Pheonix Life Insurance Lawyer
Christian Lassen, Esq. | Quoted in The Wall Street Journal | 25 Years Experience
Families in Phoenix facing a denied life insurance claim or prolonged delay often find that insurers rely on exclusions, technical policy defenses, or administrative errors that only surface after a death. These disputes commonly involve accidental death provisions, alleged policy lapses, beneficiary conflicts, or employer sponsored plans governed by federal law.
The Lassen Law Firm represents Phoenix families and others across Arizona life insurance disputes involving private policies, employer sponsored group plans, and accidental death coverage. Our practice is devoted exclusively to life insurance law.
Attorney Christian Lassen, Esq. has more than 25 years of experience handling life insurance disputes nationwide and has been quoted by The Wall Street Journal on insurance related legal issues. Clients work directly with him throughout the claim or litigation process.
Why Phoenix Clients Choose The Lassen Law Firm
Focused Expertise
We handle only life insurance cases, including delayed life insurance claims, wrongful denials, and complex beneficiary disputes.
National Reach
We represent Arizona policyholders and out of state beneficiaries in cases governed by state and federal law.
Attorney Led Cases
Clients work directly with Christian Lassen from the start of their claim through appeal or litigation.
Proven Results for Arizona Clients
A Phoenix widow denied benefits under an employer sponsored policy after the insurer alleged coverage lapsed during medical leave. Review of continuation rules and plan documents resulted in full payment.
An accidental death claim denied after a fatal hiking fall in the Superstition Mountains where the insurer invoked a hazardous activity exclusion. The denial was overturned through expert review under a denied AD&D claim strategy.
A Tempe family denied benefits after a private insurer alleged misrepresentation related to diabetes. Medical records showed proper disclosure during underwriting, resulting in recovery.
These outcomes reflect how insurer defenses are challenged, not guaranteed results.
Types of Life Insurance Disputes We Handle in Phoenix
Accidental Death Denials
We handle denied AD&D claims involving allegations of alcohol use, criminal conduct, or outdoor and recreational activity.
Lapse Disputes and Missed Premiums
We investigate life insurance claim denied due to lapse issues, including whether Arizona notice and grace period rules were followed.
Misrepresentation Allegations
Insurers often deny claims based on vague or immaterial application discrepancies. We challenge these defenses with underwriting records and medical evidence.
Contested Beneficiaries
We represent rightful claimants in life insurance beneficiary disputes involving ex spouses, unclear forms, or suspected fraud.
ERISA and Group Policy Denials
We assist clients with denied ERISA claims involving employer provided coverage common in Phoenix technology, healthcare, and public sector employment.
Phoenix Neighborhoods and Communities We Serve
We assist families throughout the Phoenix metro area, including Arcadia, Central City, Paradise Valley, Ahwatukee, South Mountain, Camelback East, Desert Ridge, North Phoenix, Tempe, and Glendale.
Do I Need a Phoenix Based Lawyer for a Life Insurance Claim
Life insurance disputes are governed by contract law and federal statutes rather than local courtroom appearances. What matters most is experience handling insurer tactics, ERISA procedures, and benefit litigation, not office location.
No Fees Unless Recovery
We don’t charge legal fees unless we recover money for you. Your consultation is always free and confidential.
Call The Lassen Law Firm at 800-330-2274 today to speak directly with attorney Christian Lassen.
Written & Reviewed by Christian Lassen, Esq.
National Life Insurance Attorney | 25+ Years of Experience
Quoted in The Wall Street Journal (May 17, 2025)
Last reviewed: Jan 19, 2026
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 800-330-2274 today!
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A grace period is the time after a missed payment during which the policy remains in force, usually 30 to 60 days depending on state law and policy terms.
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No. In most states, insurers must send a written notice of overdue premiums and warn of pending lapse before terminating coverage.
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The policy may still be enforceable. Beneficiaries can challenge the lapse based on the insurer’s failure to provide required notice.
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Yes. If the insured dies during the grace period, the policy is still considered active, and benefits should be paid.
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Yes. In group life insurance policies, employers sometimes fail to forward premiums properly, leading to wrongful lapse denials.
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Yes. If automatic payment setups fail through no fault of the insured, lapses may be challenged.
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Some policies automatically borrow against cash value to cover missed payments. Failure to apply this correctly can lead to wrongful lapse claims.
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Possibly. Some courts excuse nonpayment if the insured was mentally incapacitated and missed premiums without proper notice.
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No. Reinstatement must occur while the insured is alive, but wrongful lapse denials can still be challenged posthumously.
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Not without following strict notice and grace period rules. Beneficiaries can often challenge technical denials.
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Deadlines vary by state, but it’s critical to act within 1 to 5 years depending on the policy and jurisdiction.
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Not necessarily. Payments mailed within grace periods or accepted by insurers may keep coverage active.
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Bank records, payment receipts, insurer correspondence, and premium notices are key evidence.
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If the insurer used an outdated address despite updated information, lapse denials can often be overturned.
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Possibly. If the insured submitted a reinstatement application before death, it may help challenge a lapse denial.
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In some states, special grace periods and protections applied during COVID-19 emergencies. They can help fight wrongful lapses.
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Only if the insurer followed all legal notice and grace period requirements. Otherwise, beneficiaries may still recover.
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Misapplied premiums can lead to wrongful lapses — and courts often hold insurers accountable for these errors.
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An attorney can obtain records, challenge improper lapses, negotiate settlements, and litigate if necessary to enforce payment.
Our Clients Speak Volumes
The Right Choice for Your Claim
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“We were told the policy lapsed before my mother died. But we had receipts showing otherwise. Lassen Law Firm used them to force the company to honor the contract. They don’t mess around.”- David K.
Why The Lassen Law Firm Is Different
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Proven National Results
With over two decades of exclusive focus on life insurance litigation, we’ve helped thousands of families recover wrongfully denied benefits. Our reputation for fast, strategic resolutions has made us a trusted national resource for complex claim disputes.
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Recognized ExpertisePerfect 10.0 Avvo rating endorsed by over 1,700 attorneys; life member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum; ranked among the top 1 percent of lawyers nationally for life insurance litigation.
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Client-First AdvocacyNo upfront fees: our contingency fee guarantee aligns our interests with yours; we provide personalized, compassionate representation from your initial consultation through resolution.
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Media & Community LeadershipQuoted in The Wall Street Journal and featured in leading legal publications; frequent speaker at national conferences; dedicated to charitable efforts supporting pediatric cancer care.