Fort Smith Life Insurance Lawyer
In Fort Smith, where historic roots meet a hard-working, modern community, families often depend on life insurance to provide security after loss. When a claim is denied or delayed, it can leave loved ones facing not only grief, but financial uncertainty. At The Lassen Law Firm, we help Fort Smith residents challenge wrongful denials and recover the benefits they’re owed.
Attorney Christian Lassen has recovered hundreds of millions for policyholders and beneficiaries nationwide. With over 25 years of experience focused exclusively on life insurance disputes, our firm brings national strength and Arkansas-specific insight to every case we handle.
Why Fort Smith Clients Choose The Lassen Law Firm
Exclusive Practice Focus: We handle life insurance claims and nothing else. This means sharper legal strategies, deeper industry knowledge, and faster results.
Licensed Nationwide: Whether your policy is private, employer-sponsored, or federal (SGLI/FEGLI), we’re equipped to handle it in Arkansas and across the U.S.
Attorney-Handled Cases: Every client works directly with attorney Christian Lassen, not passed off to junior staff or intake reps.
Results for Arkansas Families
$575,000 after an AD&D denial related to a workplace accident near Fort Smith’s industrial park. The insurer cited a pre-existing condition exclusion, which we successfully challenged using employer medical records.
$400,000 for a Chaffee Crossing widow after a disputed SGLI beneficiary form led to a payout freeze. We reconstructed the servicemember’s intent and resolved the issue through federal intervention.
$268,000 after a lapse-related denial tied to a terminated group policy. The employer had failed to notify the Fort Smith policyholder of continuation rights under ERISA.
Life Insurance Claims We Handle in Fort Smith
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D): Including exclusions involving alcohol, recreational vehicles, or high-risk activities.
Lapse and Missed Premium Disputes: We examine whether proper grace period notices were issued, and whether employers followed legal procedures before canceling coverage.
Alleged Misrepresentation Cases: Insurers may point to application errors or health history conflicts we push back with evidence and expert review.
Contested Beneficiary Cases: Including disputes involving ex-spouses, outdated forms, or multiple competing claims.
Military and Federal Policy Denials: We assist families with SGLI, VGLI, and FEGLI claims—especially those tied to service members from Fort Smith or Ebbing Air National Guard Base.
Fort Smith Communities We Serve
We proudly represent clients from all areas of Fort Smith and surrounding Sebastian County, including:
Downtown Fort Smith
Fianna Hills
Chaffee Crossing
Park Hill
Riley Farm
Cavanaugh
Fort Chaffee
Waldron Road Corridor
Massard Prairie
Whether your claim is local or part of a national insurer’s policy, we combine legal precision with practical experience to get results.
What to Expect From Us
Thorough policy review and claim investigation
Full communication with insurers and benefit administrators
Federal and state litigation if necessary
Consistent updates and honest guidance throughout your case
No Fees Unless We Win
There are no legal fees unless we recover compensation. Every case starts with a free and confidential consultation.
Call The Lassen Law Firm at 800-330-2274 to speak with attorney Christian Lassen today.
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: June 10, 2025
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 ResultsRepresenting clients coast to coast and recovering hundreds of millions in denied life insurance claims, we secure justice and peace of mind for families everywhere.
-
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.