Winning FEGLI Claims: Recent Successes and Legal Insights
Our life insurance lawyers are proud to announce a recent victory in a $133,200 FEGLI (Federal Employees Group Life Insurance) claim. In addition to this significant case, we have successfully represented federal employees in several disputes related to FEGLI benefits. Below are a few case examples showcasing the legal complexities of FEGLI disputes and how we have helped clients secure the benefits they deserve.
1. FEGLI Metlife Life Insurance Dispute
Case Details: A federal employee had both basic and optional coverage under his FEGLI policy. He designated his son as the beneficiary for his basic coverage and his daughter for the optional coverage. Later, he decided to cancel the optional coverage but did not fill out a new beneficiary form for the basic coverage. Upon his death, both his son and daughter claimed the benefits for the basic coverage.
Outcome: The court ruled in favor of the son, stating that he was the only valid beneficiary for the basic coverage, as he was the one designated by the policyholder. The lack of a new beneficiary form for the basic coverage led to the son receiving the entire benefit.
2. FEGLI State Farm Life Insurance Dispute
Case Details: A federal employee named her husband as the beneficiary of her FEGLI policy. After divorcing him and remarrying, she failed to update her beneficiary designation. When she died, both her ex-husband and current husband claimed the benefits.
Outcome: The court ruled in favor of the ex-husband, as FEGLI benefits are governed by federal law, which does not automatically revoke beneficiary designations upon divorce, unlike some state laws. The ex-husband was entitled to the benefits due to the lack of a new beneficiary designation.
3. FEGLI Liberty Mutual Life Insurance Dispute
Case Details: A federal employee named his sister as the beneficiary of his FEGLI policy. After getting married and having a child, he did not change the beneficiary designation. When he died, his sister claimed the benefits, but his wife and son contested the claim.
Outcome: The court ruled in favor of the sister, who was the valid beneficiary under FEGLI. There was no evidence to suggest that the policyholder had intended to change the beneficiary or that he was coerced or deceived into leaving his sister as the beneficiary.
4. FEGLI Prudential Life Insurance Dispute
Case Details: A federal employee named his wife as the beneficiary of his FEGLI policy, but after divorcing her, he remarried and changed the beneficiary to his new wife. However, he did not sign or date the change-of-beneficiary form, which is a requirement under FEGLI regulations. After his death, his ex-wife claimed the benefits, and the new wife contested the claim.
Outcome: The court ruled in favor of the ex-wife, as the policyholder did not comply with the required regulations to change the beneficiary. The failure to sign and date the form rendered the change invalid.
Additional FEGLI Disputes We’ve Handled
In addition to the cases above, our firm has successfully litigated FEGLI disputes with other major insurers, including:
Lincoln Financial Group
Pacific Life Insurance
Banner Life Insurance
Protective Life Insurance
How Our Life Insurance Lawyers Can Help with FEGLI Claims
Navigating FEGLI disputes can be complex, especially when it involves mistakes in beneficiary designations or failure to comply with FEGLI regulations. Our experienced life insurance attorneys can assist you with:
Reviewing Your Beneficiary Designation: We will ensure that your beneficiary designation aligns with the FEGLI rules and regulations.
Handling Divorce or Marriage-Related Disputes: If there are disputes regarding beneficiary designations after divorce or remarriage, we can help clarify the legal standing of the parties involved.
Challenging Invalid Beneficiary Designations: If a claim is denied due to a technical error, such as the failure to properly sign a form or change a beneficiary, we can fight for your right to the benefits.
Legal Representation: If you are facing a contested claim, we will represent you in court to ensure that the right beneficiary receives the policy proceeds.