in Texas courts to protect the interests of the rightful beneficiaries.
Are Texas insurers required to provide notice before canceling a policy?
Yes. Insurers in Texas must follow strict notification requirements. If proper notice wasn’t sent, the policy may still be in effect and the denial may be overturned.
How are union and group life insurance policies handled in Texas?
Union and group life policies in Texas may be governed by ERISA or state law. We analyze the contract, determine the applicable rules, and fight any unjust denial.
Can multiple people claim the same life insurance policy in Texas?
Yes, and in those cases, the insurer may file an interpleader in Texas court. We represent clients in interpleader lawsuits to make sure they receive their fair share.
What if the insured was missing before being declared dead in Texas?
Once a Texas court declares the insured legally deceased, the claim can proceed. We help families through the legal process and push for timely benefit payment.
How long do I have to appeal a denied life insurance claim in Texas?
In ERISA cases in Texas, appeals are usually due within 180 days. Other claims may have a statute of limitations. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.
Can a verbal promise override a written life insurance policy in Texas?
No. Texas courts enforce written beneficiary designations. However, in rare cases involving fraud or unjust enrichment, we may seek equitable relief.
Are life insurance proceeds safe from creditors in Texas?
Yes, if there’s a named beneficiary. Texas law generally shields life insurance benefits from creditors unless they’re payable to the estate.
Can vague policy wording lead to a denial in Texas?
Yes, but under Texas law, ambiguous terms must be interpreted in favor of coverage. We use this to challenge vague or unclear denials and recover payment.
Can a lapsed life insurance policy still be enforced in Texas?
Yes, especially if the lapse occurred due to lack of notice or if the policyholder tried to reinstate coverage. We frequently dispute lapse-based denials in Texas.
What if my life insurance claim was denied for non-payment in Texas?
We investigate whether the insurer followed Texas cancellation rules. If notice wasn’t provided or premiums were mishandled, we push for policy reinstatement and payment.
Can a child receive life insurance benefits in Texas?
Yes, but if the beneficiary is a minor, Texas law may require a guardian or trust to manage the funds. We help families structure proper legal arrangements.
Can a Texas claim be denied for alleged fraud?
Yes, but the insurer must prove fraud. We challenge Texas life insurance denials based on vague or unsubstantiated fraud accusations.
Can a Texas life insurance dispute be resolved without going to court?
Yes. Many cases in Texas settle through negotiation or mediation. We aim to reach fair agreements quickly, but we’re always ready to litigate if needed.
What happens if a new beneficiary form was filled out but never submitted in Texas?
In Texas, unsigned or unprocessed beneficiary forms generally have no legal effect. However, we explore equitable claims if there’s strong evidence of the insured’s intent.
Are older life insurance policies still valid in Texas?
Yes. If the policy was paid up or in force at the time of death, older policies in Texas are still enforceable. We help families claim long-overdue benefits.
How do I prove I’m the rightful life insurance beneficiary in Texas?
We compile policy records, correspondence, and supporting evidence to establish your claim. Our Texas attorneys present a strong case to secure your benefits.
What can I do if I was wrongfully excluded from a Texas life insurance policy?
If fraud, coercion, or mistake caused your exclusion, we may ask a Texas court to revise the beneficiary designation and award you the rightful payout.

2025 Texas Denied Life Insurance Claims: settlements & verdicts

In 2025, Texas saw numerous complex denied life insurance claims effectively resolved through strategic legal intervention, highlighting the importance of professional advocacy:

Pacific Life’s COVID-19 death denial was overturned, resulting in a successful settlement of $203,000 by clarifying policy terms on pandemic coverage.
A Texas school shooting-related denial was successfully contested, securing $107,000 through litigation addressing ambiguous criminal act exclusions.
North American Life’s denial citing a sickness exclusion was successfully challenged, recovering $244,000 after clarifying ambiguous policy language.
An Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) denial in Texas was successfully resolved, securing $450,000 by proving ambiguities in accidental death clauses.
A denied SGLI claim due to beneficiary disputes was favorably resolved, recovering $403,200 through clear documentation of beneficiary designations.
Farmers Life’s felony exclusion denial was overturned, resulting in a $122,000 settlement by proving insurer misapplication of criminal act exclusions.
Colonial Life’s alcohol-related denial was contested successfully, recovering $57,000 by demonstrating alcohol was not the direct cause of death.
A Texas mass shooting death claim denial was overturned, recovering $40,000 through clarifying policy exclusions related to violent crimes.
Legion Life’s denial due to policy lapse was successfully contested, recovering $35,000 by establishing insurer procedural errors.
Executive Life’s refusal to pay death proceeds was challenged successfully, securing $98,000 by proving insurer negligence.
Confederation Life’s denial based on sickness exclusion was reversed, recovering $77,000 through litigation clarifying policy terms.
Lincoln Benefit’s delay in benefits payout was successfully contested, recovering $40,000 by proving unreasonable delays.
Amalgamated Life’s delayed check issue was resolved favorably, securing $129,000 by demonstrating insurer administrative errors.
An AD&D denial due to drug involvement was successfully contested, recovering $54,000 by clarifying accidental death circumstances.
Ethos Life’s grace period dispute was resolved, securing $17,000 by proving insurer error.
Mutual Security’s denial involving asphyxiation death was overturned, recovering $51,000 through litigation clarifying accidental death clauses.
Colorado Bankers Life’s denial due to policy lapse was successfully contested, recovering $26,000 by proving insufficient notification.
Ameriprise’s heroin overdose denial was contested successfully, recovering $40,000 by demonstrating accidental death.
Mutual Benefit’s failed payout was successfully challenged, securing $18,000 by proving administrative oversight.
Freedom Life’s interpleader lawsuit was won by beneficiaries, securing $109,000 through clear entitlement documentation.
American Chambers Life’s delayed payout was resolved, recovering $70,000 through legal advocacy.
Everyday Life’s payout denial was successfully contested, securing $33,000 by demonstrating insurer procedural failures.
Legion Life’s interpleader case was won, recovering $100,000 by proving rightful beneficiaries.
First Capital Life’s contested claim involving a daughter was successfully resolved, securing $28,000 through clear entitlement.
USAA Life’s denial involving accident versus suicide was contested successfully, recovering $54,000.
Guaranteed Universal’s denial was overturned, securing $20,000 through litigation.
OPM Life’s beneficiary dispute was favorably resolved, recovering $62,000 by clarifying beneficiary intent.
Dearborn Life’s denial involving policy riders was successfully challenged, securing $55,000.
First Colony’s dispute involving wife versus girlfriend was resolved favorably, recovering $78,000.
PHP Life’s prescription drug denial was overturned, securing $92,000 by clarifying cause of death.
TIAA CREF’s denial based on health history was contested successfully, recovering $53,000.
AM Income Life’s misrepresentation denial was overturned, recovering $29,000 by establishing no fraudulent intent.
Prosperity Life’s contestability period issue was resolved, recovering $60,000.
Mutual Savings Life’s denial due to drugs and alcohol was contested, recovering $41,000.
HDFC Life’s beneficiary form dispute was resolved, securing $50,000.
AIG Life’s denial involving policy changes via POA was successfully contested, recovering $72,000.
Midland National’s alcohol exclusion denial was successfully overturned, securing $262,000.
CIGNA’s three policy exclusions denial was contested, securing $103,700.
Pioneer Security’s beneficiary change dispute was favorably resolved, recovering $301,400.
A major Texas denied life insurance claim totaling $3,000,000 was successfully litigated, emphasizing insurer procedural errors.
Foremost’s undue influence beneficiary dispute was resolved, securing $203,000.
HSBC’s accidental death claim denial was successfully contested, securing $412,000.
Reliance Standard’s prescription drug exclusion denial was overturned, recovering $214,900.
A FEGLI appeal resulted in a successful outcome, securing $131,000.
Another substantial Texas denied claim totaling $2,800,000 was resolved through litigation.
Standard’s beneficiary dispute was favorably resolved, recovering $349,000.
A Texas bad faith life insurance claim denial was resolved favorably, securing $931,000.
Gerber Life’s suicide/self-inflicted injury denial was overturned, securing $317,000.
A Texas divorce-related life insurance claim was successfully resolved, clarifying post-divorce rights.
Aviva’s denial involving autoerotic asphyxiation was contested successfully, securing $309,000.
Western Southern’s medical records denial was overturned, recovering $282,000.
An SGLI ex-spouse versus spouse dispute was favorably resolved, recovering $400,000.
American General’s interpleader lawsuit was won, securing $335,000.
Another Texas bad faith life insurance denial was resolved, securing $903,500.
Primerica’s felony exclusion denial was overturned, recovering $272,000.
AIG’s autoerotic asphyxiation denial was successfully contested, securing $414,000.
Principal Life’s alcohol exclusion denial was overturned, recovering $302,000.

Recent texas Cases

1. Death During Voluntary Drug Rehab – “High-Risk Behavior” Exclusion (Case of Damien)

Damien, a 44-year-old businessman, had a $1 million life insurance policy. After struggling with prescription painkiller dependency, he voluntarily checked into a rehabilitation center. While undergoing detox, he suffered a fatal seizure. When his wife, Leah, filed a claim, the insurer denied it under a clause excluding deaths related to “high-risk behavior,” arguing that his history of substance use triggered the exclusion.

Leah retained an experience life claims attorney who argued that Damien had taken responsible steps to seek medical treatment and that the policy’s language was ambiguous.

2. Death Due to an Undiagnosed Genetic Condition – “Pre-Existing Condition” Exclusion (Case of Victor)

Victor, a 37-year-old engineer, collapsed and died suddenly from an undiagnosed genetic heart condition. His parents, the beneficiaries of his $535,000 policy, were shocked when the insurer denied their claim, citing a “pre-existing condition” exclusion. The company argued that because the condition was present at birth, it invalidated the claim—even though Victor had never been diagnosed or treated for it.

His parents retained a life denial claims law firm that argued Victor had no knowledge of the condition and had truthfully answered all medical questions when applying for insurance.

3. Death from Medical Malpractice – “Third-Party Negligence” Exclusion (Case of Elena)

Elena, a 59-year-old retired teacher, underwent routine surgery but died due to complications caused by a medical error. Her son, Marco, filed a claim on her $550,000 life insurance policy. However, the insurer denied it, citing a clause that excluded payouts when death resulted from third-party negligence, arguing that the hospital’s liability negated their obligation.

Marco’s attorney challenged the denial, arguing that life insurance is designed to pay regardless of fault and that medical malpractice lawsuits do not invalidate coverage.

4. Death in an Airbnb Rental – “Unapproved Living Arrangement” Exclusion (Case of Nolan)

Nolan, a 41-year-old software consultant, was traveling for work and staying in an Airbnb when he died from carbon monoxide poisoning due to a faulty heating system. His sister, Claire, filed a claim on his $620,000 policy. The insurer denied it, citing a clause excluding deaths occurring in “non-approved residences,” arguing that short-term rentals did not qualify as an official residence.

The attorney argued that the exclusion applied to situations where a person misrepresented their permanent residence—not temporary stays like work travel.

5. Death During Divorce Proceedings – “Change in Beneficiary Status” Dispute (Case of Lillian)

Lillian, a 53-year-old accountant, was in the process of divorcing her husband, Graham, when she passed away. Her life insurance policy listed him as the beneficiary, but her sister, Marie, claimed that Lillian had intended to remove him before her death. The insurer denied the claim to both parties, citing uncertainty over beneficiary status during pending divorce proceedings.

Marie hired an attorney who argued that Graham was still legally entitled to the payout since Lillian had not formally changed her beneficiary designation.

6. Death Due to Rare Occupational Exposure – “Work-Related Hazard” Exclusion (Case of Elias)

Elias, a 48-year-old archaeologist, developed a rare lung infection after prolonged exposure to ancient mold spores during a dig. He passed away weeks later. His wife, Sofia, filed a claim under his $900,000 life insurance policy, but the insurer denied it, citing an exclusion for deaths caused by occupational hazards.

Sofia’s legal team challenged the denial, arguing that Elias’s work had not been classified as “hazardous” under the policy’s definitions, which mainly covered high-risk jobs like mining or construction.