Life Insurance Lawyer: How to Fight a Denied Claim and Get Paid

Life insurance is supposed to provide financial security after the loss of a loved one. But what happens when an insurance company denies or delays a valid claim? Many beneficiaries face unexpected challenges when trying to collect the payout they are owed.

If your life insurance claim was denied, delayed, or disputed, a life insurance lawyer can help you challenge the decision and pursue the benefits you deserve.

Common Reasons Life Insurance Claims Are Denied

Insurance companies often look for ways to deny or reduce payouts. Here are some of the most common reasons they reject claims:

• Material misrepresentation – The insurer claims the policyholder provided false or incomplete information when applying.
• Missed premium payments – The company argues the policy lapsed due to non-payment.
• Contestability period issues – If the policyholder died within two years of buying the policy, insurers may investigate and deny claims.
• Exclusions – Certain policies exclude deaths caused by suicide, drug use, or hazardous activities.
• Beneficiary disputes – If multiple parties claim to be the rightful beneficiary, the insurer may delay or withhold payment.
• Employer-provided policy disputes – Group life insurance policies often involve complex ERISA regulations that can complicate claims.

If your claim was denied for any of these reasons, it does not mean you have no options. Many denials can be challenged and overturned with the right legal approach.

How a Life Insurance Lawyer Can Help

An experienced life insurance attorney can review your claim, identify the insurer’s reasoning for denial, and take legal action to fight for your payout. Here’s how they can assist:

• Review the denial letter and determine if the insurer acted in bad faith.
• Gather medical records, policy documents, and evidence to support your claim.
• Negotiate with the insurance company to settle the claim without litigation.
• File an appeal if the claim was wrongfully denied.
• Pursue a lawsuit against the insurer if necessary.

Insurance companies often delay or deny claims in hopes that beneficiaries will give up. A life insurance lawyer can help ensure that your rights are protected and that the insurer follows the law.

What to Do If Your Life Insurance Claim Is Denied

If your claim was denied, follow these steps to improve your chances of securing your benefits:

1. Request a written explanation – Ask the insurance company for a detailed letter explaining why the claim was denied.
2. Gather supporting documents – Collect medical records, payment receipts, and any correspondence related to the policy.
3. Do not accept a low settlement – Insurers may offer a partial payment instead of the full policy amount.
4. Consult a life insurance lawyer – A lawyer can review the denial and determine if you have grounds for an appeal or lawsuit.

Even if your claim was denied, you may still have a strong case. Do not give up without speaking to a lawyer first.

Florida Laws Governing Life Insurance Claims

Florida has specific laws that impact life insurance claims. These laws regulate how insurers must handle claims, deadlines for payment, and protections for beneficiaries. Understanding these regulations can help you determine if an insurance company is acting in bad faith.

• Florida’s Prompt Payment Law: Under Florida Statute 627.4615, insurance companies must pay a valid life insurance claim within 60 days after receiving proof of death.
• Contestability Period: If the policyholder dies within the first two years of the policy, insurers may investigate and deny claims based on alleged misrepresentations.
• Grace Periods: Florida law requires insurers to provide a grace period before canceling a policy for non-payment.
• Bad Faith Insurance Practices: If an insurance company wrongfully denies or delays a claim, you may have grounds for a bad faith lawsuit under Florida law.

If your claim was denied or significantly delayed, a Florida life insurance lawyer can help determine if the insurer violated state laws.

What to Do If a Florida Life Insurance Claim Is Delayed

Delays in life insurance payouts can cause financial hardship for beneficiaries. While some delays are legitimate (such as verifying the cause of death), others may be tactics to avoid paying a claim.

Here’s what to do if your Florida life insurance claim is delayed:

1. Request a written explanation – Ask the insurer why the claim is taking longer than usual.
2. Check Florida’s 60-day rule – If more than 60 days have passed, the insurer may be in violation of state law.
3. Gather supporting documents – Provide additional medical records, the death certificate, and policy information if requested.
4. Contact a life insurance lawyer – If delays persist, an attorney can intervene and pressure the insurer to act.

In some cases, delays occur due to internal investigations, missing paperwork, or disputes between beneficiaries. Regardless of the cause, a lawyer can help expedite the process and ensure you receive your payout.

How Life Insurance Lawyers in Florida Handle Beneficiary Disputes

Beneficiary disputes are one of the most common reasons for delayed or denied claims. These disputes may arise when multiple parties claim they are entitled to the policy’s payout.

Common types of beneficiary disputes in Florida include:

• Ex-spouses vs. current spouses – Florida’s Revocation Upon Divorce Law automatically removes an ex-spouse as a beneficiary in some cases. However, this is a complex area of the law, with exceptions and nuances.
• Last-minute beneficiary changes – If the policyholder changed beneficiaries right before death, family members may contest the change.
• Multiple named beneficiaries – If the policy does not specify how benefits should be split, disputes may arise.
• Family members challenging a will – Sometimes, heirs argue that a life insurance payout should go to the estate instead of a named beneficiary.

In Florida, these disputes are often resolved through interpleader lawsuits. In an interpleader, the insurance company deposits the policy amount into the court and lets a judge determine the rightful beneficiary.

If you are involved in a life insurance dispute, a Florida life insurance lawyer can represent your interests and fight for your rightful share.

Can You Sue a Life Insurance Company in Florida?

Yes, you may be able to sue a life insurance company in Florida if they wrongfully deny, delay, or underpay a valid claim. Florida law allows lawsuits for:

• Bad faith insurance practices – If an insurer unreasonably denies or delays a claim, they may be liable for damages.
• Breach of contract – If the insurer refuses to pay despite a valid policy, you may sue for breach of contract.
• ERISA claims – If your claim involves an employer-provided policy, federal ERISA laws may allow legal action.
• Interpleader lawsuits – If the insurer refuses to pay due to a beneficiary dispute, legal intervention may be necessary.

Filing a lawsuit can be complex, but an experienced Florida life insurance lawyer can handle the legal process for you.

Life Insurance Claims We Handle in Florida

Our firm helps clients across Florida with a variety of life insurance disputes, including:

• Denied claims due to alleged misrepresentations or policy exclusions.
• Delayed claims where insurers fail to process payouts within Florida’s legal timeframe.
• Beneficiary disputes involving family members, ex-spouses, or multiple claimants.
• ERISA life insurance claims related to employer-provided policies.
• Interpleader lawsuits where a court decides who is entitled to the policy benefits.
• Bad faith insurance claims when an insurer unreasonably denies or underpays a valid claim.

If you need legal assistance with a life insurance claim in Florida, our team is here to help.

Contact a Florida Life Insurance Lawyer Today

Life insurance claims can be stressful, especially when insurance companies delay or deny benefits. You don’t have to fight alone.

Our experienced Florida life insurance lawyers handle claims across the state, including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale.

Why choose us?

• Free consultations – Discuss your case with no upfront costs.
• No fees unless we win – You won’t pay anything unless we recover your benefits.
• Experienced legal team – We handle both state and federal life insurance claims.

Don’t let an insurance company take advantage of you. Contact us today for a free case review.

How Long Do You Have to File a Life Insurance Claim Lawsuit?

Every life insurance policy has a different statute of limitations for filing a claim dispute. However, common deadlines include:

• ERISA claims (group life insurance) – Typically 180 days to appeal, with a lawsuit deadline set by federal law.
• Private policies – Lawsuits must usually be filed within 2–5 years, depending on state law.
• Interpleader cases – If multiple people claim benefits, a lawsuit may be required to resolve the dispute.

If you wait too long, you may lose your right to challenge the denial. A life insurance lawyer can ensure you meet all deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions About Life Insurance Claims

Why do life insurance companies deny claims?

Insurance companies deny claims for several reasons, including alleged misrepresentations, policy lapses, and exclusions. However, many of these denials are wrongful and can be challenged.

Can I still collect benefits if my claim was denied?

Yes. Many life insurance denials can be overturned with the right legal strategy. Insurers often deny claims in bad faith, and a lawyer can help you fight back.

What is an interpleader lawsuit?

An interpleader occurs when multiple people claim to be the rightful beneficiary. The insurance company may file a lawsuit and let the court decide who should receive the payout.

How long does it take to settle a denied life insurance claim?

It depends on the complexity of the case. Some disputes are resolved in a few months, while others take longer, especially if litigation is required.

Contact a Life Insurance Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If your life insurance claim was denied, delayed, or disputed, you don’t have to fight alone. An experienced life insurance lawyer can review your case, negotiate with the insurer, and take legal action if needed.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any fees or costs unless we win or settle your case.