Navigating Life Insurance Claim Denials Due to Alcohol Use and Felony Exclusions
When an insured person’s death is the result of drinking and driving, it’s common for life insurance companies to deny the claim, especially if the insured's blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds the legal limit. Even in cases where the BAC is close but not above the limit, many insurance companies may still deny the claim, forcing the beneficiary to file an appeal. Our life insurance attorneys have successfully handled a variety of such claims, including a $300,000 Nationwide life insurance claim where the denial was based on alcohol use. We are prepared to fight any denial stemming from felony exclusions in life insurance policies.
Life insurance policies typically contain exclusions that outline specific situations where the insurer will not provide coverage. While some exclusions, such as the suicide exception, are well-known, others, like the felony exclusion, are less commonly understood. It’s crucial for both insured individuals and beneficiaries to comprehend how the felony exclusion might apply in the event of a claim. Our law firm recently secured a victory in a $450,000.00 AIG life insurance claim denial due to a felony exclusion, highlighting our capability to successfully challenge these denials.
Understanding the Felony Exclusion in Life Insurance Policies
The felony exclusion is a clause found in many life insurance policies that allows insurers to deny claims if the insured person’s death occurs while they are committing a felony. Felonies are typically serious crimes, such as murder, manslaughter, or arson, but this exclusion can also apply to lesser-known felonies that many people might not even consider criminal.
In fact, some activities that seem innocent or mundane could be classified as felonies in certain jurisdictions. For example, using an unsecured Wi-Fi connection without permission or sharing streaming service passwords might technically qualify as a felony in some states. While these examples might seem trivial, life insurance companies may use the felony exclusion to deny a claim if the insured person’s death occurred while allegedly committing one of these crimes.
How a Felony Exclusion Can Impact a Life Insurance Claim
The felony exclusion is often used by life insurance companies as a defense to deny a claim. For example, if an insured person dies in a car accident while under the influence of alcohol, the insurer may argue that the individual was committing a felony (e.g., DUI) and, therefore, the death is excluded from coverage.
Similarly, an insured person involved in an affair or other personal activities that may be considered a felony in certain states could face a claim denial if their death occurred during those activities. For instance, if someone is having an affair with a married individual and dies in an accident while with that person, the life insurance company might argue that the insured person was committing a felony, even if it seems unrelated to the actual cause of death.
However, there are many instances where the insurer's assertion that the insured person was committing a felony may be incorrect. It’s important for beneficiaries to investigate the circumstances of the insured’s death and determine whether the actions cited by the life insurance company truly meet the legal criteria for a felony.
Investigating the Felony Exclusion Claim Denial
When a life insurance company uses the felony exclusion to deny a claim, the beneficiaries must thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the insured person's death. Not all actions deemed criminal by the insurer automatically qualify as a felony. Felony laws are often complex and require a specific set of criteria, including intent, to be met. Therefore, it’s essential to determine whether the insured person’s actions meet all the legal requirements for a felony.
For example, if the insurer claims that the insured person was committing a felony by driving under the influence, the beneficiary should verify whether the death resulted solely from the alcohol use and whether the legal requirements for DUI-related felony charges were met. Similarly, if the insurer is arguing that an affair was a felony, the beneficiaries should explore whether the alleged act meets the definition of a felony under state law.
Our legal team has successfully resolved multiple felony exclusion cases, ensuring that beneficiaries receive the death benefits they deserve. In one case, we overturned a $450,000.00 claim denial with AIG, demonstrating our commitment to fighting wrongful denials.
Contesting a Felony Exclusion Denial
If the life insurance company denies a claim based on the felony exclusion, beneficiaries should not immediately accept the denial. It's crucial to work with an attorney to investigate the claim, review the specific circumstances of the insured person’s death, and determine whether the felony exclusion was properly applied.
An experienced attorney can assist in gathering evidence, challenging the insurer’s reasoning, and presenting a case that demonstrates the insured person’s death should not be excluded based on felony charges. Our team specializes in fighting for beneficiaries who face unfair claim denials and can help ensure that rightful claims are honored.
We are dedicated to securing the benefits you are entitled to, as evidenced by our success in resolving multiple complex life insurance claim denials. If you are facing a life insurance claim denial due to a felony exclusion, our team is ready to fight on your behalf.
FAQ: Life Insurance Claim Denials Due to Alcohol Use and Felony Exclusions
Can a life insurance claim be denied if the insured person was drinking and driving?
Yes, if the insured person’s blood alcohol content is above the legal limit, the life insurance company may deny the claim. Even if the BAC is near the limit but not above it, many insurers will still deny coverage. If this happens, the beneficiary can appeal the decision, especially if they believe the denial was wrongful.
What is the felony exclusion in a life insurance policy?
The felony exclusion is a clause in many life insurance policies that allows the insurer to deny coverage if the insured person’s death occurred while they were committing a felony. Felonies can include serious crimes such as murder or arson, but also some lesser-known actions that might qualify as felonies in certain jurisdictions.
How do I know if the insured person was committing a felony when they passed away?
If a life insurance claim is denied due to the felony exclusion, beneficiaries should investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. This may include reviewing the events leading up to the death and determining whether the insured person’s actions meet the legal definition of a felony in the relevant jurisdiction.
Can I contest a life insurance claim denial due to the felony exclusion?
Yes, if the life insurance company denies a claim based on the felony exclusion, beneficiaries can contest the decision. It’s important to work with an attorney who specializes in life insurance disputes to investigate the facts, challenge the insurer’s reasoning, and potentially reverse the denial.
What happens if the life insurance company wrongly claims the insured was committing a felony?
If the life insurance company incorrectly claims that the insured person was committing a felony, beneficiaries can challenge the denial by providing evidence that the alleged actions were not criminal or did not meet the criteria for a felony. An experienced attorney can help gather the necessary evidence and present a compelling case to the insurer.
How can I fight a felony exclusion claim denial?
Fighting a felony exclusion denial requires a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the insured person’s death. It’s important to determine whether the insured’s actions truly constitute a felony and to work with an attorney to challenge the insurer’s findings. Legal assistance can be crucial in securing the death benefits rightfully owed to beneficiaries.