North American Company for Life and Health Insurance sells life insurance policies throughout the United States, including term life, universal life, and employer related coverage. After a policyholder dies, beneficiaries expect the insurer to process the claim and issue the death benefit. In some situations, however, North American delays payment or denies the claim entirely.
These disputes often arise when the insurer reviews the application, examines medical records, or questions whether the policy remained active at the time of death. A denial can place families in a difficult position because they may rely on the insurance proceeds for financial stability.
Attorney Christian Lassen represents beneficiaries nationwide in disputes involving denied life insurance claims.
Common Disputes in North American Life Insurance Claims
A denial from North American usually stems from one of several recurring issues found in life insurance litigation and claim investigations.
Application accuracy challenges
The insurer may compare the answers on the life insurance application with medical records obtained after death. If North American believes information was incomplete or inconsistent, the company may attempt to cancel the policy or deny the claim.
Two year contestability investigations
Life insurance policies typically contain a contestability period during the first two years after the policy begins. If death occurs during this time, the insurer may conduct a detailed investigation into the insured’s medical history and background before deciding whether to honor the policy.
Coverage status disputes
Another frequent issue involves claims that the policy was no longer active when the insured died. The insurer may assert that premiums were unpaid or that the policy lapsed due to administrative reasons.
Beneficiary designation conflicts
Disputes sometimes arise when multiple individuals claim to be the rightful beneficiary. In these situations the insurer may delay payment or initiate a legal action to determine who should receive the benefit.
What Happens During a Claim Investigation
North American may conduct a comprehensive review before making a final decision on a claim. Beneficiaries often receive requests for records or documentation during this process.
The insurer may gather:
Medical records from hospitals and physicians
Prescription histories from pharmacy databases
Autopsy or medical examiner reports
Statements from witnesses or family members
Copies of the insurance application and underwriting file
The investigation is designed to determine whether the policy terms allow the insurer to challenge the claim.
When a Life Insurance Claim Is Delayed
Some claims are not immediately denied but remain under review for an extended period. Beneficiaries may receive repeated requests for documents or explanations that the company is still evaluating the claim.
While investigations can take time, excessive delays may raise questions about whether the insurer is properly handling the claim. Reviewing the policy and the insurer’s requests can help determine whether the delay is reasonable.
Steps Beneficiaries Can Take After a Denial
A denial letter often summarizes the insurer’s reasoning but may not provide the full picture. Beneficiaries can request additional records to understand how the decision was made.
Key documents to obtain include:
The complete insurance policy and riders
The original insurance application
Internal claim review notes
Medical record summaries used by the insurer
Correspondence related to the claim investigation
Examining these materials can reveal whether the denial relies on incorrect information or questionable interpretations of the policy.
Nationwide Help With Denied Life Insurance Claims
Life insurance disputes frequently involve complex policy language and extensive claim investigations. Beneficiaries who receive a denial from North American may have options to challenge the decision.
The Lassen Law Firm focuses exclusively on life insurance disputes nationwide. Attorney Christian Lassen has more than 25 years of experience representing beneficiaries in denied, delayed, and contested life insurance claims.
If North American Company for Life and Health Insurance has denied or delayed payment of a claim, legal review can help determine whether the insurer’s decision can be challenged.