Oakland Life Insurance Lawyer
In Oakland, where history, activism, and community run deep, life insurance disputes can strike at the worst possible moment leaving families unsure where to turn. At The Lassen Law Firm, we help Oakland residents challenge denied or delayed claims and recover the benefits their loved ones intended.
Led by attorney Christian Lassen, our firm handles life insurance litigation exclusively. With over 25 years of experience and hundreds of millions recovered across the country, we provide strategic, results-driven legal representation to families throughout Oakland and Alameda County.
Why Oakland Clients Choose The Lassen Law Firm
Life Insurance Focus: We handle only life insurance disputes, no general law practice, no case dilution.
Licensed Nationwide: Whether your policy is private, group, or federal (SGLI, FEGLI), we know how to fight denials in California and beyond.
Attorney-Led Cases: Christian Lassen works directly with every client, providing hands-on strategy from consultation to resolution.
Real Results for Oakland Families
$455,000 in an interpleader dispute involving Lincoln Heritage and two competing family members. We resolved the case and ensured the rightful beneficiary received the full payout.
$69,000 after a felony exclusion was incorrectly applied to a John Hancock policy. We proved the death occurred after sentence completion, invalidating the exclusion.
$440,000 following a controversial claim denial involving autoerotic asphyxiation. The insurer attempted to void the policy under a vague clause. We challenged the interpretation and won.
Life Insurance Disputes We Handle in Oakland
Accidental Death Denials (AD&D): We fight exclusions involving alleged substance use, “hazardous behavior,” or criminal history.
Lapsed or Terminated Policies: We investigate missed payments, late notices, and California’s legal requirements for policy termination.
Application Misrepresentation Claims: We challenge denials based on outdated or inaccurate health or lifestyle disclosures.
Contested Beneficiary Disputes: Including cases with multiple claimants, last-minute changes, or policies never updated after divorce or remarriage.
Federal and Group Coverage Denials: We handle ERISA-regulated plans, as well as claims from public sector workers, union members, and veterans.
Oakland Communities and Areas We Serve
We represent clients throughout Oakland and surrounding communities, including:
Downtown Oakland
Piedmont
Rockridge
Montclair
Fruitvale
Temescal
East Oakland
Lake Merritt
Glenview
West Oakland
Laurel District
Whether you’re facing denial from Mutual of Omaha, Banner Life, John Hancock, or another insurer, we know their tactics and how to overcome them.
What to Expect from The Lassen Law Firm
Strategic case evaluation and claim analysis
Direct communication with insurance companies
Litigation support in state and federal courts
Clear updates and a compassionate legal partner
No Fees Unless We Win
We work on a contingency basis—there are no fees unless we recover for you. Consultations are always free and confidential.
Call The Lassen Law Firm at 800-330-2274 to speak with attorney Christian Lassen today.
Written & Reviewed by Christian Lassen, Esq.
National Life Insurance Attorney | 25+ Years of 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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“They accused my husband of intentionally misleading the insurer about a health issue. I was devastated. The Lassen team gathered the medical history, showed it was an honest mistake, and forced a reversal of the denial.”- Maria G.
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.