Bakersfield Life Insurance Lawyer
In Bakersfield, where agricultural strength meets family-driven values, life insurance disputes can strike when families are at their most vulnerable. When insurers delay or deny valid claims, the consequences can be devastating. At The Lassen Law Firm, we help Bakersfield families recover the life insurance benefits they’re owed quickly, aggressively, and with zero upfront cost.
Led by nationally recognized attorney Christian Lassen, our firm focuses exclusively on life insurance litigation. With more than 25 years of experience and hundreds of millions recovered across the U.S., we deliver results for families throughout Kern County and California’s Central Valley.
Why Bakersfield Families Choose The Lassen Law Firm
Exclusive Focus on Life Insurance Claims: This is all we do.
National Reach, Local Insight: We fight both California-based insurers and national carriers.
Direct Attorney Access: Clients work directly with Christian Lassen, not junior staff.
Notable Recoveries for Bakersfield Clients
$300,000 after a denial with no clear justification. The insurer attempted to void the policy over a vague exclusion. We forced a reversal and payout.
$141,000 after Globe Life delayed payment for over eight months. Our legal action prompted a swift settlement.
$112,000 obtained in a complex interpleader involving two stepchildren disputing a final beneficiary designation. We helped the rightful claimant prove intent and recover the funds.
Types of Life Insurance Disputes We Handle in Bakersfield
Policy Lapse Claims: We review whether proper notices were sent and whether grace period requirements under California law were followed.
Application Misrepresentation: We dispute denials based on outdated or irrelevant disclosures, especially when policies were in force for years.
Accidental Death (AD&D) Denials: Including exclusions tied to alleged intoxication, drug use, or “risky behavior” insurers commonly misuse.
Delayed Claims: We take immediate legal action when insurers drag their feet especially in cases involving hospital records, autopsy delays, or foreign deaths.
Contested Beneficiaries & Interpleader Actions: We represent clients in disputes involving divorces, second marriages, adult children, or outdated designations.
Bakersfield Neighborhoods and Areas We Serve
Downtown Bakersfield
Seven Oaks
Stockdale Estates
Laurelglen
Oleander-Sunset
Rosedale
East Bakersfield
Riverlakes
Kern City
And beyond throughout Kern County
Whether your insurer is Foresters, North American Company, AIG, Pacific Life, or USAA, we know their tactics and we know how to beat them.
What You Can Expect
A clear, honest assessment of your case
Direct attorney involvement
Aggressive negotiation and litigation when needed
No fees unless we recover money for you
Don’t Let the Insurer Dictate Your Future
If your claim has been denied, delayed, or disputed, don’t wait. The earlier you involve us, the faster we can build leverage and results.
Call The Lassen Law Firm at 800-330-2274 for a free consultation.
Written & Reviewed by Christian Lassen, Esq.
National Life Insurance Attorney | 25+ Years Experience
Quoted in The Wall Street Journal (May 17, 2025)
Last reviewed: June 10, 2025
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 800-330-2274 today!
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A grace period is the time after a missed payment during which the policy remains in force, usually 30 to 60 days depending on state law and policy terms.
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No. In most states, insurers must send a written notice of overdue premiums and warn of pending lapse before terminating coverage.
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The policy may still be enforceable. Beneficiaries can challenge the lapse based on the insurer’s failure to provide required notice.
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Yes. If the insured dies during the grace period, the policy is still considered active, and benefits should be paid.
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Yes. In group life insurance policies, employers sometimes fail to forward premiums properly, leading to wrongful lapse denials.
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Yes. If automatic payment setups fail through no fault of the insured, lapses may be challenged.
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Some policies automatically borrow against cash value to cover missed payments. Failure to apply this correctly can lead to wrongful lapse claims.
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Possibly. Some courts excuse nonpayment if the insured was mentally incapacitated and missed premiums without proper notice.
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No. Reinstatement must occur while the insured is alive, but wrongful lapse denials can still be challenged posthumously.
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Not without following strict notice and grace period rules. Beneficiaries can often challenge technical denials.
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Deadlines vary by state, but it’s critical to act within 1 to 5 years depending on the policy and jurisdiction.
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Not necessarily. Payments mailed within grace periods or accepted by insurers may keep coverage active.
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Bank records, payment receipts, insurer correspondence, and premium notices are key evidence.
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If the insurer used an outdated address despite updated information, lapse denials can often be overturned.
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Possibly. If the insured submitted a reinstatement application before death, it may help challenge a lapse denial.
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In some states, special grace periods and protections applied during COVID-19 emergencies. They can help fight wrongful lapses.
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Only if the insurer followed all legal notice and grace period requirements. Otherwise, beneficiaries may still recover.
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Misapplied premiums can lead to wrongful lapses — and courts often hold insurers accountable for these errors.
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An attorney can obtain records, challenge improper lapses, negotiate settlements, and litigate if necessary to enforce payment.
Our Clients Speak Volumes
The Right Choice for Your Claim
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“My husband died overseas, and the insurer stalled the claim citing lack of documentation. The Lassen team got official death records from abroad, translated and authenticated them, and made the insurer pay. They truly handled everything.”- Patricia W.
Why The Lassen Law Firm Is Different
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Proven National ResultsRepresenting clients coast to coast and recovering hundreds of millions in denied life insurance claims, we secure justice and peace of mind for families everywhere.
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Recognized ExpertisePerfect 10.0 Avvo rating endorsed by over 1,700 attorneys; life member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum; ranked among the top 1 percent of lawyers nationally for life insurance litigation.
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Client-First AdvocacyNo upfront fees: our contingency fee guarantee aligns our interests with yours; we provide personalized, compassionate representation from your initial consultation through resolution.
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Media & Community LeadershipQuoted in The Wall Street Journal and featured in leading legal publications; frequent speaker at national conferences; dedicated to charitable efforts supporting pediatric cancer care.