$300,000 Life Insurance Claim Denied as Suicide—How We Proved It Was Accidental and Won
Our life insurance attorneys recently secured a $300,000 payout for a beneficiary whose claim had been denied due to the insurance company’s assertion that the policyholder died by suicide. The insurer attempted to invoke a suicide exclusion clause, claiming the policyholder’s death fell within the contestability period and was therefore not covered. However, after a thorough investigation and aggressive legal advocacy, we demonstrated that the death was not intentional but rather accidental in nature—and forced the insurer to pay the full death benefit.
When a loved one dies under unusual circumstances, life insurance companies often seize the opportunity to avoid payment. Suicide exclusions are one of the most commonly cited reasons for denial, particularly when the death occurs within the first two years of the policy. Yet not every death that appears self-inflicted is actually a suicide under the law or according to the terms of the policy. In many cases, including ours, the evidence points to accidental death—such as in cases of autoerotic asphyxiation, prescription misuse, or extreme risk-taking gone wrong.
How Suicide Clauses Affect Life Insurance Claims
Most life insurance policies contain a suicide exclusion clause. This clause typically states that if the policyholder dies by suicide within the first one or two years of the policy’s effective date, the insurer has the right to deny the claim and refund only the premiums paid. The idea is to prevent people from purchasing life insurance with the intent to commit suicide shortly thereafter, essentially defrauding the insurer.
However, once the suicide clause expires—usually after two years—the policy is considered "incontestable," and the insurer must generally pay the benefit even if the cause of death is suicide. Despite this, insurance companies often continue to investigate and challenge claims that even remotely suggest suicidal intent, hoping to find grounds for denial.
Accidental Death vs. Suicide: The Legal Distinction Matters
The distinction between accidental death and suicide is not always clear-cut, especially when there are no witnesses or conclusive evidence. That’s where the legal expertise of a life insurance lawyer becomes essential. Courts generally require insurers to prove suicide by "clear and convincing evidence," which is a relatively high standard. If there's ambiguity about whether the death was intentional or accidental, the benefit of the doubt typically goes to the beneficiary.
In our case, the insurer pointed to the method of death as evidence of intentional self-harm. However, we were able to show that the policyholder had a history of engaging in risky behavior consistent with autoerotic asphyxiation—a form of accidental death, not suicide. We worked with medical experts and reviewed autopsy reports, police findings, and behavioral patterns to demonstrate that the death was unintentional.
What Is Autoerotic Asphyxiation and Why It Leads to Claim Denials
Autoerotic asphyxiation involves intentionally restricting oxygen to the brain to enhance sexual gratification. It is an inherently dangerous practice, and when misjudged, it can quickly turn fatal. Despite the accidental nature of many such deaths, insurance companies often treat them as suicides in order to avoid paying out benefits.
Our legal team has handled multiple cases where claimants faced denied death benefits following deaths from autoerotic asphyxiation. These cases demand a nuanced approach, including expert testimony and a careful examination of the policyholder’s intent and history. Just because a death involves self-inflicted actions does not automatically make it suicide under the law.
Why You Need a Life Insurance Lawyer in Suicide Denial Cases
When an insurance company alleges suicide, it puts the burden on beneficiaries to disprove intent—a nearly impossible task without legal help. Insurers are highly motivated to deny high-value claims, and suicide allegations are an effective tactic. A seasoned life insurance attorney can gather the necessary evidence, challenge the insurer’s assumptions, and litigate aggressively to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
Our firm has a strong track record of reversing suicide-based denials. We understand how to navigate the complex mix of medical evidence, policy language, and legal precedent that determines the outcome of these cases. If you’re facing a claim denial involving an alleged suicide, don’t face the insurer alone.
Life Insurance Claim Denied for Suicide? We Can Help
If your life insurance claim has been denied on the basis of suicide, reach out to us immediately. We will evaluate your case for free and determine whether the insurer's denial is legally sound or vulnerable to challenge. Many policyholders die under circumstances that insurers try to mischaracterize—accidental overdose, risky behavior, or even misunderstood mental health issues.
We fight back with facts, law, and experience. A denied claim does not have to be the final word.
FAQ About Life Insurance Suicide Denials
Does life insurance pay out if the policyholder dies by suicide? It depends on the timing. Most policies include a suicide clause that excludes coverage for suicide within the first one or two years of the policy. After that period, suicide is typically covered unless other exclusions apply.
What if the cause of death is uncertain—will the insurer still deny the claim? If the cause of death is ambiguous or classified as undetermined, insurers may attempt to deny the claim, but they carry the burden of proving suicide. Without strong evidence, a denial can often be overturned.
Can autoerotic asphyxiation be considered an accident for life insurance purposes? Yes. Courts and insurers often view autoerotic asphyxiation as an accidental death, not suicide. If the act was not intended to cause death, the beneficiary may be entitled to the full payout.
How can I fight a suicide-based claim denial? You should consult a life insurance attorney immediately. A lawyer can obtain key documents such as the autopsy report, police investigation, and toxicology findings to build a strong case against the denial.
What kind of evidence helps prove a death was accidental? Autopsy results, medical records, psychological history, and witness statements can all be used to show there was no intent to die. Lack of a suicide note or any prior suicidal behavior may also support the case.
Can I sue the insurance company for a wrongful denial? Yes. If an insurance company wrongly denies a claim, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Courts often penalize insurers for acting in bad faith, especially if they deny claims without sufficient investigation.
What happens during the contestability period? During the first two years of the policy, the insurer can investigate and deny claims for material misrepresentations or suicide. After this period, the policy becomes incontestable in most cases.
What’s the difference between a suicide clause and a contestability clause? A suicide clause specifically denies coverage for suicide within a set period. A contestability clause allows the insurer to investigate any cause of death and misrepresentations during the initial two years.
Will the insurer always refund premiums if they deny a claim due to suicide? Yes, in most cases. If a suicide exclusion applies, the insurer typically refunds the premiums paid instead of paying out the full death benefit.
Do all states follow the same rules about suicide clauses? No. Suicide clause enforcement can vary by state law. Some states require clearer language in the policy, and others may impose different standards for proof of suicide.
What should I do if the insurance company is delaying the claim decision? Contact an attorney. Delay tactics are often used to frustrate beneficiaries into giving up. Legal pressure often forces insurers to act more quickly and fairly.
Can I still receive benefits if my loved one died from drug use or overdose? It depends on the policy terms. While this blog doesn't cover drug-related cases, we advise speaking with a lawyer if the insurer claims the death was intentional or self-inflicted.
Does mental health history affect a life insurance claim? It can. Insurers may use a history of mental illness to support a suicide denial. However, this alone is not enough to prove intent, and the claim may still be valid.
How long does it take to resolve a denied suicide claim? It can vary, but with legal representation, many claims are resolved within a few months, especially when the insurer is forced to settle rather than face litigation.
What if my loved one died shortly after buying the policy? If the death occurs within the contestability or suicide exclusion period, expect intense scrutiny from the insurer. A lawyer can help present the evidence in your favor.
Will a suicide denial affect other insurance claims like AD&D? Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) policies often have separate exclusions for self-inflicted injuries. If the death was not intentional, it may still qualify for AD&D benefits.
What’s the most important step after a suicide-based denial? Contact a life insurance lawyer immediately. Do not accept the denial at face value or cash any partial checks from the insurer before seeking legal advice.