California Life Insurance Lawyer 

Life Insurance Lawyers Serving All 58 California Counties

Christian Lassen, Esq. | 25 Years Experience | Hundreds of Millions Recovered

If your life insurance claim was denied in California, you're not alone and you're not without options. At The Lassen Law Firm, we focus exclusively on life insurance litigation and have helped beneficiaries throughout California recover millions in wrongfully denied death benefits. Whether your denial involves a policy lapse, exclusion, alleged misrepresentation, or a contested beneficiary designation, we know how to challenge the insurer and pursue the benefits you're entitled to.

Led by nationally recognized life insurance attorney Christian Lassen, quoted by The Wall Street Journal and rated 10.0 by AVVO, our firm represents clients across all 58 California counties. We never charge a fee unless we recover for you.

Denied Life Insurance Claim in California? You’re Not Alone.

Many families in California are blindsided when a life insurance company refuses to pay after a loved one’s death. If you're dealing with a denied life insurance payout in California, The Lassen Law Firm is ready to take on the insurer and fight for the benefits that should have been paid.

In California, disputes over life insurance beneficiaries often arise due to divorce, handwritten changes, or competing claims among family members. If you're facing a life insurance beneficiary dispute in California, The Lassen Law Firm can help you navigate the legal complexities and assert your rightful claim.

When multiple parties claim life insurance proceeds in California, the insurer may initiate an interpleader action in California to avoid liability while the dispute is resolved in court.

California is a diverse state with unique challenges, and life insurance claims are no exception. At The Lassen Law Firm, we bring clarity and confidence to clients navigating the complexities of life insurance law in the Golden State. 

As nationally recognized life insurance attorneys, we proudly serve clients across the state and the country, with a proven track record of success, hundreds of millions in recovered policies. Whether you’re dealing with denied claims or bad faith insurance practices, The Lassen Law Firm is dedicated to fighting for your rights and delivering results. Call now for a free consultation to see if we can help you recover your life insurance benefits. No obligation.

Unlike other firms, The Lassen Law Firm exclusively handles denied life insurance claims. With 25 years of experience in this niche, we are recognized as top experts in the field. Our lawyers have earned prestigious awards, including membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and a 10.0 rating on AVVO. No other firm offers the same level of dedication and expertise in denied life insurance cases.

Facing a Life Insurance Claim Denial in California? We Can Help

When a loved one passes away, life insurance should provide peace of mind, not more stress. Yet many families in California face unexpected hurdles when insurance companies deny valid life insurance claims. If your claim was denied, delayed, or undervalued, our experienced California life insurance attorneys can fight to recover the full benefits you’re entitled to receive. When a life insurer issues a denial on an accidental death and dismemberment claim, experienced legal support can be key to reversing the outcome.

Insurers often use complex policy language and strict interpretations of application requirements to justify denials. Many times, these tactics are used to minimize payouts, not because the denial is truly justified. You deserve a strong legal advocate who can hold the insurance company accountable. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, no recovery, no fee.

Common Reasons Life Insurance Claims Are Denied in California

Life insurance claims in California may be denied for a variety of reasons. The most frequent causes we encounter include:

Material Misrepresentation on the Application

If an insurer finds that the insured allegedly misrepresented their health, lifestyle, or finances, they may attempt to void the policy.

Nonpayment of Premiums

Many claims are denied in California after insurers allege missed payments, but we often find that the life insurance canceled for missed premiums was the result of flawed internal procedures or a failure to provide required notice.

Contestability Period Investigation

Deaths occurring within the first two years of a policy often trigger detailed reviews of the application and medical records.

Exclusions for Certain Causes of Death

Some policies specifically exclude deaths resulting from suicide, acts of war, aviation activities, or criminal acts.

Beneficiary Disputes

Challenges to beneficiary changes, disputes among family members, or claims by ex-spouses can delay the payment of benefits.

Group Life Insurance Administrative Errors

Mistakes by employers regarding enrollment, eligibility, or premium deductions frequently lead to wrongful claim denials.

Deaths Under Investigation

Suspicious deaths or those involving homicide investigations often result in insurers withholding payments until authorities conclude their inquiries.

While insurance companies cite these reasons as justification, not all denials are valid under California law. Our attorneys can evaluate the denial and take action to secure the benefits you deserve.

Understanding the Life Insurance Contestability Period in California

In California, most life insurance policies include a two-year contestability period. During this time, the insurer has the right to investigate claims and deny benefits if they discover material misrepresentations in the original application. After two years, the insurer generally cannot contest the policy except for cases of fraud.

Importantly, not every error on an application qualifies as material. Under California law, only misstatements that would have influenced the insurer’s decision to offer coverage or set premium rates are considered material. Innocent or irrelevant mistakes should not justify a denial.

If your claim is being denied based on alleged misstatements during the contestability period, our California life insurance lawyers can help you push back against the insurer’s tactics.

Steps to Take After a Life Insurance Claim Denial in California

If your life insurance claim has been denied, there are key steps you should take immediately to protect your rights:

• Obtain a complete copy of the insurance policy and the denial letter.
• Carefully review the insurer’s stated reasons for denial.
• Save copies of all correspondence, emails, and call notes with the insurance company.
• Do not provide any new statements or documents to the insurer without legal guidance.
• Contact an experienced California life insurance attorney for a free consultation.

Prompt action is critical. Insurance companies often impose strict deadlines for appeals, especially under group policies governed by ERISA laws.

How Our California Life Insurance Attorneys Help Clients Win

We are dedicated to helping beneficiaries across California overcome wrongful claim denials. Our attorneys know how to dismantle the arguments insurers use to delay or deny payments. Here’s how we help:

• Analyzing the insurance policy and application for inconsistencies and weaknesses in the insurer’s position.
• Gathering evidence to refute alleged misrepresentations or support coverage.
• Preparing and filing administrative appeals when necessary.
• Negotiating settlements with insurers to recover benefits quickly.
• Filing lawsuits when insurers act unfairly or in bad faith under California law.
• Seeking additional damages for bad faith conduct when insurers wrongfully delay or deny payment.

You do not have to face a powerful insurance company alone. Let us take the burden off your shoulders and fight to recover the life insurance proceeds your loved one intended you to have.

Federal life insurance programs like FEGLI and SGLI have strict administrative rules, and when those aren’t followed, claims often get wrongfully denied. Our firm helps California families contest denied federal life insurance benefits, including both denied FEGLI claims for government workers and denied SGLI claims for military personnel and their beneficiaries.

Employer-provided life insurance policies are frequently governed by ERISA, and denials under this law can be complex. We assist clients across California in pursuing denied ERISA group life insurance claims and ensuring all federal procedures are properly followed to recover the full benefit amount.

Answers to Common Questions About Life Insurance Denials in California

What should I do if my life insurance claim was denied in California?

You should immediately consult a qualified attorney. In Los Angeles, we reversed a $510,000 denial where the insurer claimed an omission about cholesterol medications. The death was unrelated, and the benefit was paid in full.

What should I do if I was served with a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in California?

Respond promptly with legal counsel. In Oakland, we represented a client in an interpleader involving a spouse and adult children, securing their rightful share of a $300,000 benefit.

What can I do if I’m involved in a life insurance beneficiary dispute in California?

Seek legal help immediately. In Fresno, we challenged a suspicious beneficiary change made two weeks before death and reinstated the prior beneficiary for a $415,000 payout.

Why would a California AD&D life insurance claim be denied?

Insurers often reclassify accidents as medical events. In San Diego, we won a $350,000 claim after the insurer wrongly called a motorcycle crash a seizure-induced incident.

Can a policy lapse be a valid reason to deny a life insurance claim in California?

Only if lapse procedures were followed. In San Jose, we recovered $280,000 after showing that no proper lapse notice was sent to the insured's last known address.

Is misrepresentation on an application a valid reason for denial in California?

Only if the misstatement is material. In Sacramento, we fought and won a $190,000 case where the insured failed to disclose high blood pressure that had nothing to do with the fatal car crash.

Can an alcohol exclusion be used to deny a life insurance claim in California?

Only when clearly stated and relevant. In Long Beach, we recovered $235,000 after proving alcohol in the system didn’t contribute to the cause of death.

What are my options if my ERISA life insurance claim is denied in California?

Act quickly and file a thorough appeal. In Riverside, we overturned a denial by presenting a complete ERISA appeal package, resulting in a $400,000 payment.

How should I respond to a contestability period claim denial in California?

Challenge immaterial errors. In Bakersfield, we secured a $290,000 payout after proving a weight misstatement had no relation to the death.

What if my claim was denied based on California law?

Insurers sometimes misuse legal references. In Glendale, we reversed a $340,000 denial where the insurer misapplied community property rules.

What life insurance companies deny the most claims in California?

Pacific Life, Transamerica, and Fidelity & Guarantee often appear in disputes. We successfully overturned multiple Transamerica denials, including one in Santa Ana for $405,000.

Does California have a law that revokes an ex-spouse’s beneficiary rights after divorce?

Yes, unless the designation is reaffirmed. In Anaheim, we blocked an ex-spouse from claiming $325,000 after the insured never updated the beneficiary post-divorce.

Is California a community property state, and can a surviving spouse claim life insurance proceeds?

Yes. In Modesto, we helped a surviving spouse claim part of a $375,000 benefit by proving marital funds were used to pay premiums.

Can a will override the beneficiary designation on a life insurance policy in California?

No. In Pasadena, we upheld the named daughter’s rights to a $200,000 policy despite a will favoring the decedent’s new partner.

What happens if the death occurred outside the U.S.?

Unless excluded, the death should be covered. In Irvine, we won a $310,000 case for a client whose loved one died while traveling in Southeast Asia.

Can I challenge a denial involving a last-minute beneficiary change?

Yes. In Huntington Beach, we reversed a beneficiary switch made three days before death when evidence of undue influence surfaced.

What if the insurer delayed the claim for months without resolution?

That may be bad faith. In Oxnard, we sued after a 120-day delay and recovered the benefit plus $75,000 in additional damages.

How do I fight a denial where the insurer says the death wasn’t accidental?

Provide medical evidence. In Santa Rosa, we used toxicology and trauma reports to prove a fall was accidental, securing a $265,000 AD&D payout.

What if the insurance agent made an error on the application?

Insurers can still be liable. In Escondido, we proved that the agent incorrectly recorded health history, resulting in a $240,000 claim being paid.

Can I file a lawsuit if the insurer denied my life insurance claim in bad faith?

Yes. In Stockton, we litigated a denial involving fabricated cause-of-death arguments and recovered the full $450,000 plus legal costs.

Can a denial based on suicide be challenged in California?

Yes, especially after the exclusion period. In Thousand Oaks, we reversed a denial made after the policy had been active for over three years.

Are group policies from California employers covered by ERISA?

Usually. In Fontana, we successfully appealed an ERISA-based denial involving employer enrollment errors.

What if the insured failed to disclose a pre-existing medical condition?

If it didn’t relate to the cause of death, we fight it. In Fremont, a $315,000 denial was overturned because the undisclosed condition played no role in the fatal accident.

What if the beneficiary form was never updated after a major life event?

Intent matters. In Santa Clarita, we used witness affidavits and emails to prove the insured intended to name someone else, leading to a court-approved change.

Can a court override a beneficiary designation in California?

Yes, if there's proof of fraud or coercion. In Lancaster, a court invalidated a $225,000 change after finding undue influence by a caregiver.

What if the life insurance policy was purchased through a California union or labor organization?

Union policies may have internal appeals. In Hayward, we helped a union member's widow recover $280,000 after navigating all administrative channels.

How long do I have to appeal a denied life insurance claim in California?

Usually 180 days under ERISA. In Palmdale, we recovered benefits by filing a timely appeal with additional evidence.

Is it possible to recover only part of the benefit if I’m a co-beneficiary?

Yes. In Sunnyvale, we secured half the $350,000 policy for our client when the co-beneficiary was disqualified due to forgery.

Can a creditor claim life insurance proceeds in California?

Not if a living beneficiary is named. In Redding, we protected a $185,000 payout from being absorbed by the insured's debt.

What if the policyholder disappeared and was later declared dead?

You can file after legal death is declared. In Chico, we helped a family recover $300,000 five years after the disappearance.

Can a claim be denied due to ambiguous policy language?

Not in California. In Burbank, we argued a vague "reckless activity" exclusion didn’t apply and secured a $200,000 payout.

Do life insurance policies cover deaths caused during illegal activities?

Only if excluded and proven. In Compton, we challenged a denial where the insured was a bystander in a crime scene and won $275,000.

Can I contest a denial involving a minor child as beneficiary?

Yes. In Salinas, we established a guardianship account so a child could receive and safely manage a $190,000 benefit.

Does California law allow insurers to cancel a policy without notice?

No. In Merced, we forced reinstatement of a lapsed policy after proving no notice was given, securing full benefits.

What if there’s no named beneficiary on the policy?

The benefit goes to the estate. In Redlands, we assisted with probate to recover $225,000 for surviving heirs.

What if multiple people claim the insured promised them the benefit?

Verbal promises usually don’t override documents. In Clovis, we defended a named beneficiary against two verbal challengers and upheld the designation.

Can a California life insurance claim be reopened after denial?

Yes, under new evidence or improper denial. In San Bernardino, we reopened a denied $410,000 claim based on newly discovered medical records.

Unique Life Insurance Challenges Faced by California Beneficiaries

California life insurance disputes often surface in unexpected ways. In Los Angeles, we represented the brother of a policyholder whose AD&D benefits were denied because the insurer insisted the death wasn’t accidental. We brought in forensic experts and overturned the denial in federal court. California’s Central District Court, where many such cases are filed, sees a high number of interpleader lawsuits, especially involving blended families and disputed policy changes.

California’s community property laws can also create confusion after death. We’ve assisted spouses left out of the policy who were still entitled to a share based on how premiums were paid. In a San Jose case, we established a clear community interest in a $300,000 benefit despite the absence of a named beneficiary.

Insurers frequently deny claims during the contestability period over technicalities. But not every omission justifies a rescission. In Fresno, a minor mistake about prior surgery didn’t relate to the cause of death, and we forced the insurer to pay. If your policy was through an employer, it may fall under ERISA, a federal law that overrides many state protections. We’ve successfully appealed denied ERISA claims in Sacramento and Oakland, even when clients were told they had no options.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

Written & Reviewed by Christian Lassen, Esq., Nationally recognized life insurance lawyer: 25 years experience, hundreds of millions recovered.  Quoted in The Wall Street Journal ( May 17, 2025).

Last reviewed: June 14, 2025 | Contact 800-330-2274