Life Insurance Lawyer Chicago Il

"Life Insurance Lawyers for Chicago, IL – The Lassen Law Firm" In Chicago, a dynamic city where stunning architecture meets a rich cultural landscape, navigating life insurance claims can still be a complex and challenging process—especially when benefits are unfairly delayed or denied. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping families and individuals in Chicago secure the financial protection they deserve. Whether you’re in the vibrant Loop, near the iconic Navy Pier, or anywhere across Cook County, we provide trusted legal expertise and personalized support every step of the way. Our experienced and trusted Illinois life insurance lawyers are here to help.

With a nationwide record of recovering hundreds of millions in life insurance claims, The Lassen Law Firm delivers compassionate advocacy, relentless representation, and proven results for Chicago residents seeking justice in their insurance disputes.

2025 Chicago Illinois Denied Life Insurance Claims

Securian Financial Group contested $34,000.00
Vantis Life COVID 19 death delay $150,000.00
SGLI dispute with beneficiaries $400,000.00
Chicago Illinois denied life insurance claim $388,000.00
Sagicor coronavirus death benefit dispute $190,000.00
Primerica interpleader claim $120,000.00
Garden State life insurance claim $56,000.00
Chicago Accidental Death & Dismemberment claim $760,000.00
Aviva Life autoerotic asphyxiation claim $301,000.00
ING Group denial of benefits $105,000.00
Penn Mutual beneficiary dispute $155,000.00
Nationwide ife insurance claim denial $353,000.00
Ohio National drowning death $148,000.00
ING act of war exclusion won $88,000.00
New Era chronic illness denial $43,000.00
American Enterprise policy lapse $109,000.00
Unum contestable period delay $50,000.00

Questions about life insurance claims in Chicago

Can a Chicago life insurance claim be denied if the insured failed to disclose therapy sessions?
Yes, if the omission was material and discovered during the two-year contestability period. However, if the therapy was for non-life-threatening conditions and unrelated to the death, the denial could be challenged under Illinois insurance law.

What happens if a Chicago policyholder died shortly after switching insurers and the new policy hadn’t taken effect?
If the prior policy lapsed and the new one wasn’t yet active, the family may be left without coverage. However, if any form of temporary or conditional coverage was in place, beneficiaries may still be able to file a valid claim.

Can a Chicago insurer deny a life insurance claim if the death occurred during a recreational shooting accident?
Only if the policy contains a specific exclusion for high-risk hobbies or firearm-related incidents. Most standard life policies do not exclude accidental firearm deaths unless they were tied to illegal activity.

Is a handwritten beneficiary change valid in Chicago if the insurer never received it?
No. Illinois requires life insurance beneficiary changes to be submitted and accepted by the insurer. A handwritten note or informal change is not enforceable unless it was properly filed and acknowledged by the insurance company.

Does Illinois law automatically remove a former spouse as a beneficiary after divorce in Chicago?
Yes. Under Illinois law, a divorce generally revokes a former spouse’s right to collect life insurance unless the designation was reaffirmed after the divorce. This law protects against unintended payouts to ex-spouses.

Can a life insurance policy in Chicago be contested if the beneficiary was changed while the insured was in a nursing facility?
Yes. If the change occurred while the policyholder was vulnerable or cognitively impaired, family members can challenge the designation in probate court by showing undue influence or lack of capacity.

What if the insurer in Chicago claims the policy lapsed but the insured’s bank shows regular payments?
Bank records can be used to prove that premiums were paid. If the insurer accepted payments after the alleged lapse date, Illinois law may consider the policy still in force, and any denial could be considered wrongful.

Are life insurance payouts in Chicago subject to Illinois income tax or estate claims?
Life insurance benefits paid to named individuals are generally not taxed as income in Illinois. However, if the policy pays into the estate, the proceeds may be subject to probate and creditor claims.

Can a Chicago employer be held responsible for a denied group life insurance claim?
Yes. If the employer misrepresented coverage, failed to complete enrollment, or withheld important policy information, they may be liable. Illinois courts allow beneficiaries to sue employers for negligent benefits administration.

Can a Chicago life insurance claim be denied if the policyholder had a criminal record?
Not unless the death occurred while committing a crime and the policy includes a relevant exclusion. Criminal history alone is not grounds for denial unless directly tied to the cause of death and specified in the policy.

Can a claim in Chicago be denied for suicide?
Only if the suicide occurred within the two-year exclusion window, which is standard in Illinois policies. After that period, suicide is treated like any other cause of death, and the insurer must pay.

What if a Chicago beneficiary learns about a policy years after the insured’s death?
If the policy was active at the time of death and no claim was filed, the insurer may still pay. Illinois has no strict deadline, but claims may require additional verification. Beneficiaries should also check the state’s unclaimed property database.

Can a life insurance company in Chicago deny a claim while “still investigating” months after it was filed?
Insurers must act in a reasonable timeframe. If delays exceed 60 days without valid reason, the beneficiary can file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Insurance and pursue legal action for bad faith.

Can two people in Chicago claim the same life insurance benefit?
Yes, and if there's a dispute over who the rightful beneficiary is, the insurer may file an interpleader in Cook County court. A judge will then determine who receives the benefit.

What happens if a Chicago policyholder died during the grace period after missing a premium?
Illinois law requires a 30-day grace period. If death occurs during this time, the policy remains in force and the claim must be honored unless another exclusion applies.

Can an insurance company in Chicago deny a claim based on incomplete answers in the application?
Only if the incomplete information was material and the death occurred within the contestability period. Denials based on technicalities are scrutinized under Illinois law, especially if the insured acted in good faith.

Can a caregiver in Chicago be removed as a life insurance beneficiary if they were named near the end of life?
Yes, if family members can prove undue influence or lack of capacity. Illinois courts consider the timing of the change and the circumstances under which it was made.

Can a life insurance claim be denied in Chicago if the death happened out of state or overseas?
Not unless the policy included a foreign death exclusion, which is rare. Life insurance is generally portable, and death outside Illinois does not void the policy.

Are verbal agreements to change beneficiaries enforceable in Chicago?
No. Changes must be in writing and accepted by the insurer. Verbal promises or intentions are not legally recognized under Illinois contract law without formal submission.

Can a claim in Chicago be denied if the policyholder was undergoing experimental medical treatment at the time of death?
Not unless the policy includes exclusions related to experimental procedures, which is uncommon. Insurers in Illinois must honor claims unless the treatment directly triggered a clearly defined exclusion.

For more information on insurance regulations and consumer protections in Illinois, you can visit the Illinois Department of Insurance or explore nationwide insurance resources through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).