Life Insurance Lawyer Colorado

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

When a life insurance claim is denied in Colorado, it can create emotional and financial stress at the worst possible time. If your family is facing a life insurance claim denial in Colorado, The Lassen Law Firm is prepared to challenge the denial and help you recover the benefits you’re owed.

Life insurance beneficiary disputes in Colorado can become heated when multiple parties believe they are entitled to the same policy proceeds. If you're involved in a life insurance beneficiary dispute in Colorado, The Lassen Law Firm can step in to advocate for your interests and resolve the conflict efficiently.

In Colorado, life insurance companies often respond to beneficiary disputes by filing an interpleader action in Colorado, allowing a judge to determine who is legally entitled to the death benefit.

Trusted Life Insurance Lawyers Colorado: The Lassen Law Firm

Life insurance claims in Colorado can quickly become complex, especially when faced with bad faith insurance practices or unjust claim denials. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are committed to assisting clients across the Centennial State in recovering the benefits they deserve. From Denver to Colorado Springs, Boulder to Fort Collins and Aurora CO, and every community in between, we are here to fight for you.

As trusted life insurance attorneys handling cases across the nation, we’ve recovered hundreds of millions in policies for our clients. At The Lassen Law Firm, we provide experienced and personalized legal support to ensure your rights are protected. 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 24 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.

Protecting Beneficiaries After a Life Insurance Claim Denial in Colorado

Dealing with the death of a loved one is painful enough without facing an unexpected life insurance claim denial. In Colorado, insurers sometimes wrongfully deny, delay, or underpay life insurance claims, leaving families struggling to recover the financial support they were promised. If you find yourself fighting an insurance company for the benefits owed to you, our Colorado life insurance attorneys are ready to help.

Insurance companies are required to act fairly and honor legitimate claims. Yet all too often, they prioritize their financial interests by exploiting technicalities, misapplying policy language, or seizing on minor errors in the application process. If you’ve received a claim denial — or even a suspicious delay — you should have an experienced attorney on your side from the start. We offer no-cost consultations and represent clients throughout Colorado on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win.

Why Life Insurance Companies Deny Claims in Colorado

Not every claim denial is lawful, even if the insurance company sounds convincing in its letter. Some of the most common reasons insurers in Colorado use to deny life insurance claims include:

• Alleged Misrepresentations: Insurers may claim that the insured misstated or omitted important facts during the application process, especially related to medical history or tobacco use.

• Missed Premium Payments: A lapse in coverage due to nonpayment can be cited as grounds for denial, but Colorado law imposes strict notice requirements that insurers often fail to meet.

• Death Within the Initial Contestability Period: The first two years after a life insurance policy is issued are critical, as insurers conduct extra scrutiny during this time and look for reasons to deny based on application errors.

• Policy Exclusions for Risky Conduct: If death results from activities considered inherently dangerous — like mountain climbing, scuba diving, or piloting an aircraft — insurers might invoke exclusions to avoid payment.

• Disputed Beneficiary Designations: Conflicts often arise when beneficiaries are changed shortly before death or when multiple family members assert competing claims.

• Employer Mistakes with Group Life Insurance: Errors made by employers during enrollment or when administering group life insurance plans can cause unjust denials, even when employees were led to believe they had coverage.

• Suspicious Circumstances Surrounding the Death: When deaths involve potential criminal acts or remain under investigation, insurers often delay or deny claims pending law enforcement findings.

It’s important to remember that just because an insurer cites a policy provision doesn’t mean their decision is correct or defensible under Colorado law.

The Importance of the Contestability Period in Colorado Life Insurance Policies

Under Colorado law, most life insurance policies contain a two-year contestability period. During this time, insurers can investigate claims more aggressively and rescind coverage based on alleged misstatements. After two years, their ability to challenge a claim is sharply limited unless they can prove outright fraud.

What counts as a valid basis to rescind during the contestability period? The misstatement must be material — meaning it would have impacted the insurer’s decision to approve the policy or determine the premium amount. Minor errors or unintentional omissions generally do not give insurers the right to deny payment.

If your claim is being questioned under Colorado’s contestability rules, legal help can make a crucial difference in getting the benefits released.

What You Should Do After a Life Insurance Claim Denial in Colorado

Insurance companies move fast once they decide to deny a claim — and you should too. If you receive a life insurance denial letter, it’s critical to:

• Read the denial letter carefully to understand the insurer’s position.

• Request the full policy, application, and any amendments or riders from the insurer.

• Save all correspondence, including emails and notes from phone calls.

• Avoid submitting any additional documents or statements without first consulting an attorney.

• Contact an experienced Colorado life insurance lawyer to evaluate your case as soon as possible.

Insurance companies are counting on beneficiaries feeling overwhelmed, intimidated, or simply unaware of their legal rights. By working with a lawyer early, you can dramatically increase the odds of a successful appeal or settlement.

How Our Colorado Life Insurance Attorneys Can Assist You

Our attorneys focus exclusively on representing beneficiaries in life insurance disputes — and we know the tactics insurers use to avoid paying valid claims. When you work with us, you gain an experienced advocate who can:

• Review your policy in detail to identify any policyholder rights the insurer is ignoring.

• Challenge improper reliance on exclusions, misrepresentation claims, or lapse defenses.

• Negotiate aggressively for payment of full policy benefits.

• Prepare administrative appeals for employer-provided policies governed by ERISA.

• File lawsuits in Colorado courts when insurers refuse to honor obligations.

• Pursue additional claims for insurance bad faith when warranted by the insurer’s conduct.

We treat every life insurance denial case with urgency and dedication because we know how important those benefits are to your financial future. There are no upfront costs — we only get paid if we recover benefits for you.

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Colorado Denied Life Insurance Claims: Answers to Common Questions

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

If your life insurance claim was denied in Colorado, you should immediately contact an experienced attorney. For example, we often overturn denials based on vague language or technical errors insurers use to avoid paying claims.

What should I do if I’ve been served with a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in Colorado?

If you are served with a life insurance interpleader lawsuit, you must respond properly to avoid losing your rights. For instance, we represent clients when competing family members make claims on the same policy.

What should I do if I’m facing a life insurance beneficiary dispute in Colorado?

Beneficiary disputes are common when ex-spouses, new spouses, or children from prior relationships are involved. For example, we help rightful beneficiaries contest improper claims based on undue influence or fraud.

Why would an AD&D life insurance claim be denied in Colorado?

AD&D claims are often denied by arguing the death wasn’t accidental. For instance, we dispute denials when insurers blame alcohol or health issues without sufficient evidence.

Can a policy lapse be used to deny a life insurance claim in Colorado?

Yes, but only if lapse procedures were followed correctly. For example, we have reversed denials where insurers failed to send proper notices before declaring a policy lapsed.

Is misrepresentation on the application a valid reason for denial in Colorado?

Only if it was material and intentional. For instance, forgetting to mention a past minor illness should not void a policy when it’s unrelated to the cause of death.

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

It can, but only if clearly stated and fairly applied. For example, if alcohol use was minor or unrelated to the death, we challenge these exclusions successfully.

What should I do about a denied ERISA life insurance claim in Colorado?

You must act carefully because ERISA allows only one appeal. For example, we prepare thorough appeals including medical evidence, legal arguments, and administrative errors to maximize success.

What if my life insurance claim was denied during the contestability period in Colorado?

Even during the contestability period, insurers must prove material misstatements. For instance, we dispute denials based on minor application errors that had no impact on insurability.

What if the insurer says Colorado law supports the denial?

Insurers often misstate Colorado law. For example, we frequently find exceptions in statutes or cases that support the beneficiary’s right to payment.

Which life insurance companies deny the most claims in Colorado?

Great-West Life is often cited for a high number of denials. However, we’ve challenged wrongful denials by nearly every major insurer active in Colorado.

Does Colorado have a law that removes an ex-spouse as beneficiary after divorce?

Yes, unless the designation was reaffirmed post-divorce. For example, if the insured didn’t update the policy after divorce, the ex-spouse may lose their claim.

Is Colorado a community property state, and can a spouse claim life insurance benefits?

No, Colorado is not a community property state. However, if marital funds paid premiums, we may argue that a surviving spouse has an interest in the benefit.

Can a will override the beneficiary listed on a Colorado life insurance policy?

No, a life insurance policy controls over a will. For instance, even if a will names a different heir, the listed policy beneficiary receives the payout unless fraud is proven.

What if the insured died while traveling or living overseas?

Death overseas can trigger denial attempts, but unless the policy clearly excludes foreign deaths, we argue coverage still applies and fight wrongful denials.

Can I challenge a last-minute beneficiary change in Colorado?

Yes, if the change was made under duress or mental incapacity. For example, we litigate cases where changes occurred days before death under suspicious conditions.

What happens if the insurer delays paying a valid claim for months?

Unjustified delays can amount to bad faith in Colorado. For instance, if a claim remains unpaid after 60–90 days without explanation, we file lawsuits for breach of contract and additional damages.

Can an insurer deny an accidental death claim by claiming it was natural causes?

Yes, but we frequently overturn such denials. For example, if a fatal accident was wrongly classified as a medical event, we use medical and forensic evidence to prove otherwise.

What if the agent filled out the application incorrectly?

If the agent caused the error, the insurer may still owe the benefit. For instance, if a policyholder disclosed a condition but the agent failed to record it, we hold the insurer accountable.

Can I sue for bad faith denial of a life insurance claim in Colorado?

Yes. Under Colorado law, you can sue for bad faith and seek punitive damages. For instance, wrongful denials that show unfair insurer tactics often lead to significant compensation.

Can a suicide exclusion be challenged in Colorado?

Yes, especially if the suicide exclusion period has expired. For example, if the death occurred three years after the policy began, the suicide clause would no longer apply.

Are life insurance claims from Colorado employers governed by ERISA?

Most are. For example, employer-provided life insurance generally falls under ERISA, requiring strict adherence to federal appeals and lawsuit rules.

What if the policyholder failed to disclose a medical condition?

If the omission was unrelated to the death or unintentional, insurers cannot deny payment. For instance, a missed allergy disclosure should not bar payment for an accidental death.

What happens if no one is listed as a beneficiary?

The proceeds usually go to the estate. For example, we assist families in Colorado probate court to recover life insurance benefits when no beneficiary was designated.

Can I dispute a suspicious or forged beneficiary designation?

Yes. For instance, if a signature looks forged or changes occurred under suspicious circumstances, we ask courts to void the fraudulent designation.

What notice must insurers give before canceling a policy in Colorado?

Insurers must give written advance notice before cancellation. If they don’t, for example, we can argue that the policy never properly lapsed and payment is still due.

What if my life insurance was issued through a Colorado union or association?

Union and association policies have different rules. For example, we file union appeals and lawsuits when members’ life insurance claims are wrongfully denied.

What if I’m one of multiple beneficiaries and there’s a dispute?

You are entitled to your portion unless otherwise stated. For instance, we help beneficiaries resolve disagreements when one co-beneficiary contests the division of funds.

Can a claim be denied if the insured was declared dead after disappearing?

Yes, until legal death is declared. For instance, after five years of absence, Colorado courts can declare death, allowing beneficiaries to pursue the insurance payout.

Can I reopen a denied life insurance claim in Colorado?

Yes. For example, if new evidence emerges or if the insurer misapplied the law, we can reopen and appeal a denied claim even months after the original decision.

Are life insurance proceeds protected from creditors in Colorado?

Yes, if there is a named beneficiary. For instance, if proceeds are left to a person instead of the estate, creditors generally cannot seize them.

What if policy language is vague or inconsistent?

Vague policy language is interpreted in favor of the policyholder. For instance, we successfully argue that unclear exclusions or definitions should benefit the insured’s family.

What if the insurer says the policy lapsed but we never got a notice?

If notice wasn’t sent properly, we challenge the lapse. For example, missing final premium notices often allow us to demand reinstatement of the policy.

Can a child listed as beneficiary receive life insurance proceeds directly?

No, a guardian or custodian must manage the funds. For instance, we help families establish court-approved guardianships to protect minor beneficiaries' proceeds.

Can multiple people claim the insured promised them the benefit?

Yes, but written policy documents control. For example, we defend rightful beneficiaries when others claim verbal promises without proper documentation.

Can a life insurance claim be denied if death occurred during an illegal act?

It can, but only if exclusions are clearly stated and proven. For instance, if death resulted from a minor violation instead of a felony, we challenge the denial.

How long do I have to contest a life insurance denial in Colorado?

Timelines vary by policy type. For example, ERISA claims typically require action within 180 days, so it’s important to contact us immediately after a denial.