Life Insurance Lawyer Vermont

Experienced Life Insurance Lawyers Vermont: The Lassen Law Firm Life insurance claims in Vermont can be daunting, 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 Green Mountain State recover the payouts they deserve. Whether you’re in Burlington VT, Montpelier, Rutland, St. Albans, Barre, or any other part of Vermont, we bring trusted legal expertise and personalized support to every case.

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 dedication, legal expertise, and compassionate advocacy to ensure 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.

Vermont denied life insurance claims: answers to common questions

What should I do if my life insurance claim in Vermont was denied?
If your life insurance claim was denied in Vermont, you should speak with a VT life insurance attorney right away. Denials are often based on technicalities that can be successfully challenged by an experienced lawyer.
What happens if I’m served with a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in Vermont?
If you’ve been served with an interpleader in Vermont, the insurance company is asking a court to decide who gets the money. Don’t face this process alone—our top Vermont life insurance attorneys can defend your right to the benefit.
What if I’m involved in a life insurance beneficiary dispute in Vermont?
Our Vermont life insurance law firm handles disputes between children, spouses, ex-spouses, and other potential beneficiaries. We investigate the facts and pursue your rightful claim through negotiation or litigation.
Why would a Vermont accidental death and dismemberment claim be denied?
In Vermont, AD&D claims are often denied because insurers say the death was not accidental, or that alcohol or a medical issue was involved. We dispute these denials and work to prove the death qualifies for coverage.
Can a policy lapse result in a denied life insurance claim in Vermont?
Yes, but many policy lapses are contestable in Vermont. If the insurer failed to send required lapse notices or if a grace period was still in effect, we may be able to reinstate coverage.
Can an insurer deny a claim in Vermont due to misrepresentation on the application?
Yes, but only if the misstatement was material and intentional. Our Vermont life insurance attorneys often show that the alleged misrepresentation was unrelated to the death or known to the insurer.
Can an alcohol exclusion be used to deny a life insurance claim in Vermont?
Some Vermont policies contain alcohol exclusions, but they’re often used improperly. If alcohol wasn’t the direct cause of death or the exclusion is vague, we can challenge the denial.
How should I respond to a bad faith ERISA life insurance denial in Vermont?
With ERISA-governed policies in Vermont, you have only one appeal opportunity. Our firm prepares detailed appeals that meet all ERISA standards and are designed to win approval or succeed in court.
What if my Vermont life insurance claim was denied during the contestability period?
Even during the first two years of a policy in Vermont, the insurer must prove the misstatement was material. We challenge many contestability denials and recover the benefits our clients deserve.
What if my denial letter cites Vermont state law as the reason for the denial?
Vermont insurers may reference state law when denying claims, but their interpretation isn’t always correct. Our attorneys review the legal justification and fight back when it doesn’t hold up.
Which life insurance companies deny the most claims in Vermont?
Vermont-based insurers like National Life Group in Montpelier and Vermont Mutual Insurance Group are frequently involved in denied claims. We handle cases involving all insurers operating in the state.
Does Vermont have a law that removes an ex-spouse as a life insurance beneficiary after divorce?
Yes. In Vermont, an ex-spouse is generally removed as a beneficiary following divorce unless the designation is reaffirmed. We handle many such disputes and can advise whether this law applies in your situation.
Is Vermont a community property state for life insurance purposes?
No, Vermont is not a community property state. However, if life insurance premiums were paid from marital assets, a surviving spouse in Vermont may still have a legal interest in the proceeds.
Can a will override a life insurance policy in Vermont?
No. In Vermont, the policy’s named beneficiary takes priority over a will. But if there are concerns about fraud or coercion, we may ask the court to set aside the designation.
How much does a Vermont life insurance lawyer charge?
We handle Vermont life insurance cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront. We only get paid if we recover benefits on your behalf.
Can a Vermont life insurance claim be denied if the death occurred overseas?
Yes, but not always lawfully. We’ve successfully challenged denials involving deaths abroad by showing that the policy covered international incidents or that the exclusion was unclear.
What happens if a beneficiary change was made shortly before death in Vermont?
Last-minute beneficiary changes in Vermont often raise legal concerns about undue influence or mental incapacity. Our attorneys investigate these situations and fight to protect rightful beneficiaries.
What can I do if my Vermont life insurance claim has been delayed for months?
Unjustified delays may qualify as bad faith under Vermont law. We demand timely payment and pursue additional damages when insurers fail to act in good faith.
Can an insurer deny a Vermont AD&D claim by calling the death “natural causes”?
Yes, but we routinely challenge this tactic. If the facts show the death was accidental, we work with experts to reverse denials and secure the full AD&D benefit.
What if an insurance agent made a mistake on the life insurance application in Vermont?
If an agent’s error caused your claim to be denied, we can hold the insurer accountable. Vermont insurers are often liable for the actions of their agents.
What is considered bad faith in a Vermont life insurance denial?
Bad faith in Vermont includes unreasonable denial, delay, or misrepresentation of policy terms. We help clients sue for extra damages when an insurer acts in bad faith.
Can a denied Vermont life insurance claim be appealed during the contestability window?
Yes. Contestability period denials in Vermont are often overturned when the misstatement isn’t relevant to the cause of death or was unintentional.
Are ERISA-based life insurance claims harder to win in Vermont?
They can be. ERISA claims in Vermont follow federal procedures that limit your ability to sue. Our attorneys know how to craft winning ERISA appeals and pursue court action when necessary.
What happens in Vermont if there’s no named life insurance beneficiary?
If no beneficiary is named, Vermont law determines who receives the benefit—typically the estate or next of kin. We guide families through this process to recover the funds.
Can a suspicious beneficiary change be contested in Vermont?
Yes. If the change was made under suspicious circumstances in Vermont, such as fraud or coercion, we can challenge its validity in court and seek to reinstate a prior beneficiary.
Are Vermont insurers required to provide notice before canceling a policy?
Yes. Vermont law mandates proper notification before policy cancellation. If the insurer failed to follow the rules, we may be able to reinstate the policy and recover benefits.
How are group or union life insurance policies handled in Vermont?
Group life insurance through employers or unions in Vermont may be subject to ERISA or other restrictions. We review the plan and fight to overturn unjust denials.
Can multiple people claim the same life insurance benefit in Vermont?
Yes, and when that happens, the insurer may file a life insurance interpleader in Vermont. We represent clients in interpleader lawsuits to secure their rightful portion.
What happens if the insured in Vermont was missing and then declared dead?
Once the insured is legally declared deceased in Vermont, a life insurance claim can proceed. We help families gather evidence and file proper documentation to pursue payment.
What’s the deadline to appeal a denied Vermont life insurance claim?
Appeal deadlines vary. For ERISA claims in Vermont, you typically have 180 days. For private policies, state statutes apply. We ensure your appeal is filed on time.
Can a verbal promise about life insurance override a policy in Vermont?
No. Under Vermont law, verbal promises don’t override written beneficiary designations, but in certain cases we may pursue equitable relief if there's evidence of fraud or mistake.
Are life insurance benefits in Vermont protected from creditors?
If the policy names a beneficiary, the benefits are generally protected from creditors in Vermont. If the estate is the beneficiary, creditors may be able to claim the funds.
Can vague or confusing policy language be used to deny a claim in Vermont?
No. In Vermont, any ambiguity in a life insurance policy must be interpreted in favor of the policyholder or beneficiary. We use this to overturn vague or deceptive denials.
Can a policy be reinstated after lapse in Vermont?
Yes. If the policyholder sought reinstatement or the insurer didn’t provide proper lapse notice, we may be able to argue the policy was still in force under Vermont law.
What if the insurer claims the Vermont life insurance policy was canceled for non-payment?
We evaluate whether the insurer followed Vermont's legal notice requirements. If not, we may challenge the cancellation and recover benefits.
Can a minor in Vermont receive life insurance proceeds?
Yes, but a legal guardian or trust is required to manage the funds. We assist Vermont families in setting up proper legal protections for minors.
Can fraud accusations be used to deny a life insurance claim in Vermont?
They can, but fraud must be proven. We regularly challenge Vermont life insurance denials based on weak or speculative fraud allegations.
Can a life insurance case be settled out of court in Vermont?
Yes. Many disputes in Vermont are resolved through negotiation. We work to secure a fair settlement while preparing a strong case in case trial becomes necessary.
What if a new beneficiary form was completed but not submitted in Vermont?
Unsubmitted changes are not valid under Vermont law. However, we may pursue equitable relief if the insured clearly intended to make the change but was prevented.
Are older life insurance policies still valid in Vermont?
Yes. As long as they were maintained or paid up, older Vermont policies remain enforceable. We help beneficiaries claim long-overdue benefits.
How do I prove I'm the rightful life insurance beneficiary in Vermont?
We gather documents, testimony, and legal evidence to support your claim. Our Vermont life insurance lawyers build a solid case to help you receive the benefit you deserve.
What can I do if I was wrongly excluded from a Vermont life insurance policy?
If you were left off a policy due to fraud, mistake, or coercion, we may be able to ask a Vermont court to reassign the benefit based on the insured’s true intent.

2025 Vermont Denied Life Insurance Claims: settlements & Verdicts

In 2025, Vermont saw significant legal outcomes regarding denied life insurance claims, highlighting complex policy issues and the critical role of skilled legal advocacy:

Freedom Life’s coronavirus death claim denial was overturned, securing $75,000 after successfully challenging the insurer’s interpretation of pandemic-related exclusions.
AAA’s sickness exclusion denial was successfully reversed, awarding beneficiaries $105,000 by clarifying ambiguous language in the policy.
Nationwide’s denial due to incorrect age on the application was overturned, resulting in a favorable $240,000 settlement after establishing insurer responsibility to verify applicant information.
American Family’s COVID-19 death denial was contested successfully, securing $101,000 by highlighting misinterpretation of policy exclusions.
Effortless Life’s denial due to a lapsed policy was successfully challenged, recovering $89,000 after demonstrating administrative errors.
A contested Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) claim resulted in a significant $670,000 recovery by proving ambiguous policy provisions.
Oxford Life’s denial involving unauthorized power of attorney changes was successfully overturned, securing a favorable settlement of $133,000 through validated legal documentation.
Cincinnati Life’s denial related to suicide/self-inflicted injury was contested successfully, recovering $205,000 by proving ambiguities in policy language.
American Equity’s material misrepresentation denial was overturned, recovering $36,000 after establishing no fraudulent intent.
Trinity Life’s smoking-related denial due to medical records was successfully contested, securing $54,000 by proving underwriting oversights.
NRA Life’s denial involving self-inflicted injury versus accidental death was overturned, securing $103,000 through litigation clarifying policy terms.
Sentinel Life’s denial due to incorrect Social Security number was successfully reversed, awarding beneficiaries $79,000 after demonstrating clerical errors.
National Integrity’s interpleader lawsuit was favorably resolved, awarding $40,000 after clearly determining rightful beneficiaries.
Gerber Life’s denial citing material misrepresentation was successfully challenged, recovering $102,500 by demonstrating insurer’s inability to prove fraudulent intent.
An SGLI denial involving a beneficiary change form was successfully contested, recovering a significant $400,000 by clarifying rightful beneficiary designation.
Allstate’s interpleader lawsuit involving beneficiary disputes was successfully resolved, awarding $286,000 clearly identifying rightful claimants.
A FEGLI policy denial was overturned through effective legal advocacy, securing a favorable resolution of $142,800 by highlighting insurer procedural errors.
A Vermont divorce-related life insurance denial case was successfully contested, securing a substantial $1,025,750 recovery by clarifying beneficiary rights post-divorce.
Prudential’s accidental death AD&D claim denial was overturned, recovering $421,000 through litigation clarifying accidental death provisions.
ING’s denial citing alcohol exclusion for drunk driving was successfully contested, recovering $409,000 after demonstrating alcohol was not the direct cause of death.
A substantial Vermont life insurance denial totaling $904,300 was successfully resolved, highlighting extensive insurer procedural and administrative oversights.
A mass shooting-related life claim denial was overturned, recovering $112,000 by addressing insurer misinterpretation of policy exclusions.
An ERISA-governed claim denial received a quick resolution, recovering $168,000 through advocacy demonstrating insurer violations of federal regulations.
Transamerica’s denial involving autoerotic asphyxiation death was successfully contested, securing $419,000 by clarifying accidental death coverage ambiguities.
A Fidelity Life beneficiary dispute was quickly and favorably resolved, recovering $225,000 by establishing clear beneficiary documentation.
Another significant denied life insurance claim in Vermont totaling $628,000 was successfully litigated, highlighting insurer errors and procedural missteps.
Stonebridge Life’s denial involving suicide/self-inflicted injury was successfully contested, securing a favorable settlement of $271,000 by clarifying ambiguities in policy language.

Recent vermont Cases

1. Death Due to Lightning Strike – “Act of God” Exclusion (Case of Leandro)

Leandro, a 39-year-old park ranger, had a $310,000 life insurance policy. One summer afternoon, while working in a national park, he was struck and killed by lightning. His wife, Camila, filed a claim, expecting a straightforward payout. However, the insurer denied the claim, citing an obscure “Act of God” clause in the policy. The insurer argued that deaths caused by “unforeseeable natural disasters” were not covered.

Camila was baffled. She hired an attorney, who examined the policy in detail. While the policy did mention exclusions for natural disasters, it was primarily intended to limit liability for catastrophic events like earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes—not lightning strikes. Furthermore, the attorney pointed out that Leandro’s death was accidental and should be covered under standard provisions.

2. Death in a Sensory Deprivation Tank – “Voluntary Asphyxiation” Exclusion (Case of Julian)

Julian, a 42-year-old software developer, regularly visited wellness spas for sensory deprivation therapy. During one such session, he lost consciousness and drowned in the tank. His sister, Clara, who was the beneficiary of his $640,000 life insurance policy, filed a claim. The insurer denied it, citing a clause excluding deaths caused by “voluntary asphyxiation or oxygen deprivation.”

Clara was outraged. She hired a legal team that argued Julian had not intentionally deprived himself of oxygen—his death was accidental, possibly due to an undiagnosed medical condition such as sleep apnea or a sudden health event. Medical records and spa documentation showed no evidence that Julian had engaged in reckless behavior.

3. Death Due to an Overdose of Caffeine Pills – “Drug Use” Exclusion (Case of Nina)

Nina, a 30-year-old medical student, had been preparing for her board exams and was consuming high doses of caffeine pills to stay awake. One night, she suffered a fatal cardiac event caused by excessive caffeine intake. Her parents filed a claim under her $255,000 life insurance policy, but the insurer denied it, citing a “drug use” exclusion.

Her parents were devastated and sought legal help. The attorney obtained toxicology reports that showed Nina had not consumed any illegal drugs—only over-the-counter caffeine supplements. The legal team argued that the policy’s drug exclusion was intended to cover controlled substances, not legally available products like caffeine.

4. Death Due to Hypothermia at a Meditation Retreat – “Self-Neglect” Exclusion (Case of Rajan)

Rajan, a 55-year-old spiritual teacher, attended a silent meditation retreat in the mountains. During the retreat, he spent a prolonged period outside in freezing temperatures and succumbed to hypothermia. His wife, Priya, filed a claim under his $360,000 life insurance policy, but the insurer denied it, citing a “self-neglect” exclusion, arguing that Rajan had willingly exposed himself to dangerous conditions.

Priya was furious and hired an attorney. The legal team presented evidence that Rajan had followed all retreat guidelines and had not intentionally harmed himself. They also argued that hypothermia is often an involuntary condition, as victims do not recognize their deteriorating state in time to take corrective action.

With expert testimony supporting their case, the attorney challenged the insurer’s denial, and the insurer eventually approved the claim and paid Priya in full.

5. Death Caused by Food Poisoning – “Unusual Circumstances” Denial (Case of Hugo)

Hugo, a 47-year-old chef, had a $900,000 life insurance policy. While on vacation abroad, he suffered from severe food poisoning and died of complications. His partner, Miguel, filed a claim, but the insurer denied it, stating that “death due to ingestion of foreign or unknown substances” was excluded.

Miguel retained a life insurance lawyer. The attorney pointed out that food poisoning was a well-documented medical condition, not a result of reckless behavior. The insurer had tried to misapply the exclusion, which was originally intended for poisoning by illicit substances or self-inflicted harm.

6. Death During an Escape Room Challenge – “Reckless Behavior” Exclusion (Case of Zoe)

Zoe, a 34-year-old marketing executive, participated in an extreme escape room challenge with her friends. During the game, she suffered an unexpected cardiac arrest. Her family filed a claim under her $75,000 life insurance policy, but the insurer denied it, arguing that she had engaged in a “hazardous recreational activity” excluded under the policy.

Her brother, Eli, refused to accept the denial and hired an attorney. The legal team investigated and found that the escape room event was not classified as an extreme sport or high-risk activity.

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