Life Insurance Lawyer UTAH

Experienced Life Insurance Lawyers Utah: The Lassen Law Firm Life insurance claims in Utah can be challenging, especially when dealing with denied payouts or bad faith insurance practices. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are here to help individuals and families across the Beehive State recover the benefits they deserve. Whether you’re in Salt Lake City, West Valley, Provo, Ogden, St. George, or anywhere else in Utah, we provide expert legal representation and personalized support.

With a nationwide presence, our experienced life insurance attorneys have successfully recovered hundreds of millions in policies for our clients. At The Lassen Law Firm, we combine legal expertise, relentless dedication, and compassionate advocacy to fight for justice for every client we serve. 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.

Utah denied life insurance claims: answers to common questions

What should I do if my life insurance claim in Utah was denied?
If your life insurance claim was denied in Utah, contact a Utah life insurance lawyer right away. Many denials are challengeable with the right legal strategy, but deadlines and appeal rights are critical.
What should I do if I was served with a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in Utah?
Being served with an interpleader lawsuit in Utah means the insurer is asking the court to resolve who should receive the benefit. You need a Utah life insurance attorney to protect your claim in court.
What can I do about a life insurance beneficiary dispute in Utah?
Our Utah life insurance law firm handles beneficiary disputes involving ex-spouses, adult children, siblings, or multiple claimants. We work to establish and defend your right to the benefit under Utah law.
Why would a Utah accidental death & dismemberment claim be denied?
Utah AD&D claims are often denied if the insurer says the death resulted from illness or alcohol rather than an accident. We investigate and contest these exclusions aggressively.
Can policy lapse be a reason for life insurance denial in Utah?
Yes, but many lapsed policy denials in Utah can be challenged. If the insurer failed to give proper notice or a grace period still applied, we may be able to reinstate coverage and recover the benefit.
Is misrepresentation on an application a reason for a denied claim in Utah?
Yes, but the misrepresentation must be both material and intentional under Utah law. We review these denials and often show the alleged misstatement was unrelated to the cause of death.
Can an alcohol exclusion result in a denied life insurance claim in Utah?
Yes, but Utah law requires insurers to prove that alcohol was the direct cause of death and that the exclusion applies clearly. We challenge vague or overly broad use of these clauses.
What can I do about a bad faith ERISA life insurance denial in Utah?
ERISA claims in Utah come with only one appeal, so it’s critical to involve an attorney. We prepare thorough appeals that meet federal requirements and support litigation if needed.
What should I do about a contestability period denial in Utah?
In Utah, insurers can deny claims in the first two years for application misstatements. We analyze whether the issue was material, intentional, or relevant—and challenge the denial if not.
What if my denial letter says my claim was denied based on Utah state law?
Insurers sometimes misinterpret or misuse Utah law when denying claims. Our legal team reviews the cited statutes and determines whether the insurer’s actions are legally valid.
Which life insurance companies deny the most claims in Utah?
Beneficial Life Insurance, based in Salt Lake City, has a history of disputed claim denials in Utah. That said, any insurer may deny a valid claim, and we take action against them all.
Does Utah law revoke ex-spouse beneficiaries after divorce?
Yes. Under Utah law, an ex-spouse is automatically removed as a beneficiary unless the policyholder reaffirms the designation after divorce. We litigate these disputes when they arise.
Is Utah a community property state, and how does that impact life insurance?
No, Utah is not a community property state. However, if marital funds were used to pay premiums, a surviving spouse may still have a financial interest. We help assess such claims.
Can a will override a life insurance policy in Utah?
No. In Utah, a will does not control who receives life insurance. The beneficiary named on the policy prevails unless there’s evidence of fraud, undue influence, or mistake.
How much does a Utah life insurance attorney cost?
Our Utah life insurance lawyers work on a contingency fee. You pay nothing unless we win your case and recover life insurance proceeds on your behalf.
Can a Utah life insurance claim be denied if the death occurred outside the U.S.?
Yes, but many international death exclusions in Utah policies are unenforceable or unclear. We challenge foreign death denials and pursue payment based on full policy interpretation.
What if the beneficiary designation was changed just before death in Utah?
In Utah, changes made shortly before death can be challenged if there’s evidence of coercion, lack of mental capacity, or manipulation. We investigate and contest questionable changes.
What if my Utah life insurance claim is being delayed by the insurance company?
If a claim is delayed without valid reason, it may be considered bad faith under Utah law. We pursue timely resolution and additional compensation for wrongful delay.
Can a Utah insurer deny an AD&D claim by labeling the death natural instead of accidental?
Yes, but we often dispute this tactic. With the help of medical experts, we argue that the death meets the policy definition of an accident under Utah insurance law.
What happens if a Utah insurance agent filled out the application incorrectly?
If an agent made errors that led to a denial, the insurer in Utah may still be liable. We challenge denials caused by agent mistakes and work to recover the full benefit.
What is bad faith in a Utah life insurance denial?
Bad faith occurs in Utah when an insurer delays, denies, or misrepresents coverage without proper investigation. Victims of bad faith may be entitled to extra damages.
Can I appeal a contestability period denial in Utah?
Yes. Even within the two-year window, you can appeal. We evaluate whether the denial meets Utah’s legal standards and file appeals or lawsuits as needed.
Are ERISA life insurance claims harder to fight in Utah?
Yes, ERISA claims follow strict federal rules that limit your options. Our Utah life insurance attorneys are experienced in ERISA appeals and federal court litigation.
What if the Utah policy has no named beneficiary?
If no one is listed as beneficiary, the life insurance proceeds may go to the estate or default under Utah law. We help clients recover these funds through the legal process.
Can I challenge a suspicious beneficiary change in Utah?
Yes. We handle Utah cases where beneficiary changes were made under questionable circumstances. If there's fraud or undue influence, we ask the court to reverse the change.
Do insurers need to give notice before canceling a policy in Utah?
Yes. Utah law requires proper written notice before terminating a policy for non-payment. If the insurer didn’t provide notice, the policy may still be active.
What happens with group life insurance or union policies in Utah?
Group policies in Utah, especially those under ERISA, can be complex. We interpret policy language and fight improper denials on behalf of employees and their families.
Can more than one person claim the same life insurance benefit in Utah?
Yes, and in that case, the insurer may file an interpleader lawsuit in Utah. We represent claimants in interpleader actions and fight to secure your portion of the benefit.
What if the insured was missing and later declared dead in Utah?
Once the person is legally declared deceased under Utah law, the claim may proceed. We help families gather documentation and pursue the life insurance payout.
How long do I have to appeal a denied life insurance claim in Utah?
Appeal deadlines depend on the type of policy. For ERISA policies in Utah, the limit is typically 180 days. State law claims have varying deadlines, so act quickly.
Can a verbal promise override a life insurance policy in Utah?
No. Utah law requires written beneficiary designations. However, in certain cases involving fraud or broken agreements, we may pursue alternative legal remedies.
Are life insurance proceeds protected from creditors in Utah?
Yes, when a named beneficiary exists. If the benefit goes to the estate in Utah, it may be subject to creditor claims. We help protect your rights either way.
Can vague or confusing language in a Utah policy justify a denial?
No. Utah courts interpret ambiguous life insurance terms in favor of coverage. We challenge denials based on unclear or misleading policy language.
Can I reinstate a lapsed policy in Utah and still receive benefits?
Yes. If the policyholder applied for reinstatement or didn’t receive proper lapse notice, we may argue the coverage was still in force under Utah insurance laws.
What if the insurer says the Utah policy was canceled for non-payment?
We verify whether the insurer followed Utah notice rules. If they failed to send proper warning or a payment was made within the grace period, the denial can be disputed.
Can a child receive life insurance proceeds in Utah?
Yes, but a legal guardian or trust may be needed to manage the funds. We help Utah families set up proper protections for minors named as beneficiaries.
Can a Utah claim be denied based on a fraud accusation?
Yes, but the insurer must prove fraud with evidence. We challenge Utah life insurance denials based on vague or unsupported fraud claims.
Can a life insurance dispute be settled without going to court in Utah?
Yes. Many Utah life insurance cases are resolved through negotiation or mediation. We aim to reach a fair outcome efficiently, while preparing to litigate if necessary.
What if a beneficiary form was completed but never submitted in Utah?
Unsubmitted forms are typically not enforceable in Utah, but we may pursue equitable remedies if the insured clearly intended to make the change.
Are older Utah life insurance policies still enforceable?
Yes. As long as the policy remained in good standing, older Utah life insurance contracts can still be honored. We help families claim long-standing policy benefits.
How can I prove I’m the rightful life insurance beneficiary in Utah?
We gather policy records, witness statements, and legal documents to establish your claim. Our Utah attorneys present a compelling case to the insurer—or the court.
What can I do if I was left off a life insurance policy in Utah by mistake or fraud?
If your exclusion was caused by fraud, coercion, or error, we can ask a Utah court to correct the designation and recover the benefits you were meant to receive.

2025 Utah Denied Life Insurance Claims: settlements & verdicts

In 2025, Utah experienced significant legal outcomes involving denied life insurance claims, underscoring critical issues and successful resolutions through expert legal advocacy:

Midland National’s denial for a coronavirus-related death was successfully contested, securing a $210,000 payout by challenging policy exclusions effectively.
An SGLI claim involving the Army’s loss of beneficiary paperwork was successfully resolved, recovering $400,000 after proving administrative negligence.
Wilcac Life’s denial linked to undisclosed heart health history was successfully overturned, recovering $220,000 by demonstrating insurer underwriting oversights.
A denied Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) claim related to fentanyl use was successfully contested, securing $580,000 by proving accidental rather than intentional misuse.
Lincoln Financial’s denial due to a policy lapse was successfully challenged, recovering $304,000 by demonstrating inadequate lapse notification procedures.
United World Life’s denial of benefits was overturned through litigation, securing a favorable verdict of $205,000 by clarifying policy ambiguities.
Colonial Life’s denial for incorrect age on the application was successfully contested, securing $20,000 through establishing clerical error.
American United’s COVID-19-related claim denial was overturned, recovering $103,000 by highlighting misinterpretation of pandemic clauses.
Ethos Life’s denial due to missed premium payments was resolved favorably, recovering $74,000 by proving administrative errors.
MetLife’s denial involving a foreign death was successfully challenged, resulting in a $434,900 payout by clarifying ambiguous policy provisions regarding overseas incidents.
AAA’s denial after losing a beneficiary change form was successfully contested, recovering $50,000 by demonstrating insurer administrative errors.
An ERISA-governed life insurance claim denial was successfully appealed, recovering $163,000 through strong legal advocacy emphasizing federal violations.
A significant Utah bad faith life insurance claim was favorably resolved, securing an $845,000 payout highlighting insurer negligence and misconduct.
Vantis Life’s refusal to pay out a policy amount was successfully contested, recovering $404,000 after establishing insurer procedural mistakes.
Liberty Life’s denial involving autoerotic asphyxiation death was overturned, securing a $288,000 settlement by proving policy ambiguities regarding accidental death.
A substantial Utah denied life insurance claim totaling $309,000 was successfully resolved, emphasizing insurer procedural errors.
Globe Life’s prolonged delay in paying policy benefits was successfully contested, recovering $103,000 by demonstrating insurer negligence.
Another significant Utah denied life insurance claim amounting to $1,140,300 was successfully litigated, highlighting extensive insurer missteps.
An AIG accidental death (AD&D) claim denial was overturned, securing $425,000 through litigation clarifying ambiguous accidental death clauses.
An SGLI issue involving a beneficiary change was successfully resolved, recovering $400,000 by proving clear beneficiary intentions.
American General’s denial citing a sickness exclusion was successfully contested, securing $308,000 by clarifying policy terms.
A denied life insurance claim in Utah totaling $913,000 was successfully litigated, emphasizing insurer administrative errors.
Connecticut Mutual Life’s denial linked to medical health history was overturned, recovering $549,000 by highlighting insurer underwriting oversights.
Northwestern Mutual’s felony exclusion denial was successfully contested, securing $320,000 by challenging insurer misinterpretation of criminal exclusions.
A Utah mass shooting-related life insurance denial was successfully contested, recovering $147,000 by addressing ambiguities in policy exclusions.
A divorce-related life insurance denial in Utah was favorably resolved, securing $542,000 through clear beneficiary entitlement clarification post-divorce.
Gerber Life’s denial citing material misrepresentation was successfully contested, recovering $211,000 by establishing insurer’s inability to prove intentional deception.
Transamerica’s denial involving drunk driving death was successfully contested, recovering $415,000 by clarifying that alcohol was not the primary cause of death.

Recent UTAH Cases

1. Death During a Shoplifting Incident – “Commission of a Crime” Exclusion (Case of Darius)

Darius, a 28-year-old aspiring musician, had a $105,000 life insurance policy. One evening, he impulsively attempted to steal a pair of expensive headphones from an electronics store. Security confronted him, and in the ensuing chaos, he suffered a fatal heart attack. His mother, Vivian, filed a claim, but the insurer denied it, citing a clause that voided coverage if the insured died while committing a crime.

Vivian was devastated and retained a life insurance lawyer. The attorney argued that while Darius had technically committed a misdemeanor, the policy’s exclusion was vague and typically applied to violent felonies, not minor offenses.

2. Death from an Experimental Gene Therapy – “Unapproved Treatment” Exclusion (Case of Elara)

Elara, a 50-year-old scientist, had a $355,000 life insurance policy. Diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia, she enrolled in a cutting-edge gene therapy trial as a last resort. Tragically, she suffered severe complications and passed away. Her husband, Vincent, filed a claim, but the insurer denied it, citing an exclusion for “unapproved medical procedures.”

Vincent retained a life insurance claim law firm. The attorneys argued that the experimental therapy had received conditional approval from the FDA and was administered in a regulated clinical setting, distinguishing it from purely experimental procedures.

3. Death Due to Ingesting Hallucinogenic Mushrooms – “Self-Harm” Exclusion (Case of Orion)

Orion, a 33-year-old artist, had a $230,000 life insurance policy. While attending a spiritual retreat, he consumed hallucinogenic mushrooms and suffered a fatal seizure. His sister, Isla, filed a claim, but the insurer denied it under a “self-harm” exclusion, arguing that Orion had knowingly ingested a mind-altering substance.

Isla retained a life insurance denial law firm. The attorneys argued that Orion’s actions were not intended to cause self-harm and that psychedelic substances do not inherently lead to fatality. They also presented medical testimony that his death was due to an undiagnosed neurological condition, not the mushrooms.

4. Death at an Unlicensed Wellness Retreat – “Unauthorized Medical Facility” Exclusion (Case of Sabine)

Sabine, a 45-year-old holistic health enthusiast, passed away at a remote wellness retreat after receiving alternative treatments for chronic pain. When her husband, Laurent, filed a claim on her $90,000 policy, the insurer denied it, citing an exclusion for deaths occurring at “unauthorized medical facilities.”

Laurent refused to accept the denial and retained a life insurance denial attorney. The legal team discovered that the retreat was not classified as a medical facility, meaning the exclusion did not apply.

5. Death Due to Sleepwalking Accident – “Intentional Injury” Exclusion (Case of Miles)

Miles, a 38-year-old teacher, had a history of severe sleepwalking. One night, he unknowingly walked out of his second-story balcony and suffered fatal injuries. His wife, Naomi, filed a claim on his $120,000 life insurance policy, but the insurer denied it, arguing that the policy excluded deaths caused by “intentional self-injury.”

Naomi challenged the denial with the help of medical experts. Sleep specialists confirmed that sleepwalking is an unconscious state, meaning Miles had no intent to harm himself.

6. Death from an Unusual Pet Attack – “Animal Attack” Exclusion (Case of Felix)

Felix, a 52-year-old veterinarian, had a $160,000 life insurance policy. He owned a pet serval, a large wild cat, which unexpectedly attacked him, leading to a fatal infection. His daughter, Amara, filed a claim, but the insurer denied it, citing an exclusion for “deaths caused by attacks from dangerous animals.”

Amara retained a top life insurance claim denial firm who argued that the exclusion was intended for deaths caused by external wild animal attacks, not domesticated pets

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