Fayetteville Life Insurance Lawyer
Christian Lassen, Esq. | Quoted in The Wall Street Journal | 25 Years Experience
Families in Fayetteville often expect life insurance benefits to provide stability after a loss. Instead, many are met with exclusions, technical defenses, or sudden reversals that leave them facing a denied life insurance claim at the worst possible moment. These disputes frequently arise after accidents, during retirement transitions, or when employer provided coverage changes without warning.
The Lassen Law Firm represents Fayetteville families and others across Arkansas life insurance disputes involving private policies, employer sponsored group life insurance, and federal benefit programs. Our practice is devoted exclusively to life insurance law.
Attorney Christian Lassen, Esq. has more than 25 years of experience handling life insurance litigation nationwide and has been quoted by The Wall Street Journal on insurance related legal issues. Clients work directly with him from initial review through appeal or litigation.
Why Life Insurance Claims Are Often Disputed in Fayetteville
Life insurance disputes in Northwest Arkansas commonly involve:
Accidental death claims tied to transportation or commercial driving work
Employer sponsored group policies connected to university or healthcare employment
Alleged policy lapses caused by billing changes or administrative errors
Federal retirement or government employment benefit disputes
Insurers frequently rely on paperwork arguments rather than the policyholder’s actual coverage.
How Fayetteville Life Insurance Disputes Are Reviewed
Many Fayetteville claims are governed by federal law when coverage is provided through an employer or a government position. ERISA and federal benefit claims follow strict administrative rules that can permanently limit evidence if deadlines are missed.
Knowing how these claims are reviewed is often the difference between recovery and permanent denial.
Examples of Arkansas Life Insurance Disputes We Have Resolved
A Fayetteville truck driver’s family denied accidental death benefits after the insurer relied on an intoxication exclusion. Review of toxicology timing supported recovery under a denied AD&D claim analysis.
A Mount Sequoyah family denied benefits after an insurer attempted to void a policy for a misstated age. Policy terms required adjustment rather than cancellation, resulting in recovery under a denied life insurance claim strategy.
A Wilson Park family denied federal benefits after a beneficiary designation was questioned during retirement processing. Documentation supported recovery under a denied FEGLI claim challenge.
These examples illustrate how insurer defenses are challenged rather than guaranteed outcomes.
Life Insurance Claim Types We Handle in Fayetteville
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Claims
We litigate denied AD&D claims involving transportation accidents, alleged intoxication, or disputed exclusions.
Policy Lapse and Grace Period Disputes
We investigate billing practices and notice compliance when a life insurance claim denied due to lapse is raised.
Application Misrepresentation Allegations
Insurers often rely on misunderstood or immaterial application information. We challenge these denials with underwriting records and medical evidence.
Beneficiary and Ownership Disputes
We represent families in life insurance beneficiary disputes involving outdated forms, multiple claimants, or family conflict.
Federal and Employer Based Denials
We assist clients with denied ERISA claims as well as denied FEGLI claims and denied SGLI claims affecting government employees and service members in Northwest Arkansas.
Fayetteville Neighborhoods and Communities We Serve
We represent clients throughout Fayetteville and surrounding Washington County communities, including Dickson Street, Mount Sequoyah, the University District, Wilson Park, Downtown Fayetteville, the Root School area, East Fayetteville, Uptown Fayetteville, and Farmington.
Do I Need a Fayetteville 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 defenses, ERISA procedures, and federal benefit rules, not office location.
No Fees Unless We Win
We only get paid if we recover benefits for you. Consultations are free and confidential.
Call The Lassen Law Firm at 800-330-2274 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!
-
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.
-
No. In most states, insurers must send a written notice of overdue premiums and warn of pending lapse before terminating coverage.
-
The policy may still be enforceable. Beneficiaries can challenge the lapse based on the insurer’s failure to provide required notice.
-
Yes. If the insured dies during the grace period, the policy is still considered active, and benefits should be paid.
-
Yes. In group life insurance policies, employers sometimes fail to forward premiums properly, leading to wrongful lapse denials.
-
Yes. If automatic payment setups fail through no fault of the insured, lapses may be challenged.
-
Some policies automatically borrow against cash value to cover missed payments. Failure to apply this correctly can lead to wrongful lapse claims.
-
Possibly. Some courts excuse nonpayment if the insured was mentally incapacitated and missed premiums without proper notice.
-
No. Reinstatement must occur while the insured is alive, but wrongful lapse denials can still be challenged posthumously.
-
Not without following strict notice and grace period rules. Beneficiaries can often challenge technical denials.
-
Deadlines vary by state, but it’s critical to act within 1 to 5 years depending on the policy and jurisdiction.
-
Not necessarily. Payments mailed within grace periods or accepted by insurers may keep coverage active.
-
Bank records, payment receipts, insurer correspondence, and premium notices are key evidence.
-
If the insurer used an outdated address despite updated information, lapse denials can often be overturned.
-
Possibly. If the insured submitted a reinstatement application before death, it may help challenge a lapse denial.
-
In some states, special grace periods and protections applied during COVID-19 emergencies. They can help fight wrongful lapses.
-
Only if the insurer followed all legal notice and grace period requirements. Otherwise, beneficiaries may still recover.
-
Misapplied premiums can lead to wrongful lapses — and courts often hold insurers accountable for these errors.
-
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
-
“The insurer said my wife’s death was suicide and refused to pay, citing a policy exclusion. I knew that wasn’t true. The team at Lassen Law proved the exclusion period had ended. They handled everything and got me justice.”- Robert S.
Why The Lassen Law Firm Is Different
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
