Unfortunately, life insurance policies can be denied for a handful of reasons. One reason is that insurance companies will claim that the policyholder let the insurance coverage lapse, and they didn’t pay for it. Generally, insurers must notify the policyholder (and a designee, if specified) of an upcoming lapse and offer a 60-day grace period. If the insurer failed to provide adequate notice, the lapse may be improper, and a denial issued on this basis must be overturned.

Insurance companies are required to look out for policyholders’ best interests. They are required to always operate honestly and to never do anything untrustworthy that could put a policyholder in a bad position. However, this unfortunately isn’t always the case. “Bad faith” is a term that generally describes dishonest dealing. Depending on the exact setting, bad faith may mean a dishonest belief or purpose, untrustworthy performance of duties, neglect of fair dealing standards, or a fraudulent intent. If your insurance company wrongfully denied your insurance claim and we found to be operating in bad faith, you have the right to hire a lawyer and hold them accountable.

You, of course, can try to appeal a denied claim and resubmit a stronger claim on your own, but without the help of an experienced insurance attorney, this process is daunting, overwhelming and difficult.

How Does A Lawyer Help If My Life Insurance Claim Was Denied?

First and foremost, if your insurance company has acted in bad faith, you can bring a lawsuit for your policy benefits owed, plus emotional distress damages, consequential damages, attorneys’ fees, pre-judgment interest and punitive damages. If your life insurance claim was denied for seemingly no reason, bad faith may be at play. Your lawyer will know the next steps to take to hold the insurer accountable.

But, if your life insurance claim was denied and you don’t know why, a California life insurance lawyer can retrace your steps and identify what part of your claim needs to be stronger in order to have it approved. Your life insurance attorney will help you contact your insurer, find out why your claim was denied, help you file an appeal to the decision, and ultimately help you resubmit a stronger claim.

What Is The Process Of Appealing A Decision And Submitting A Stronger Life Insurance Claim?

With the help of a lawyer, the process of appealing a negative decision and re-filing a stronger insurance claim is simple. Your lawyer will help you by:

• Contacting the insurance company. Your lawyer will request a letter that explains in detail why the claim was denied. The letter will include details of your policy, your claim, and specific reasons why you’re not entitled to the money you need. Your lawyer will also seek, compile, and examine all of the supporting documentation that the insurer used to make their decision.
• Reviewing the life insurance policy. Your lawyer will compare the language in your policy to the language used in the letter that formally denied your claim. Your lawyer will use their expertise to determine if the insurance company’s decision makes sense. These policies are often confusing, and often contain many conditions and exceptions. This is why it’s helpful to work with a lawyer – they will help you better understand the conditions laid out in the policy.
• Preparing the appeal. Most insurers have an appeal process that’s handled internally. Your lawyer will prepare documentation, such as medical records, that strengthens your claim and demonstrates precisely why you should be entitled to the life insurance claim.
• Submitting the appeal. Once a much stronger appeal has been created, your lawyer will ensure it’s submitted on time to your insurance company.

Schedule A Free, No-Obligation Consultation With McKennon Law Group PC If Your Life Insurance Claim Was Denied

If your life insurance claim was denied, there could be a long road ahead of you. Battling with insurance companies is never an easy process, and insurance companies are notorious for making the process as long and daunting as possible. Many people try to take on the appeals process on their own, but it’s never worth the headache. The most effective way to appeal a denied life insurance claim and resubmit a stronger claim is to do so with the help of an insurance attorney by your side.

At McKennon Law Group PC, we offer a free, no-obligation phone consultation to anyone who’s currently in this position. McKennon Law Group PC has law offices throughout California, allowing us to serve you anywhere in the state, including the metropolitan areas of Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco and the Central Valley. Our lawyers also represent insured policyholders nationwide, and are skilled in negotiating denied insurance claims.