Life Insurance Lawyer in California
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Denied or Delayed Life Insurance Payout? We’re Here to Help
Losing a loved one is painful enough. When a life insurance company denies or delays your claim, it only adds to the emotional and financial strain. You may be left wondering why your claim was rejected, or how to fight back.
At Boonswang Law, our life insurance lawyers in California are here to guide you through every step of the process. Whether you’re facing a claim denial, a dispute over beneficiaries, or an issue related to policy lapse, we’ll work to get you the benefits you’re owed.
- Over $200 million recovered in life insurance payouts
- Six- and seven-figure wins against major insurers
- Proven success in California
Insurance companies don’t make it easy, but we know how to challenge their tactics. Let a life insurance lawyer fight for your rights and help you secure the payout your loved one intended for you.
Why You Should Hire An Experienced Life Insurance Lawyer
An estimated 99% of term policies never payout. Hiring a seasoned life insurance lawyer is vital because life insurance companies often prioritize their profits over paying out claims. A skilled attorney understands the tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying claims and can effectively counter these strategies.
With an experienced life insurance attorney by your side, you’ll have a strong advocate who knows how to handle the legal system and ensure that your claim is handled fairly. This expertise can make the difference between receiving the compensation you deserve or walking away empty-handed.
Boonswang Law is proud to serve beneficiary clients throughout California with a dedicated team of life insurance lawyers ready to help people who live in and near the following cities:
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- San Jose
- San Francisco
- Fresno
- Sacramento
- Long Beach
- Oakland
- Bakersfield
- Anaheim
- Santa Ana
- Riverside
- Stockton
- Irvine
- Chula Vista
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Common Reasons Life Insurance Claims Are Denied in California
Life insurance claims can be denied for various reasons, leaving beneficiaries without the support they expected. Understanding these common issues is key to ensuring your claim is approved.
Material Misrepresentation
Insurers may deny claims for material misrepresentation when a policyholder provides inaccurate information during the application process. Our Los Angeles and San Diego life insurance lawyers can challenge such denials by arguing the misrepresentation wasn’t material or was an honest mistake that didn’t impact coverage.
Improper Documentation
Life insurance claims can be rejected if required documentation, like a death certificate, isn’t submitted properly. The California Department of Insurance and the state legislature have written California regulations to ensure that insurers act within a specific time frame once all documents are provided. We work to ensure that all necessary documents are submitted correctly and on time, holding insurers accountable for any unwarranted delays.
Policy Lapse
A lapse in life insurance coverage due to missed premium payments often leads to denial, but insurers must provide proper notice before canceling a policy. Life insurance attorneys review whether the insurer adhered to these legal requirements and explore options for reinstating coverage or challenging the denial.
Late Notice
Life insurance claim denials may occur if the insurers believe they weren’t notified of the policyholder’s death promptly, but insurers must demonstrate how a delay has negatively affected their ability to investigate the claim. Our life insurance lawyers can argue that any delay was reasonable and did not impact the insurer’s ability to process the claim.
Beneficiary Dispute
Disputes over who is entitled to life insurance benefits can arise when there are conflicting claims or last-minute changes to the beneficiary. A seasoned life insurance lawyer can help resolve these disputes by carefully examining the policy and advocating for the rightful beneficiary.
Evidence of Insurability
When an insurer questions whether the policyholder was insurable when the policy was issued, they may deny the claim. California law requires the insurer to prove the insured was not eligible for coverage. Our attorneys gather and present evidence to demonstrate that the policyholder met all insurability requirements.
Missed Premium Payments
Missing payments on life insurance premiums can lead to a policy lapse, allowing insurers to deny claims. However, California law mandates a grace period and proper notification before a policy can be canceled. The California life insurance attorneys at Boonswang Law investigate whether these procedures were followed, working to recover benefits even if payments were missed.
Policy Exclusions
Life insurance policies often include exclusions that prevent coverage for certain types of deaths, such as suicide. California law requires that these exclusions be stated and communicated. If your claim is denied based on an exclusion, our attorneys can review the policy language to determine if it applies and challenge the denial if it doesn’t.
Insurance Fraud
Accusations of insurance fraud, such as falsifying information or attempting to claim benefits unlawfully, can lead to denial. California law treats insurance fraud as a serious offense, but not all allegations are justified. Our lawyers thoroughly investigate these life insurance cases and present evidence to refute false accusations.
What to Expect from Your Life Insurance Attorney
When you work with Boonswang Law, our attorneys will take a thorough, strategic approach to recover your denied or delayed life insurance benefits. This includes:
- Investigating the denial – uncovering the exact reasons your claim was denied or delayed.
- Reviewing your policy – carefully examining the terms and conditions to identify insurer errors or bad faith practices.
- Building a strong case – gathering evidence and legal arguments to challenge the insurance company.
- Applying state-specific knowledge – leveraging our deep understanding of California life insurance law to your advantage.
- Aggressive representation – advocating on your behalf to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Insurance Scams & Bad Faith
Unfortunately, not all insurance companies act in good faith. Some engage in tactics designed to delay, underpay, or deny valid life insurance claims. These practices—known as insurance bad faith—may include misrepresenting policy terms, demanding unnecessary documentation, or wrongfully accusing beneficiaries of fraud.
If you suspect your claim has been mishandled, a life insurance attorney can investigate, hold the insurer accountable, and fight to recover the benefits you are rightfully owed.
Help for When You Need to File a Life Insurance Claim
To file a life insurance claim in the state, first notify the life insurance company and gather the necessary documents, such as the death certificate and policy information. Once you submit the claim, the insurance company will review it.
If issues arise with delays or denials, Boonswang Law will identify any policy complications and work with the insurer to resolve them quickly. Our life insurance attorneys work diligently to get your claim processed efficiently, securing the benefits you’re entitled to without unnecessary delays.
We Have Decades of Experience Fighting for Beneficiaries’ Death Benefits
With decades of experience, Boonswang Law has successfully recovered millions in death benefits for clients facing denied or delayed claims. Our life insurance lawyers have developed proven strategies to promptly resolve policy misrepresentation or beneficiary disputes.
We handle all communications with insurers, removing the burden from you while aggressively pursuing your rightful payout. You won’t pay until we win your case, so you can trust that we’ll fight tirelessly to secure maximum compensation.
Call the Life Insurance Lawyers at Boonswang Law Today
Choosing Boonswang Law means partnering with a team with a proven track record. Our attorneys have the expertise to handle complex legal challenges and overturn unfair denials, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. With personalized attention and a “No Cost, Unless You Win” policy, Boonswang Law is ready to fight for your rights every step of the way.
Get a free case evaluation from our life insurance attorney in California.
California Life Insurance Disputes: Your Questions Answered
What Can Prevent A Person From Qualifying for Life Insurance?
Certain factors, such as pre-existing medical conditions, high-risk hobbies, and a history of reckless driving, can prevent someone from qualifying for life insurance in California. While laws prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, or gender, insurers can assess risk based on health and lifestyle factors. It’s essential to review your application carefully to avoid disqualification.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Life Insurance Claim Paid?
In California, a life insurance claim typically takes 30 to 60 days to be processed and paid out. To expedite this process, file your claim promptly and provide all necessary documentation. Working with a California life insurance lawyer can help ensure your claim is submitted correctly and without unnecessary delays.
What Happens When A Life Insurance Claim Is Denied?
If your life insurance claim is denied, the insurance company must send you a letter explaining the reasons for the denial. You then have the option to contest the denial, and it’s strongly advised to hire an experienced California life insurance lawyer to guide you through the appeals process. Legal representation can increase your chances of overturning the denial and receiving the benefits.
What Happens When a Minor is Listed as the Beneficiary of a Life Insurance Policy in California?
When a minor is named as a beneficiary in California, a court typically appoints a custodian to manage the death benefits until the minor reaches adulthood. However, it’s advisable to set up a trust and designate the minor as the beneficiary to ensure better management of the funds. This can protect the minor’s inheritance from potential misuse by the custodian.
How Will I Know If My Loved One Had A Life Insurance Policy in California?
California has no central database for life insurance policies, making it challenging to determine if your loved one had a policy. You can check with their employer, review financial documents, or look through personal records for evidence of a policy. If you find that you are a beneficiary, it’s your responsibility to notify the insurance company of the insured’s death.
Can I Share Life Insurance Benefits with My Siblings?
Yes, if you are the sole beneficiary of a life insurance policy, you can choose to share the benefits with your siblings. Although you cannot legally add them as life insurance beneficiaries after the policyholder’s death, there are no restrictions on how you distribute the proceeds once you receive them. This can be done through a private arrangement.
Can Death Benefits Be Contested If the Beneficiary Was Changed Recently?
Yes, death benefits can be contested if there is suspicion that the beneficiary change was made fraudulently or under duress. In California, beneficiaries have the right to challenge recent changes if they believe the policyholder was not of sound mind or was coerced. Irrevocable beneficiaries, however, cannot be removed without their consent, and such changes are often easier to contest.
Can I Still Receive Death Benefits If the Insurance Policy Has Lapsed?
Possibly. Even if the policy has lapsed, there may be circumstances under which you can still receive death benefits, such as if the insurer failed to provide proper notice of the lapse. It’s best to consult with a California life insurance lawyer at Boonswang Law who can evaluate the specific details of your situation and determine if there are grounds to challenge the denial.
Can The Beneficiary on a California Life Insurance Policy Be Changed After the Insured’s Death?
No, the beneficiary designation on a California life insurance policy cannot be changed once the insured has passed away. Any attempt to do so is considered fraudulent unless a valid power of attorney was in place before death. If you suspect someone is trying to alter the beneficiary after death, it’s critical to seek legal assistance immediately.
Can A Spouse Contest A Life Insurance Policy in California?
Yes, a spouse or former spouse may contest a life insurance policy in California, especially if there is confusion over beneficiary designations following a remarriage or divorce. A life insurance lawyer can help you understand your rights and determine whether you have a valid claim to contest the policy, ensuring that you receive any benefits to which you are entitled.
Life Insurance Attorneys Serving These States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- US Virgin Islands
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming