Life insurance policies typically pay out when the policyholder dies from illness, accident, or other natural causes. However, when the death involves intentional acts—especially those involving homicide or self-harm—insurance companies often view it through the lens of exclusion clauses. These clauses frequently include provisions that void the policy in the event of suicide within the first two years of issuance, or if the death resulted from an intentional or criminal act. In murder-suicide situations, insurers may argue:
The death was not accidental and thus falls outside the scope of covered events
The policyholder was engaged in an unlawful or self-inflicted act
There is uncertainty about whether the beneficiary was responsible for the death
If both the policyholder and the beneficiary die in the same incident, or if the beneficiary is suspected of causing the policyholder’s death, the insurer may freeze the payout entirely until the situation is resolved—sometimes for years.
Common Legal Complications in Murder-Suicide Life Insurance Claims
These claims raise unique legal questions that are not easy to resolve, such as:
Who is legally entitled to the benefits? If both the policyholder and the named beneficiary are deceased, courts may need to decide whether contingent beneficiaries or the estates of the deceased should receive the payout.
Was the death a “felonious killing”? Most life insurance policies contain a slayer clause, which prevents a person who murdered the insured from receiving benefits. If the beneficiary is suspected of killing the policyholder—even without a conviction—the insurer may deny the claim.
Was the act intentional or accidental? Insurance companies are known to interpret suicide or intentional acts broadly to avoid liability. Even in unclear cases where foul play is only suspected, they may default to denial and force the family to prove otherwise.
All of these questions can leave beneficiaries in limbo—financially, legally, and emotionally.
How Can You Resolve a Denied Claim After a Murder-Suicide?
The key to resolving a denied claim in these cases is to establish that the policyholder’s death does not fall under an exclusion. Most importantly, you must prove that the insured was not the perpetrator of an intentional or criminal act and did not take their own life in violation of the policy’s terms.
To do this, a qualified attorney will:
Gather police reports, autopsy findings, and toxicology results
Interview witnesses and obtain statements from law enforcement
Review the exact language in the policy and any slayer statute applicable in your state
Coordinate with forensic experts, where necessary, to clarify the chain of events
Legal representation is essential, as insurers often refuse to pay unless forced to do so by pressure, litigation, or arbitration. In many cases, families can still recover the full life insurance benefit once the insurer is presented with irrefutable evidence that the death was not caused by intentional or criminal actions of the insured.
Why Legal Help Matters in These High-Stakes Claims
Our firm specializes in life insurance claim denials, and we have extensive experience handling murder-suicide cases. These cases are among the most emotionally challenging and legally complex we encounter, but they are not impossible to win. We understand how painful and confusing it is to face a life insurance denial when you’ve already lost someone under tragic circumstances. You deserve compassionate, aggressive legal advocacy that puts your family’s needs first. Whether the issue involves a contested beneficiary, unclear cause of death, or wrongful accusations, our attorneys can help untangle the facts and build a case to recover what your loved one intended for you.
Contact Our Denied Life Insurance Claim Lawyers Today
If a life insurance claim has been denied because of a murder-suicide or unclear cause of death, don’t accept the insurer’s word as final. Let our experienced attorneys review your case and fight for the payout your family deserves. We work on a contingency basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win for you. If you need legal help for life insurance disputes in Mississippi use our contact form.