If you have recently lost a loved one, you are likely overwhelmed by the emotional, physical and practical realities that accompany that kind of loss. If you were counting on the benefits from your loved one’s life insurance policy and your claim has been rejected, you are likely even more overwhelmed than you would otherwise be. Please consider speaking with an experienced insurance claims denials lawyer before you become panicked. While there are reasons that a life insurance provider could legally deny or underpay a claim in the wake of such loss, such legitimate denials and underpayments are rare. An insurance claims denials lawyer can help you sort out your situation so that you can make an informed decision about how you want to proceed with your claim.
Bad Faith Practices – Life Insurance Policies
In general, life insurance providers can legally deny a claim if the policyholder failed to uphold “their end of the bargain” per the terms of their life insurance contract. For example, if a policyholder fails to make timely payments, perishes in a way that is explicitly outlined as an exception to coverage (insurers sometimes are not obligated to pay in the event of suicide, for example), commits fraud or otherwise fails to honor the terms and conditions of the policy, it is possible for a life insurance provider to legally deny or underpay a claim submitted by a surviving loved one. However, there are also many instances in which a life insurance claim denial can occur due to a mistake (on the part of the person submitting the claim or the insurance provider processing the claim) or bad faith behaviors on the part of the life insurance provider.
Mistakes happen in the insurance industry every day. If a mistake on your part or the part of the insurance provider is holding up proper payment of your claim, an experienced insurance claims denials lawyer can help you sort things out. However, if your life insurance provider is intentionally denying or underpaying a legitimate claim, your insurance claims denials lawyer may need to file legal action on your behalf in order to recover both your benefits and any additional compensatory damages you may be entitled to due to illegal behavior on the part of the insurance company. Due to your loss and your grief, you may be hesitant to file legal action at this time, as this process can be stressful. However, if your family is entitled to receive life insurance benefits, short-term stress may be well worth the long-term benefits of allowing an experienced insurance claims denials lawyer to file action on your behalf.
Legal Guidance Is Available
If you are struggling with the news that your loved one’s life insurance claim has recently been denied or underpaid, please consider scheduling a risk-free and confidential consultation with an attorney, like an insurance claims lawyer, today. The claim may have been denied or underpaid due to a mistake or bad faith behavior on the part of the insurer, which means you still may be entitled to receive compensation.