Tampa Life Insurance Lawyers

Tampa Life Insurance Lawyers | Law Offices of Jason Turchin

Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added stress of dealing with a denied or delayed life insurance claim. Life insurance policies are designed to provide financial relief to beneficiaries after a policyholder’s passing, but in Tampa, many families face challenges when filing claims. If you’re dealing with a denied life insurance claim or a dispute with the insurance company, the experienced Tampa life insurance lawyers at the Law Offices of Jason Turchin can help.

We understand how overwhelming the life insurance claims process can be, and we are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve. If your claim has been denied due to issues like policy lapse, misrepresentation, or other reasons, we can review your case and work to overturn the denial. Call us today at 800-337-7755 for a free consultation, or use our live chat feature. We handle life insurance disputes on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any fees or costs unless we win or settle your case.

Common Reasons for Life Insurance Claim Denials in Tampa

Life insurance companies frequently deny claims for a variety of reasons, many of which may not be valid under Florida law. Understanding why your claim was denied is the first step toward resolving the issue. Below are some of the most common reasons for life insurance claim denials in Tampa:

1. Material Misrepresentation

Material misrepresentation occurs when the insurance company alleges that the policyholder provided false or incomplete information on their life insurance application. This could include failing to disclose a medical condition, lifestyle habits like smoking, or other relevant factors. If the insurer believes that this misrepresentation affected their decision to issue the policy, they may deny the claim.

2. Policy Lapse Due to Non-Payment

If the policyholder failed to make premium payments, the life insurance policy may have lapsed. When this happens, the insurance company may argue that the policy was no longer active at the time of death. However, there are circumstances under which a policy lapse can be contested, such as if the policyholder was within a grace period or if the non-payment was due to a disability or other legitimate reason.

3. Contestability Period Denials

Most life insurance policies include a contestability period—usually the first two years after the policy is issued—during which the insurance company has the right to investigate claims and deny benefits if they discover discrepancies in the application. If the policyholder dies during this period, the insurer may scrutinize the claim more closely, potentially leading to a denial based on issues like misrepresentation.

4. Exclusions for Certain Causes of Death

Life insurance policies often contain exclusions that specify certain causes of death that are not covered by the policy. Common exclusions include suicide (within a specified time frame), drug use, or death while engaging in hazardous activities like skydiving. If the cause of death falls under one of these exclusions, the insurance company may deny the claim.

5. Beneficiary Disputes

In some cases, life insurance claims are delayed or denied due to disputes over who the rightful beneficiary is. These disputes may arise when there are conflicting beneficiaries named in the policy or when changes to the beneficiary designation were made shortly before the policyholder’s death. These situations often lead to complex legal disputes that can delay the payment of benefits.

How Our Tampa Life Insurance Lawyers Can Help

At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, our Tampa life insurance lawyers are committed to helping beneficiaries navigate the complexities of life insurance claims. If your claim has been denied or delayed, we can assist you by:

1. Reviewing the Life Insurance Policy

We can carefully review the terms of the life insurance policy, the denial letter, and any correspondence with the insurance company to determine whether the denial was lawful. By thoroughly examining the policy, we can identify any potential legal issues that may be used to challenge the denial.

2. Investigating the Circumstances of the Denial

We can conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the denial of your claim. This may involve reviewing medical records, financial documents, and communications between the policyholder and the insurance company. Our goal is to gather all the evidence necessary to build a strong case.

3. Filing an Appeal

If your life insurance claim was wrongfully denied, we can help you file an appeal with the insurance company. We can present evidence to support your claim and negotiate on your behalf to seek a reversal of the denial and a fair payout.

4. Litigating the Case if Necessary

If the insurance company refuses to reverse its decision, we are prepared to take legal action. Our team has experience litigating life insurance disputes and is ready to represent you in court to pursue the benefits you are owed.

Life Insurance Claims and Florida Law

Florida law provides important protections for life insurance beneficiaries, but the legal process can be challenging to navigate without professional help. Below are key aspects of Florida life insurance law that may impact your case:

Statute of Limitations for Life Insurance Claims

In Florida, beneficiaries generally have five years from the date of the policyholder’s death to file a lawsuit if their life insurance claim is denied. However, waiting too long to take action can weaken your case. If your claim has been denied, it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Bad Faith Insurance Claims

Florida law prohibits life insurance companies from acting in bad faith when handling claims. Bad faith occurs when an insurer wrongfully denies or delays a valid claim, fails to investigate a claim properly, or otherwise violates its duty to the policyholder. If the insurance company acted in bad faith, you may be able to recover additional compensation beyond the standard death benefit.

Types of Life Insurance Policies

Different types of life insurance policies have unique rules and coverage terms. The type of policy in your claim affects how you resolve disputes. Common types of life insurance policies include:

• Term Life Insurance: Provides coverage for a specific period (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 years). If the policyholder passes away within the term, the beneficiary receives the death benefit. If the policyholder outlives the term, the insurer doesn’t pay a benefit unless the policy is renewed.
• Whole Life Insurance: A permanent life insurance policy covers the policyholder for their entire life, as long as they continue paying premiums. Whole life policies also build cash value over time, which policyholders can use as part of an estate plan.
• Universal Life Insurance: Similar to whole life insurance but with more flexibility in premium payments and death benefit amounts. Universal life policies also build cash value but may fluctuate based on market conditions.

Why You Need a Tampa Life Insurance Lawyer

Dealing with a life insurance claim dispute can be overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. An experienced Tampa life insurance lawyer can ease your burden and protect your rights during a dispute. At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, we help beneficiaries resolve life insurance issues and recover the benefits they deserve.

We handle life insurance claims on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay any fees or costs unless we win or settle your case. Contact us today at 800-337-7755 or use our live chat feature to schedule a free consultation.

Let us fight for your rights and help you secure the financial benefits you need after the loss of a loved one.