If your life insurance claim has been denied, you're likely feeling frustrated, confused, and overwhelmed. You expected this coverage to be a financial safety net—now you’re staring at a formal denial letter with vague language and little guidance. Unfortunately, insurance companies rarely engage meaningfully with beneficiaries who try to challenge a denial on their own. But the good news is this: a denied life insurance claim is not always final. With the right legal support, you may be able to recover the full death benefit that was promised under the policy. If you have a Oklahoma life insurance policy dispute call us.
Why Do Life Insurance Claims Get Denied?
Life insurance companies deny claims for a variety of reasons. Some denials are based on legitimate policy terms, while others stem from administrative errors, misinterpretations of the policy, or bad faith tactics designed to avoid payment. Below are two of the most common—and most misunderstood—justifications insurers use to reject claims.
Alleged Material Misstatements During the Contestability Period
One of the top reasons claims are denied is due to a so-called “material misstatement” on the application. This issue arises most frequently during the contestability period, which typically lasts two years from the policy’s effective date. During this window, the insurer has the legal right to closely review the application for accuracy if the policyholder dies.
If the insurer finds any incorrect, incomplete, or omitted information—such as an undisclosed health condition or medication—they may argue that the policy was fraudulently obtained and deny the claim.
But here's what they often don’t tell you:
Not every misstatement is legally material.
The insurer must prove that the alleged misstatement directly impacted the underwriting decision.
Innocent errors and non-relevant omissions may not justify denying a claim.
Example: A man failed to disclose minor anxiety medication on his application. After his death, the insurer denied the claim, citing the omission. Our legal team proved the medication was unrelated to the cause of death and that the insurer would have issued the policy regardless. The full benefit was ultimately paid.
Disputes Over Cause of Death—Especially in AD&D Policies
Another common tactic insurers use involves challenging the cause of death, particularly in Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) policies. These policies only pay out if the death meets the strict definition of an accident.
Insurers may try to reclassify an accidental death as a suicide, drug overdose, or natural cause—all of which are often excluded under AD&D coverage. In standard life insurance, suicide is typically covered after the first year, but in AD&D, it is never covered.
The problem? The insurance company does not have the final say on cause of death. Their internal determination can be disputed—and often should be.
Example: A woman’s husband died in a fall. The insurance company claimed it was a suicide and denied the AD&D claim. We investigated, obtained the autopsy report and police file, and proved the fall was accidental. The insurer reversed its decision and paid the $500,000 benefit.
Challenging a Life Insurance Denial Requires Legal Strategy
Just because an insurer claims a misstatement was made—or that a death doesn’t qualify under policy terms—doesn’t mean they’re legally correct. Insurance companies often deny claims based on flawed interpretations, biased investigations, or an overly aggressive reading of policy exclusions.
Here’s what beneficiaries need to know:
You have the right to challenge a life insurance denial.
You can request all documentation used in the denial decision.
You can dispute the insurer’s interpretation of the facts, the law, and the policy language.
You can hire a lawyer to submit a formal appeal—or file a lawsuit if needed.
Why You Need a Lawyer Who Focuses on Life Insurance Claim Denials
Life insurance denials are highly technical. They involve insurance law, contract interpretation, medical records, policy exclusions, and, in some cases, ERISA regulations. Trying to handle it alone often results in frustration and missed deadlines.
Our legal team prepares comprehensive legal briefs—often 100 to 200 pages—to overturn wrongful denials. We’ve fought denials from major insurers including MetLife, Prudential, Lincoln Financial, AIG, Mutual of Omaha, and others. We know their playbook, and we know how to beat it.
Whether your case involves an alleged misstatement, a disputed cause of death, a lapse in coverage, or an exclusion clause, we can help you build a powerful case to recover the benefits your loved one intended for you.
Don’t Give Up on a Denied Life Insurance Claim
Life insurance companies count on silence. They count on confusion. They count on you giving up. But you don’t have to. If you’ve received a denial letter, it’s not too late to take action.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We don’t charge anything unless we recover benefits for you. Let us fight for what your family is owed—and hold the insurance company accountable.