Chicago Life Insurance Lawyer
Christian Lassen, Esq. | Quoted in The Wall Street Journal | 25 Years Experience
When should you hire a Chicago life insurance lawyer?
You should consider hiring a life insurance lawyer when a claim is denied, delayed, disputed, or challenged based on lapse, alleged misrepresentation, exclusions, or beneficiary conflicts. In Illinois, insurers must follow specific notice requirements, grace periods, and claim handling rules. An attorney helps enforce those rights and pursue payment of valid benefits.
A Chicago life insurance lawyer helps beneficiaries challenge denied, delayed, or contested life insurance claims after a death. In Illinois, claims may be governed by state insurance law or federal ERISA rules depending on how the policy was issued. When insurers fail to comply with these rules, legal action may be required to recover benefits.
The Lassen Law Firm represents families throughout Chicago and Cook County in Denied Life Insurance Claim and Delayed Life Insurance Claim matters. Our practice is devoted exclusively to life insurance litigation. We do not handle unrelated cases. Our work focuses on enforcing coverage after death and challenging insurer decisions that rely on technical or administrative defenses.
Attorney Christian Lassen has more than 25 years of experience handling life insurance disputes nationwide and has been quoted by The Wall Street Journal on insurance related legal issues. Chicago clients work directly with him from the initial review through appeal or litigation when necessary.
What a Chicago Life Insurance Lawyer Does
A Chicago life insurance lawyer represents beneficiaries after a claim is denied, delayed, or disputed. This includes reviewing the policy and claim file, determining whether Illinois law or ERISA applies, preparing appeals, and filing lawsuits when insurers refuse to pay valid benefits. The goal is to enforce the policy as written and hold insurers accountable for improper denials.
When You May Need a Life Insurance Attorney in Illinois
You may need legal representation if:
• Your life insurance claim was denied or delayed
• The insurer alleges the policy lapsed for nonpayment
• Misrepresentation is cited during the contestability period
• There is a dispute between beneficiaries
• The insurer filed a life insurance interpleader lawsuit
• The policy is governed by ERISA or federal law
Early legal review is especially important in ERISA cases, where deadlines are strict and evidence may be limited.
How We Handle Life Insurance Denials in Illinois
Life insurance claims in Illinois are governed either by state insurance law or federal law when coverage is provided through an employer or government program. Our review process focuses on identifying which legal framework applies and whether the insurer complied with its obligations.
We evaluate:
• Policy lapse and termination notices
• Grace period compliance
• Contestability and underwriting arguments
• Claim investigation delays
• Beneficiary designation validity
• ERISA appeal deadlines and record requirements
This process driven approach allows us to address denials strategically rather than reactively.
Illinois Life Insurance Rules That Often Affect Claims
Several Illinois specific rules frequently impact denied life insurance claims:
• Most policies include a grace period before coverage can lapse for missed premiums
• Insurers must provide proper notice before terminating coverage
• Policies are generally contestable only within the first two years
• Many employer provided policies are governed by ERISA, which imposes strict appeal deadlines
• Beneficiaries may file complaints with the Illinois Department of Insurance
Understanding how these rules apply is often critical to recovering benefits.
Why Life Insurance Claims Are Frequently Disputed in Chicago
Life insurance disputes in Chicago often reflect complex employment and family dynamics. Common issues include:
Employer sponsored group coverage affected by job changes or retirement
Union or collectively bargained benefit plans
Accidental deaths involving driving, transit, or workplace incidents
Blended families and prior marriages creating beneficiary conflicts
Policies purchased decades earlier with outdated records
Insurers frequently focus on administrative defenses rather than whether coverage was active at the time of death.
Common Reasons for Denial and How We Challenge Them
Policy Lapse Allegations
We review billing records, grace periods, and notice compliance under Life Insurance Lapse standards.
Misrepresentation Claims
We analyze whether alleged misstatements were material and relied upon during underwriting under Denied Life Insurance Claim principles.
Accidental Death Exclusions
We examine medical evidence, toxicology, and policy language in Denied AD&D Claim cases.
Beneficiary Disputes
We evaluate designation validity, capacity issues, and insurer obligations in Life Insurance Beneficiary Dispute matters.
Interpleader Lawsuits
When insurers refuse to decide who should be paid, we represent beneficiaries in Life Insurance Interpleader actions.
How We Appeal a Life Insurance Denial in Illinois
Obtain the complete policy and claim file
Determine whether Illinois law or ERISA applies
Identify procedural and substantive violations
Submit a comprehensive written appeal with supporting evidence
Prepare for litigation if the appeal is denied
This structured approach preserves rights and strengthens the claim from the outset.
Frequently Asked Questions About Life Insurance Claims in Illinois
What are the most common reasons life insurance claims are denied in Illinois?
Policy lapse allegations, misrepresentation during the contestability period, beneficiary disputes, and exclusions raised in accidental death claims are among the most common.
How long does a life insurance company have to pay a claim in Illinois?
Insurers are required to process and pay valid claims within a reasonable time once required documentation is received.
What should I do if my life insurance claim is denied?
Request the denial letter and full policy, avoid providing additional statements without review, and consult a life insurance attorney to protect appeal rights.
Can an insurer deny a claim for alleged misrepresentation?
Only material misrepresentations that affected underwriting decisions may justify denial, and the insurer bears the burden of proof.
Serving Clients Across Chicago and Cook County
We represent beneficiaries throughout Chicago and Cook County, including the Loop, Lincoln Park, Hyde Park, Bronzeville, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Bridgeport, Uptown, Edgewater, Pilsen, Humboldt Park, West Loop, South Shore, and the Near North Side. Cases may be handled remotely or in person depending on client needs.
What to Expect When You Contact Our Firm
Review of the policy and denial letter
Explanation of applicable law and deadlines
Clear strategy tailored to your specific claim
Appeals, negotiation, or litigation when required
Direct communication with your attorney throughout
Denied Life Insurance Claim in Chicago
Insurance companies often expect beneficiaries to accept a denial without challenge. You are not required to do that. If your claim involves delay, lapse allegations, misrepresentation, beneficiary conflicts, or an interpleader lawsuit, The Lassen Law Firm can help.
Call 800-330-2274 or submit your case online for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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: Jan 21, 2026 | Contact: 800-330-2274
Illinois Required Disclaimer If making comparative claims: “This comparison is based on publicly available data and is not intended to suggest superiority unless substantiated. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.”
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 rejected our claim, saying the treatment my wife was undergoing wasn’t FDA-approved. The Lassen team got expert testimony and proved the procedure wasn’t the cause of death. That made all the difference.”- Anthony J.
Why The Lassen Law Firm Is Different
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Proven National Results
With over two decades of exclusive focus on life insurance litigation, we’ve helped thousands of families recover wrongfully denied benefits. Our reputation for fast, strategic resolutions has made us a trusted national resource for complex claim disputes.
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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.
