Life Insurance Lawyer Joliet Il
"Life Insurance Lawyers for Joliet, IL – The Lassen Law Firm" In Joliet, a city rich in history and known for its iconic landmarks like the Rialto Square Theatre and Old Joliet Prison, navigating life insurance claims can still be a challenging experience—especially when benefits are unfairly delayed or denied. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping families and individuals in Joliet secure the financial protection they deserve. Whether you’re near the bustling downtown area, along the scenic Des Plaines River, or anywhere across Will 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.
Having recovered hundreds of millions in life insurance claims nationwide, The Lassen Law Firm delivers compassionate care, relentless advocacy, and trusted results for Joliet residents seeking justice in insurance disputes.
2025 Joliet Illinois Denied Life Insurance Claims
- Ohio National denied life claim $259,000.00
- USAA COVID 19 death benefit denial $111,000.00
- Midland National exclusion denial $63,000.00
- Joliet Illinois denied life insurance claim $504,000.00
- SGLI dispute 3 beneficiaries $400,000.00
- Kuvare coronavirus death benefit $109,000.00
- MetLife interpleader we won $310,000.00
- Joliet Accidental Death & Dismemberment $25,000.00
- Principal Financial autoerotic asphyxiation $61,400.00
- SBI chronic illness exclusion death benefit $21,000.00
- Standard Insurance sickness exclusion $24,000.00
- Thrivent contested by ex-wfe $95,000.00
- Cincinnati Life beneficiary dispute $125,000.00
- Prudential Financial divorce issue $27,000.00
- Horace Mann ex-spouse contested $106,000.00
Questions about life insurance claims in Joliet, Illinois
Can a life insurance claim in Joliet be denied if the policyholder failed to disclose a history of depression?
Yes, but only if the omission was material to the risk and the death occurred during the contestability period. If the depression had no bearing on the death and the application questions were answered truthfully, the denial can often be challenged under Illinois insurance law.
What happens if a Joliet policyholder died before their life insurance application was fully approved?
If the insurer accepted a premium and issued conditional or temporary coverage, the policy may be enforceable. In Will County courts, judges often look at whether the insurer’s actions suggested an intent to bind coverage.
Can a Joliet life insurance policy be enforced if the insurer says the policyholder’s signature was missing?
Possibly. If premiums were accepted and coverage was initiated, a missing signature alone may not invalidate the contract. Illinois courts focus on evidence of mutual intent rather than technical paperwork errors.
Does Illinois law revoke a life insurance beneficiary designation after divorce in Joliet?
Yes. Divorce automatically revokes an ex-spouse’s right to life insurance benefits unless the policyholder reaffirmed them after the divorce. This protects Joliet residents from unintended payouts to former spouses.
Can a life insurance policy in Joliet be contested if a caregiver was added as beneficiary during hospice care?
Yes. Late-stage beneficiary changes, particularly when the insured is seriously ill, are closely scrutinized. Family members can contest the change by showing undue influence or mental incapacity.
Is a Joliet life insurance claim valid if the insured died during the grace period for a missed payment?
Yes. Illinois mandates a 30- or 31-day grace period for late payments. If the insured dies during that time, the policy remains active and the death benefit must be paid unless another exclusion applies.
Can a Joliet life insurance claim be reduced due to unpaid policy loans?
Yes, but only the loan balance and accrued interest can be deducted. For example, if the insured borrowed $10,000 against the policy, that amount would be subtracted from the payout, not the entire claim denied.
What if a Joliet insurer continued accepting auto-payments after claiming the policy lapsed?
If premiums were accepted after the alleged lapse date, Illinois law may view that as a waiver of the lapse. Beneficiaries can often successfully fight a denial based on this insurer behavior.
Are life insurance proceeds in Joliet subject to probate or creditor claims?
Generally no, if paid to a named beneficiary. However, if the payout goes into the deceased’s estate, it can become part of probate proceedings and subject to debts owed by the estate.
Can a Joliet life insurance claim be denied if the insured died outside Illinois?
No. Death in another state or country does not void a life insurance policy unless there’s a rare foreign death exclusion. Claims may be delayed for document verification but should not be denied outright.
Can a Joliet life insurance policy be reinstated after the policyholder’s death?
No. Reinstatement must happen while the insured is alive. However, if a lapse was caused by an insurer’s error—like sending notices to the wrong address—beneficiaries may still fight to enforce the policy.
What happens if two people in Joliet claim the same life insurance payout?
The insurer will likely deposit the funds into court through an interpleader action in Will County. A judge will decide based on the beneficiary forms, witness testimony, and medical evidence, if needed.
Is a Joliet life insurance claim valid if the original policy document is missing?
Yes. Beneficiaries do not need the physical policy if the insurer’s internal records show coverage existed. Proof of death and the insured’s identity are sufficient to start the claim.
Can a Joliet life insurance claim be denied because the insured didn’t disclose a past DUI arrest?
Only if the application specifically asked about criminal history and the omission was material to underwriting. If the DUI had no bearing on the cause of death, the denial may be successfully challenged.
What happens if a Joliet employer told an employee they had life insurance, but never processed enrollment?
If the employee relied on that representation and paid premiums or believed they had coverage, the employer may be held liable for negligent benefits administration. Illinois courts allow claims against employers in these cases.
Can an informal note found in a Joliet home override the life insurance company’s beneficiary records?
No. Only properly submitted and accepted beneficiary change forms are valid. A personal note or will expressing a wish to change beneficiaries is not enforceable unless fraud or forgery can be proven.
Does Illinois allow bad faith lawsuits if a Joliet life insurer wrongfully denies a claim?
Yes. Illinois law permits beneficiaries to sue for bad faith if the insurer denies a valid claim without reasonable investigation. Damages can include the policy payout, interest, legal fees, and sometimes punitive damages.
Can a child be named as a life insurance beneficiary in Joliet?
Yes, but minors cannot directly control life insurance funds. A guardian or custodian will be appointed to manage the proceeds until the child reaches 18 or 21, depending on the arrangement.
Can a Joliet life insurance claim be denied if the insured failed to disclose cancer on their application?
If the policyholder knew of the diagnosis and intentionally withheld it, and death occurred within the contestability period, the insurer may deny the claim. However, if the cancer was undiscovered or unrelated to the death, the denial may be contested.
What should a Joliet beneficiary do if they discover a life insurance policy years after the insured's death?
Contact the insurance company and provide proof of death and relationship to the insured. If no prior claim was filed, the benefit may still be recoverable. The Illinois Treasurer’s I-Cash program can also help locate unclaimed life insurance benefits.
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).