Our firm recently resolved a $560,000 denied life insurance claim involving MetLife after the insurer initially refused to pay the death benefit. Like many MetLife denials, the company relied on technical policy arguments rather than any dispute over whether coverage was intended or premiums were paid.
This case is a good example of how MetLife handles contested claims and why beneficiaries should not assume a denial is final.
Why MetLife Denied the Claim
In this case, MetLife did not dispute that a valid life insurance policy existed or that premiums had been paid. Instead, the denial focused on post-claim technical defenses, including alleged deficiencies in documentation and internal eligibility questions tied to how the policy was administered.
These types of denials are common with MetLife, particularly when the policy is issued through an employer or involves administrative handling by a third party.
Importantly, none of MetLife’s stated reasons involved fraud, suicide, or any excluded cause of death. The denial was based entirely on how MetLife interpreted its own records after the insured’s death.
How the Denial Was Challenged
Once the denial was issued, we required MetLife to produce the complete claim file, including internal notes, underwriting records, and communications related to policy administration. This documentation revealed inconsistencies between MetLife’s denial position and the actual policy history.
We also established that any alleged deficiencies were administrative in nature, not the fault of the insured or the beneficiary. Courts routinely reject denials that attempt to shift employer or insurer errors onto beneficiaries.
After presenting this evidence and applying legal pressure, MetLife reversed its position and paid the full $560,000 death benefit.
Why This Case Matters for MetLife Beneficiaries
MetLife is one of the largest life insurers in the country, but large size does not mean fair claim handling. MetLife frequently denies claims based on technical arguments that only surface after death, when beneficiaries are least equipped to respond.
This case reinforces several important points:
A MetLife denial does not mean coverage was invalid
Administrative and paperwork defenses are often challengeable
Beneficiaries are not responsible for insurer or employer errors
Legal review often changes the outcome
Do Not Assume a MetLife Denial Is Final
Many MetLife beneficiaries accept denials simply because the letter appears authoritative. In reality, denial letters are starting points, not final decisions. When MetLife is required to justify its position with actual records and legal support, denials often fall apart.
If your MetLife life insurance claim has been denied, delayed, or stalled, it is critical to act quickly. Deadlines apply, documents disappear, and silence benefits the insurer.
We regularly handle denied MetLife life insurance claims nationwide and only get paid if we recover benefits for you.