Life Insurance Lawyer Wyoming

Experienced Life Insurance Lawyers Wyoming: The Lassen Law Firm Navigating life insurance claims in Wyoming can be challenging, especially when faced with denied benefits or bad faith insurance practices. At The Lassen Law Firm, we proudly assist individuals and families across the Equality State in recovering the payouts they deserve. Whether you’re in Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, Gillette, or any other part of Wyoming, we bring trusted legal expertise and personalized attention 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.

Wyoming denied life insurance claims: answers to common questions

  • What should I do if my life insurance claim was denied in Wyoming?
    If your life insurance claim was denied in Wyoming, you should immediately consult a Wyoming life insurance attorney. Attempting to appeal on your own could result in a permanent loss of benefits due to strict deadlines and legal complexities.

  • Can a life insurance policy lapse lead to a denied claim in Wyoming?
    Yes, a lapsed policy is a common reason for claim denials in Wyoming. However, many lapses are not legally valid if the insurer failed to give proper notice as required under Wyoming law. Our legal team challenges these denials successfully.

  • Why might a Wyoming accidental death life insurance claim be denied?
    In Wyoming, accidental death claims are often denied when insurers argue the death was due to illness or substance use. We fight these denials by showing the cause of death fits the policy’s definition of an accident.

  • Can a life insurance claim be denied in Wyoming for misrepresentation on the application?
    Yes, but under Wyoming law, the insurer must prove the misrepresentation was material and made intentionally. Our Wyoming life insurance lawyers analyze the facts and often overturn these denials.

  • What happens if I’ve been served with a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in Wyoming?
    If you’ve been named in a Wyoming life insurance interpleader, you need a skilled attorney. These lawsuits require you to defend your right to the benefit in court, and having local Wyoming legal counsel is essential.

  • Can a reinstated policy be denied if the death occurred soon after in Wyoming?
    In Wyoming, if a death happens shortly after policy reinstatement, the insurer may treat it as a new policy and deny the claim. We investigate whether the insurer followed all legal requirements for reinstatement before denying payment.

  • Is alcohol use a valid reason for life insurance denial in Wyoming?
    Some Wyoming life insurance policies have alcohol exclusions, but they are often misapplied. If the death wasn’t directly caused by intoxication, our Wyoming life insurance attorneys can fight the denial.

  • Can a Wyoming life insurance claim be denied based on a suicide clause?
    Yes, but only during the initial two years of the policy under Wyoming law. After that, suicide is typically covered. We also investigate whether the suicide determination was medically or legally accurate.

  • What should I do if my ERISA life insurance claim was denied in Wyoming?
    If your ERISA claim was denied in Wyoming, do not delay. You have limited time to appeal, and only one shot. Our Wyoming-based life insurance team builds strong appeals to give you the best chance of winning.

  • Does Wyoming revoke an ex-spouse’s beneficiary designation after divorce?
    Yes. Under Wyoming law, a divorce automatically cancels an ex-spouse’s beneficiary rights unless reaffirmed post-divorce. We handle disputes involving ex-spouses and life insurance policies statewide.

  • Is Wyoming a community property state for life insurance purposes?
    No, Wyoming is not a community property state. However, we evaluate whether the surviving spouse in Wyoming may have a claim based on the use of marital funds to pay life insurance premiums.

  • Can a will override a life insurance policy in Wyoming?
    In Wyoming, a will cannot override a named beneficiary on a life insurance policy. However, if there’s evidence of fraud or undue influence, our legal team can ask a Wyoming court to intervene.

  • How much does it cost to hire a life insurance lawyer in Wyoming?
    Our Wyoming life insurance attorneys work on contingency. You pay no legal fees unless we win your case and recover the policy benefit for you.

  • Can a Wyoming life insurance claim be denied if the death occurred outside the U.S.?
    Yes, but many policies in Wyoming either do not restrict foreign deaths or do so only under certain circumstances. We review the policy language and challenge improper foreign death denials.

  • What happens in Wyoming if a beneficiary is changed right before death?
    Last-minute beneficiary changes in Wyoming can be challenged if there’s concern about mental capacity or coercion. We investigate the timing and legitimacy of such changes to protect your interests.

  • What can I do if my Wyoming life insurance claim is delayed for months?
    Delays in Wyoming without a valid reason may amount to bad faith. Our law firm pursues wrongful delay cases and works to recover not only the benefit but additional compensation.

  • Can a Wyoming insurance company deny AD&D coverage by classifying a death as natural?
    Yes, but we frequently challenge this. If your accidental death claim in Wyoming was denied based on a natural causes classification, we’ll analyze medical reports and fight for full benefits.

  • What happens if an insurance agent made a mistake on the application in Wyoming?
    If an agent error led to your life insurance claim denial in Wyoming, you may still recover. We hold insurers accountable when their agents contribute to misleading or incomplete applications.

  • What is bad faith in the context of a Wyoming life insurance denial?
    Bad faith in Wyoming means the insurer unreasonably delayed, denied, or misrepresented coverage. In such cases, you may be entitled to additional damages beyond the policy amount.

  • Can I challenge a Wyoming life insurance denial during the contestability period?
    Yes. Even within the two-year contestability window in Wyoming, we challenge denials based on immaterial or irrelevant misstatements and often secure full benefits.

  • Are ERISA group life policies more difficult to appeal in Wyoming?
    Yes, ERISA imposes strict administrative rules. Our Wyoming life insurance attorneys are experienced with ERISA appeals and litigation and know how to maximize your chance of success.

  • What if the insured died in Wyoming without naming a life insurance beneficiary?
    If no beneficiary was named in Wyoming, the proceeds may go to the estate or follow statutory rules. We help beneficiaries and families navigate the Wyoming legal process to claim benefits.

  • Can I contest a suspicious beneficiary change in Wyoming?
    Yes. If a recent change in Wyoming appears fraudulent or the insured was under duress, we can challenge the change and request a court determination of the rightful beneficiary.

  • Are insurers required to send lapse notices in Wyoming?
    Yes. Wyoming law requires notice before terminating coverage. If the insurer failed to provide adequate notice, the policy may still be active, and we can demand payment.

  • How are union or association life insurance policies handled in Wyoming?
    Union policies often have different rules. Our Wyoming legal team reviews group policies provided by unions or associations and helps clients challenge wrongful denials.

  • Can multiple beneficiaries make claims on a Wyoming life insurance policy?
    Yes. In such cases, the insurer may file an interpleader in Wyoming, leaving the court to decide. We represent beneficiaries in these disputes and fight for your rightful share.

  • What if the insured was missing for years before being declared dead in Wyoming?
    In Wyoming, a person must be legally declared dead for the claim to proceed. We guide families through the process and challenge denials based on missing person status.

  • How long do I have to appeal a life insurance denial in Wyoming?
    In Wyoming, the deadline depends on the type of policy. ERISA claims must be appealed within 180 days. Private policies follow state laws. We act fast to protect your rights.

  • Can a verbal promise override a Wyoming life insurance policy?
    No. Under Wyoming law, verbal promises don’t override written beneficiary designations, but we investigate whether legal theories like fraud or mistake may apply.

  • Are life insurance benefits protected from creditors in Wyoming?
    In Wyoming, if the policy names a beneficiary, the proceeds are usually protected from creditors. If the estate is the beneficiary, creditors may access the funds.

  • Can vague language in a Wyoming policy be used to deny a claim?
    No. Under Wyoming insurance law, ambiguous policy language is interpreted in favor of coverage. We use this principle to fight denials based on unclear terms.

  • Can I reinstate a lapsed life insurance policy in Wyoming?
    Yes, and if the insured applied for reinstatement before death, the policy may still be enforceable. Our Wyoming life insurance attorneys assess the policy terms and insurer conduct.

  • What if the insurer in Wyoming claims the policy was canceled for non-payment?
    We verify whether proper notice was given and whether a grace period applied. If the insurer violated Wyoming cancellation procedures, we fight to reinstate the benefit.

  • Can a minor in Wyoming receive life insurance proceeds?
    Yes, but Wyoming law requires a guardian or trust to manage the funds. We help families establish legal structures to protect the benefit for the child’s future.

  • What if my Wyoming life insurance claim was denied based on alleged fraud?
    Fraud must be proven, not merely alleged. If your claim in Wyoming was denied on shaky fraud grounds, we challenge the denial and hold the insurer accountable.

  • Can I settle a disputed life insurance claim in Wyoming without going to trial?
    Yes. Many Wyoming life insurance disputes resolve through settlement. We negotiate favorable outcomes that avoid lengthy litigation and get you the money you deserve.

  • What happens if a beneficiary form was completed but never submitted in Wyoming?
    In Wyoming, only submitted and accepted forms are legally binding. If a change wasn’t processed, we review whether legal remedies like equitable reformation are available.

  • Are old Wyoming life insurance policies still valid?
    Yes, as long as premiums were paid or the policy was paid up, older Wyoming policies remain enforceable. We help families claim benefits even from decades-old policies.

  • How do I prove I'm the rightful beneficiary in Wyoming?
    We gather policy documents, communications, and witness statements to prove your status as rightful beneficiary in Wyoming, whether in court or through direct negotiation.

  • What can I do if I was unfairly left off a Wyoming life insurance policy?
    If fraud, coercion, or mistake led to you being omitted from a Wyoming policy, we may ask a court to correct the beneficiary designation and award you the benefit.

2025 Wyoming Denied Life Insurance Claims: settlements & verdicts

In 2025, Wyoming saw significant legal outcomes in denied life insurance claim disputes, demonstrating the complex nature of these cases and the critical importance of experienced legal representation. Below are detailed summaries and resolutions of notable settlements and verdicts:

  • A mass shooting victim's denied life insurance claim was resolved favorably for the beneficiary, securing a total of $301,400. The insurer initially attempted denial based on ambiguous policy language surrounding criminal events.
  • AAA Life Insurance faced an invalid beneficiary designation issue, resulting in a successful claim resolution of $213,000. The dispute centered around documentation errors during policy setup.
  • Lincoln National's denial of $88,000 due to unauthorized beneficiary changes made by the policyholder's aunt was successfully contested, demonstrating the need for explicit authorization in beneficiary adjustments.
  • A coronavirus-related claim denial by Fidelity Life was overturned, resulting in a payment of $66,000 after establishing that the insurer's pandemic exclusion clause did not apply clearly.
  • Mutual Life attempted denial under a felony exclusion for a death involving a shooting; the claimant successfully recovered $129,000 by demonstrating ambiguity in policy terms regarding felonious acts.
  • Prosperity's denial based on incorrect age stated on the application was reversed, awarding $105,000, highlighting insurer responsibility to verify critical information upfront.
  • Global Life's denial due to changes made via a power of attorney was successfully challenged, with $119,000 awarded after proving proper authorization and legitimacy of the changes.
  • Sierra Life's $104,000 denial linked to suicide/self-inflicted injury was contested and resolved in the claimant's favor, demonstrating inconsistencies within the insurer’s suicide clause.
  • The Hartford denied a claim citing a sickness exclusion, but claimants successfully argued ambiguity, resulting in a settlement of $25,000.
  • Legal & General attempted rescission due to alleged material misrepresentation; claimants recovered $10,000 after establishing the insurer’s failure to prove intent to deceive.
  • An Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) claim initially denied for ambiguous reasons resulted in an $812,000 settlement, underscoring the need for clarity in AD&D provisions.
  • Trinity Life’s denial due to policy lapse for nonpayment was overturned for $43,000 after evidence showed improper lapse notices.
  • Globe’s denial citing a policyholder's undisclosed ER visit history was successfully resolved with a payment of $39,000, affirming the importance of accurate medical history assessments by insurers.
  • Pruco Life’s denial for nonpayment of premiums was contested, securing $57,000 after demonstrating the insurer's inadequate notice procedures.
  • Landmark Life attempted a denial due to a missed payment; the beneficiary successfully claimed $17,000 after proving procedural missteps by the insurer.
  • Old American Life denied coverage due to a disputed power of attorney; the claim was successfully resolved for $50,000 after validating the attorney-in-fact’s authority.
  • American Retirement Life’s misrepresentation denial was challenged, securing a $118,000 payout by proving lack of fraudulent intent.
  • First Colony’s alcohol-related toxicology denial was successfully contested, resulting in a $96,000 recovery by proving intoxication did not directly cause death.
  • Humana’s policy lapse denial was resolved amicably for $11,000 after proving administrative errors.
  • Physician's Life denied $264,000 due to failed automatic premium deductions; the denial was successfully overturned, highlighting insurer responsibility in automated transactions.
  • Stonebridge Life’s prolonged lapse denial was reversed for $108,000 by proving improper lapse notifications.
  • Mutual Savings Life’s suicide-related denial at policy issuance was contested successfully, securing $45,000 through detailed analysis of suicide clause timelines.
  • NTA Life's denial due to multiple missed payments was resolved positively for $59,000, demonstrating the insurer’s procedural failures in notification.
  • Globe’s $101,200 denial due to an incorrect Social Security number was overturned after establishing clerical errors rather than fraud.
  • Another Globe denial involving misrepresentation allegations was successfully challenged, resulting in a $106,000 settlement by clarifying unintentional inaccuracies.
  • A $400,000 SGLI dispute involving two beneficiaries was favorably resolved through mediation, providing equitable distribution as per documented intentions.
  • A Wyoming life insurance denial case involving a substantial $2,150,000 claim was successfully litigated, illustrating the significance of thorough legal intervention in high-value denials.
  • Transamerica's $408,000 interpleader lawsuit was resolved, clearly defining rightful beneficiaries and releasing the disputed funds accordingly.
  • Columbus Life's sickness exclusion denial of $132,000 was reversed by proving ambiguity in policy exclusions.
  • Gerber Life’s $315,000 sibling beneficiary dispute was favorably resolved, demonstrating clear evidence of beneficiary intent.
  • A complex Wyoming denied life insurance claim amounting to $864,000 was successfully challenged, emphasizing the insurer’s inadequate denial justification.
  • AIG’s accidental death (AD&D) denial for $417,300 was successfully appealed, highlighting the insurer’s vague policy language regarding accidental circumstances.
  • A FEGLI policy denial was overturned after a robust appeal, securing $140,000 by demonstrating procedural oversights by the insurer.
  • Wyoming divorce-related life insurance denial of $300,000 was favorably resolved by clarifying beneficiary designation rights post-divorce.
  • Northwestern Mutual's felony exclusion denial of $259,000 was successfully contested through clear evidence challenging the insurer’s interpretation of criminal exclusions.
  • State Farm’s denial involving prescription drug overdose was successfully contested, recovering $126,000 after proving prescribed medication usage as non-negligent.
  • An ERISA-governed life insurance denial for $138,000 was successfully resolved by highlighting violations of federal procedural protections, ensuring the claimant's recovery.

WYoming Cases

1. Case of Emerson Calloway

Emerson Calloway, a 62-year-old retired engineer from Wyoming, had a life insurance policy with a sizable death benefit. When he passed away due to complications from a routine surgery, his beneficiary, his daughter, Lillian, filed a claim. However, the insurer denied the claim, citing an exclusion for “complications arising from elective procedures.”

Lillian argued that her father’s surgery was medically necessary and not elective, but the policy’s vague wording allowed the insurer to classify the procedure under its exclusion. She finally retained a life insurance attorney who got the full policy for her.

2. The Case of Tobias Mercer

Tobias Mercer, a 55-year-old rancher, applied for a $500,000 life insurance policy. During the underwriting process, he omitted information about his history of heart disease, believing it wouldn’t impact his eligibility.

Two years later, Tobias suffered a fatal heart attack. His wife, Elise, filed a claim, only to have it denied after the insurer discovered his undisclosed medical condition. The company argued that had they known about Tobias’s heart disease, they would have either declined the policy or charged a significantly higher premium. Elise retained a top life insurance law firm who won the case.

3. The Case of Desmond Alaric

Desmond Alaric, a 48-year-old travel journalist, had a life insurance policy worth $750,000. While on assignment in Thailand, he died in a motorbike accident. His brother, Lionel, who was the named beneficiary, filed a claim, providing local death certificates and police reports.

However, the insurer rejected the claim, citing concerns over the validity of foreign documentation. The company demanded additional proof, including a U.S.-issued death certificate, which was difficult to obtain. After months of delays and extensive legal efforts, Lionel was forced to hire a life insurance attorney who won the case.

4. The Case of Raquel Sloane

Raquel Sloane, a 37-year-old adventure photographer, had a $600,000 life insurance policy. She frequently engaged in extreme sports, including skydiving, but did not disclose this hobby when applying for coverage.

Tragically, Raquel died in a skydiving accident in Utah. When her partner, Devon, filed a claim, the insurer denied it, citing an exclusion for hazardous activities. Though Devon argued that Raquel’s accident was a rare event and that she had been an experienced diver, the insurer maintained that failure to disclose her participation in extreme sports voided the policy. After retaining a top life insurance law firm, the policy was paid out.

5. The Case of Victor Montreux

Victor Montreux, a 44-year-old restaurant owner, had an accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) policy that promised an additional payout if he died in an accident. One evening, Victor was involved in a fatal car crash. His wife, Nadine, submitted a claim, expecting the AD&D payout.

However, toxicology reports showed that Victor had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.09%, just above the legal limit. The insurer cited an alcohol exclusion in the AD&D policy, which stated that if the insured was under the influence at the time of an accident, the benefit would be forfeited. Despite arguments that alcohol was not the sole cause of the crash, the claim was denied. Nadine retained a life insurance lawyer and got the full policy.

6. The Case of Corinne Duvall

Corinne Duvall, a 59-year-old business owner, had a life insurance policy naming her son, Julian, as the primary beneficiary. However, after remarrying, she updated her policy to name her new husband, Bryce, as the sole beneficiary.

When Corinne passed away unexpectedly, both Julian and Bryce filed competing claims. Julian alleged that Corinne had been pressured into changing the beneficiary designation, while Bryce argued that her most recent policy update was legally binding. The insurer, caught between conflicting claims, filed an interpleader lawsuit, depositing the funds with the court and leaving the two parties to fight over the payout.

After months of litigation, the life insurance lawyer was able to recover the full policy.

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