The insurance company labeled the death a suicide and denied the claim. We proved the death was accidental and recovered the full three hundred thousand dollar life insurance benefit for the surviving partner.
This case involved autoerotic asphyxiation, a high risk but unintentional act that life insurance companies routinely misclassify as suicide in order to avoid payment. Rather than relying on facts, the insurer leaned on stigma, speculation, and the suicide exclusion contained in the policy’s early contestability period.
Once the evidence was properly analyzed and presented, the insurer reversed its position and paid the claim in full.
Why Suicide Clauses Are a Common Tool for Denial
Most life insurance policies contain a suicide exclusion that applies during the first two years after issuance. If the insurer proves suicide occurred during that window, it may limit payment to a refund of premiums rather than paying the death benefit.
The key word is proves.
Suicide requires intent. It is not enough for the insurer to show that the death was self inflicted or occurred in a private setting. The law requires evidence that the policyholder intended to end their life. Many insurers ignore this legal standard and deny claims whenever a death appears unconventional, embarrassing, or difficult to explain.
Autoerotic asphyxiation, prescription misuse, and accidental overdoses are frequent targets of this tactic.
The Legal Difference Between Suicide and Accidental Death
From a legal standpoint, suicide is an intentional act carried out with the purpose of causing death. Accidental death involves risk taking behavior where death is unintended, even if the activity itself was dangerous.
In this case:
• There was no suicide note
• No history of depression or suicidal ideation
• No evidence of planning or self harm intent
• No prior mental health treatment suggesting risk
• No statements indicating a desire to die
What existed instead was evidence of solitary sexual behavior involving oxygen restriction, a known but dangerous practice that can result in unintended fatal outcomes.
The medical examiner listed asphyxiation as the cause of death. The police investigation found no indicators of suicide. Those facts matter.
Why Autoerotic Asphyxiation Is Frequently Misclassified
Deaths involving autoerotic asphyxiation are often mischaracterized because of discomfort and silence. Families are understandably reluctant to discuss details. Insurers take advantage of that reluctance.
Rather than conduct a proper intent analysis, insurers frequently default to suicide conclusions based on assumptions about embarrassment or morality. Courts have repeatedly rejected this approach when the evidence shows the act was accidental.
In this case, we retained forensic and behavioral experts who explained that the behavior involved risk escalation, not suicidal intent. The legal distinction is critical, and when properly framed, it changes the outcome.
How the Insurer’s Denial Fell Apart
The insurer initially relied on the suicide clause without producing evidence of intent. Once challenged, they attempted to argue that any self induced oxygen deprivation should be treated as intentional death.
That argument does not hold up under the law.
We presented:
• Autopsy findings confirming accidental asphyxiation
• Police records ruling out suicide indicators
• Expert testimony on risk behavior versus intent
• Policy language requiring intentional self destruction
• Case law showing ambiguity must favor beneficiaries
After reviewing the submission, the insurer reversed the denial and issued full payment.
Why Insurers Push Suicide Allegations So Aggressively
Suicide denials save insurers money, and many beneficiaries never fight back. The combination of grief, stigma, and confusing legal language causes people to walk away from valid claims.
This is especially true when the death involves:
• Asphyxiation
• Overdose combinations
• Solitary activities
• Sexual behavior
• Prescription drug interactions
Insurance companies know these cases are emotionally difficult and rely on silence to prevail.
What to Do If a Claim Is Denied as Suicide
If your claim is denied based on an alleged suicide, do not assume the insurer is correct. These denials are often vulnerable to challenge.
Immediate steps matter:
• Obtain the full policy and suicide clause language
• Request the complete claim file
• Secure the autopsy and toxicology reports
• Preserve police and investigative records
• Do not provide statements without legal advice
The burden is on the insurer to prove intent. Ambiguity favors the beneficiary, but only if someone forces the issue.
Why Legal Representation Is Critical in Suicide Denials
Suicide clause cases are not routine claim disputes. They involve medical evidence, forensic interpretation, and legal standards most families are never told about.
Without expert input and legal framing, insurers control the narrative. With the right representation, that narrative can be dismantled.
Our firm focuses on life insurance claim denials involving suicide allegations, accidental death disputes, and contestability investigations. We know how insurers build these denials and how to break them apart.
Denied for Suicide Does Not Mean the Claim Is Over
If your loved one’s life insurance claim was denied based on suicide, especially in cases involving asphyxiation, overdoses, or unusual circumstances, the denial may be wrong.
We handle these matters confidentially and with discretion. We review the policy, the evidence, and the insurer’s reasoning to determine whether the law supports payment.
If the death was accidental under the legal definition, we will fight to recover the benefit your loved one intended you to receive.