Life Insurance Claim Attorneys Chicago

Request a Free Case Evaluation
Losing a loved one is already difficult, but facing a denied life insurance claim can add financial stress during an emotional time. Insurance companies frequently deny claims for various reasons, leaving beneficiaries without the financial support they were expecting. However, a denial is not the final word—you have the right to challenge the decision.

At Reynolds&, our attorneys specialize in appealing denied life insurance claims and fighting back against wrongful claim denials. If your claim was rejected, we can help you understand your rights and take the necessary steps to recover the benefits you deserve.

How Our Chicago Life Insurance Attorneys Can Help

Request a Free Case Evaluation

If your life insurance claim has been denied, you do not have to accept the decision. We can help by:

Reviewing the denial letter and policy terms to determine if the insurer acted unfairly.
Gathering evidence to challenge the denial, including medical records, payment histories, and policy details.
Filing a formal appeal if the policy is governed by ERISA, ensuring compliance with legal deadlines and procedural requirements.
Negotiating with the insurer to reach a fair settlement.
Taking legal action if necessary to recover the benefits you are entitled to.

Why Are Life Insurance Claims Denied?

Insurance companies deny claims for many reasons, but not all of them are valid. Common reasons for denial include:

Alleged Misrepresentation on the Application

Insurers may argue that the policyholder provided inaccurate or incomplete information when applying for the policy. This could involve medical history, lifestyle habits, or other personal details. Even minor mistakes or misunderstandings can be used as grounds for denial.

Policy Lapse Due to Non-Payment

If premiums were not paid on time, the insurer may claim the policy lapsed before the policyholder’s death. However, there are cases where: Payments were made but not properly processed.The policyholder was entitled to a grace period.The insurer failed to notify the policyholder about a lapse.

Contestability Period Denials

Most policies have a two-year contestability period during which insurers closely review claims for any reason to deny coverage. If the policyholder passed away during this time, the insurance company may scrutinize their application for potential misstatements, even if they were unintentional.

Cause of Death Exclusions

Certain policies have exclusions that prevent payouts for specific causes of death, such as: Suicide (often within the first two years of the policy) Drug or alcohol-related deaths High-risk activities, such as skydiving or scuba diving. If an insurer is using an exclusion to deny a claim, we can review the policy’s fine print and challenge unfair determinations.

Employer-Provided (ERISA) Policy Disputes

If the life insurance policy was provided through an employer, it falls under ERISA regulations. These policies have strict administrative procedures, and insurers often use technical errors or procedural missteps as grounds for denial. Our firm has deep experience handling ERISA life insurance appeals in Chicago and can fight for your rights.

Don’t Wait—Deadlines Apply to Life Insurance Appeals

Life insurance policies—especially those governed by ERISA—have strict appeal deadlines. If you received a denial, you should take action as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Contact our life insurance attorneys in Chicago today for a free case evaluation. Our experienced legal team is ready to fight for you and your family.

Request a Free Case Evaluation