$220,000 Denied Brighthouse Financial Life Insurance Claim Successfully Resolved
Our top life insurance attorneys are proud to announce the recovery of a $220,000 denied claim from Brighthouse Financial. The policy had been wrongfully denied based on alleged misrepresentation in the insured’s application. After our legal team intervened, conducted a full review of the case, and presented strong evidence and legal arguments, we successfully reversed the denial and obtained the full payout for our client. This case illustrates how insurers often rely on technical misrepresentations—such as immigration status or incomplete medical disclosures—to avoid paying valid claims. Our firm routinely overcomes these types of denials through aggressive legal representation and a deep understanding of how insurance companies operate.
Why Misrepresentation of Immigration Status Can Lead to Denial
When applying for life insurance, applicants are required to disclose personal and legal information, including their immigration status. This is considered a material fact by insurers because it can impact both the eligibility for coverage and the underwriting risk. For example, some insurance providers may only issue policies to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents with valid green cards or long-term visas. In certain cases, they may decline to offer coverage to individuals with temporary or undocumented status due to concerns about traceability, long-term residency, or compliance with internal guidelines. If an applicant falsely claims to be a permanent resident or citizen, and that misrepresentation is discovered after death, the insurer may deny the claim. This remains true even if the death has no connection to the applicant’s immigration status. Misrepresenting immigration status is typically viewed as a breach of the duty of good faith and can be labeled as fraud. During the two-year contestability period, insurers have broad authority to rescind a policy based on material misstatements, and immigration status often falls into this category. However, many denials based on immigration misstatements can be contested, especially if the insurer failed to investigate the applicant’s documents or proceeded with underwriting despite red flags. A life insurance attorney can review the application and challenge whether the alleged misrepresentation truly influenced the insurer’s decision to issue the policy.
Why Failure to Mention Minor Ailment Treatments Can Result in a Denial
Life insurance companies require applicants to disclose all material health conditions and treatments when applying for coverage. A material condition is one that could affect life expectancy or increase the risk to the insurer. While minor ailments—like occasional headaches, joint pain, or seasonal allergies—may seem insignificant, failure to report treatments related to these conditions can raise red flags. This is especially true if the treatment suggests the possibility of a more serious underlying condition. For instance, repeated visits to a neurologist for “migraines” may point to a broader neurological issue that should have been disclosed. If an applicant fails to disclose these treatments and passes away shortly after policy issuance, the insurer may argue that the omission concealed a material risk. Even if the death was unrelated to the omitted condition, insurers may still deny the claim during the contestability period by alleging that they would have declined or altered the policy terms had they known the full medical history. However, not all omissions justify denial. If the treatment was for a truly minor or non-material issue, or if the insurer failed to request medical records that would have revealed the condition, it may be possible to challenge the denial. Many insurance applications are vague, and applicants may rely on agents for guidance—leading to unintentional omissions that can be defended with the help of an experienced lawyer.
Legal Advocacy Can Reverse Misrepresentation-Based Denials
The recent Brighthouse Financial case we resolved involved a combination of alleged immigration status misrepresentation and questions about undisclosed medical visits. Our client was blindsided by the denial and thought the insurer’s decision was final. Once we were retained, our attorneys reviewed the policy application, obtained supporting documents, and challenged the insurer’s reliance on the contested facts. We demonstrated that the alleged misrepresentation was not material, and the insurer’s underwriting process had failed to identify easily verifiable information. Our legal intervention led to a full payout. If your life insurance claim has been denied due to misrepresentation—whether related to immigration, medical history, or any other reason—our law firm is here to help.
FAQ: Life Insurance Claim Denials for Misrepresentation of Immigration Status and Medical History
Can lying about immigration status cause a life insurance claim to be denied?
Yes, insurers consider immigration status a material fact. If an applicant falsely claims to be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and this is discovered during a contestability review, the insurer may deny the claim or rescind the policy.
Is it still considered fraud if the death had nothing to do with immigration status?
Yes, during the contestability period, any material misrepresentation—regardless of the cause of death—can be grounds for denial. Fraud doesn’t have to relate directly to the death itself.
What if the insurer didn’t verify immigration status during underwriting?
If the insurer accepted the application without checking documents or failed to investigate suspicious responses, they may be found to have waived their right to deny the claim based on that information.
Can a claim be denied if the applicant had a temporary visa?
Possibly. Some insurers only offer policies to individuals with permanent residency. If the application claimed otherwise and that fact was material to underwriting, the policy could be challenged.
Is failure to disclose minor treatments really a big deal?
It can be, depending on what the treatments were for. Minor treatments may seem insignificant, but if they point to a larger underlying condition, the insurer may allege that a material health issue was concealed.
What if the applicant forgot to mention routine doctor visits?
If the omission was unintentional and the visits were for non-material conditions, the claim may still be valid. An attorney can help prove that the insurer’s denial was based on a minor or irrelevant oversight.
Do insurers check medical records after death?
Yes, especially during the contestability period. They often request full medical records to compare them with what was disclosed on the application. Discrepancies may trigger an investigation.
Can a claim be denied if the insurer discovers undisclosed prescriptions?
Yes, especially if the prescriptions indicate treatment for a serious condition that wasn’t listed on the application. Even something like antidepressants or painkillers could raise questions if not disclosed.
How long do insurers have to contest a policy based on misrepresentation?
Most policies include a two-year contestability clause. During this time, insurers can deny claims based on material misstatements. After that, they must prove intentional fraud to void the policy.
Can I fight a denial based on immigration or medical misrepresentation?
Yes, with the right legal support. Many denials can be reversed by showing the misstatement was not material, not intentional, or that the insurer waived its right to contest by issuing the policy without adequate investigation.
Is it illegal to apply for life insurance while undocumented?
Not necessarily. Some insurers offer limited products to non-citizens. However, misrepresenting your status on the application can result in denial or rescission.
What if the application was filled out incorrectly by an agent?
If an insurance agent submitted incorrect information or gave misleading advice, you may have a defense. Misstatements caused by agent error can sometimes be attributed to the insurer.
How can a lawyer help in a misrepresentation denial case?
A life insurance lawyer can review the application, policy, and denial letter, gather medical and legal evidence, and challenge the insurer’s interpretation of materiality or intent.
Does Brighthouse Financial frequently deny claims?
Like many insurers, Brighthouse may deny claims when there are application inconsistencies. Our firm has successfully resolved many cases involving Brighthouse denials.
What documents are needed to appeal a denial?
You’ll need the original application, policy documents, the denial letter, medical records, immigration papers (if applicable), and any communications with the insurer.
How long does it take to overturn a denial?
Timelines vary, but many cases can be resolved within a few months. Complex cases involving fraud allegations or rescission may take longer and require litigation.
Will I have to go to court?
Not always. Many denials are resolved through legal negotiation or administrative appeal. However, if the insurer refuses to pay, a lawsuit may be necessary.
What does it mean to rescind a policy?
Rescission means the insurer voids the policy as if it never existed, usually due to alleged fraud. This is different from a simple claim denial and may require legal action to reverse.
Is it worth fighting a denial over a small misstatement?
Absolutely. Many seemingly minor misstatements are used by insurers to avoid liability. A lawyer can help you evaluate whether the denial is legally valid or challengeable.
How do I get started if my claim was denied?
Contact an experienced life insurance attorney right away. Time is critical, and early legal involvement can increase your chances of recovering the full benefit.