Kansas Life Insurance Lawyer

Life Insurance Lawyers Serving All 105 Kansas Counties

Christian Lassen, Esq. | 25 Years Experience | Hundreds of Millions Recovered

If your life insurance claim was denied in Kansas, you're not alone and you're not without options. At The Lassen Law Firm, we focus exclusively on life insurance litigation and have helped families throughout Kansas recover millions in wrongfully denied death benefits. Whether your case involves a policy lapse, misrepresentation allegation, or a contested beneficiary change, we have the experience to challenge the denial and pursue the full payout.

Led by nationally recognized life insurance attorney Christian Lassen, quoted by The Wall Street Journal and rated 10.0 by AVVO, our firm serves clients in every region of Kansas. We handle denied life insurance claims in all 105 counties and never charge a fee unless we recover for you.

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

It’s not uncommon for life insurance companies in Kansas to deny claims on questionable grounds, creating unnecessary hardship for grieving families. If you're facing a life insurance benefit denial in Kansas, The Lassen Law Firm is prepared to fight for the compensation you're entitled to receive.

Life insurance beneficiary disputes in Kansas can lead to lengthy legal battles, especially when policy changes are made under questionable circumstances. If you're involved in a life insurance beneficiary dispute in Kansas, The Lassen Law Firm is ready to help you resolve the issue and secure the benefits you deserve.

In Kansas, life insurance companies may respond to contested claims by filing an interpleader action in Kansas, asking the court to determine the rightful beneficiary and resolve the dispute.

Life insurance claims in Kansas can be tough to navigate, especially when dealing with denied payouts or bad faith insurance practices. At The Lassen Law Firm, we’re here to help residents of the Sunflower State recover the benefits they deserve. 

As life insurance lawyers handling cases across all 50 states, we’ve recovered hundreds of millions in policies for our clients. At The Lassen Law Firm, we combine expertise, dedication, and personalized attention to ensure justice for every client. 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 25 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.

Life Insurance Denied in Kansas? We’ll Help You Fight Back

Life insurance is meant to protect families during the hardest times. When an insurance company refuses to honor that promise, it can cause financial and emotional stress. In Kansas, many beneficiaries experience wrongful denials, unnecessary delays, or underpayment of life insurance claims. If you are facing challenges collecting life insurance proceeds, our Kansas life insurance attorneys are ready to step in and demand the benefits you’re owed. If your accidental death insurance claim was denied in Kansas, we can help you challenge the decision and seek the benefits your loved one intended you to receive.

Insurance companies are skilled at justifying their decisions. They may claim technical errors, policy exclusions, or alleged misrepresentations to avoid paying. But under Kansas law, you have the right to challenge an unfair denial. Our team offers free consultations, and we only collect fees if we successfully recover benefits for you.

Contestability Period and Life Insurance Disputes in Kansas

Kansas life insurance policies typically contain a two-year contestability period. During this period, insurers have greater freedom to contest claims based on alleged misstatements made during the application process. Once two years have passed, their ability to rescind the policy becomes very limited unless they can prove outright fraud.

Importantly, the mistake or omission must be material, meaning it would have changed the insurer’s decision to offer coverage or the terms of the policy. Under Kansas law, minor inaccuracies, misunderstandings, or unimportant omissions generally do not justify rescission or denial after death.

If your claim has been denied under the guise of a contestability review, it is critical to have an experienced attorney assess whether the insurer’s actions are legally sustainable.

Common Reasons Life Insurance Claims Are Denied in Kansas

Although every denial is unique, certain reasons tend to appear over and over. In Kansas, we often see denials based on:

Application Misstatements

Claims that the insured omitted or misstated medical history, prescriptions, or lifestyle habits.

Policy Lapse Due to Missed Payments

Kansas insurers may reject claims based on nonpayment, but in many cases the policy lapse dispute centers around missed notices or administrative oversights, not the policyholder’s fault.

Exclusions for Specific Causes of Death

Deaths from activities such as aviation, dangerous hobbies, suicide within the exclusion period, or illegal conduct may be denied based on the fine print of the policy.

Beneficiary Disputes

When multiple individuals claim the right to proceeds, insurers may delay payment or require court intervention.

Errors in Group Insurance Enrollment

Administrative mistakes by employers can unfairly strip beneficiaries of expected group coverage.

Criminal Investigations Delaying Payment

Insurers sometimes delay benefits when deaths are suspicious, but such delays must be reasonable and cannot continue indefinitely.

These reasons can sound intimidating, but a knowledgeable Kansas life insurance attorney can often break down the insurer’s arguments and push for full payment.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Life Insurance Claim Denial in Kansas

After receiving a denial, time is not on your side. Protect your rights by taking these actions:

• Request the full insurance policy and application documents from the insurer.
• Review the denial letter closely, documenting all stated reasons for nonpayment.
• Keep all communication records, including emails, letters, and notes from phone calls.
• Avoid sending additional statements or documents to the insurer without consulting an attorney.
• Contact a Kansas life insurance lawyer as soon as possible to evaluate your next steps.

Strict deadlines may apply, especially if the life insurance policy was part of an employer-sponsored plan governed by ERISA.

How Our Kansas Life Insurance Attorneys Handle Denied Claims

Life insurance companies count on beneficiaries giving up, but with the right legal strategy, many denials can be successfully overturned. When you work with our firm, we will:

• Review your policy, the denial, and all supporting documents in detail.
• Challenge improper contestability rescissions and technical defenses.
• Communicate directly with the insurance company so you don’t have to.
• Prepare and file administrative appeals where necessary.
• Initiate lawsuits against insurers who refuse to honor valid claims.
• Pursue additional damages if the insurer’s conduct rises to the level of bad faith under Kansas law.

Our mission is simple: secure your rightful benefits efficiently, aggressively, and with the respect and attention your case deserves.

Federal life insurance claims, including those under FEGLI and SGLI, are sometimes denied due to miscommunication or agency error. Our firm represents Kansas beneficiaries in challenging denied Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance claims and denied Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance payouts after a covered loss.

If your policy was issued through your job, it may fall under ERISA, which has strict procedural rules. We help Kansas clients appeal denied ERISA life insurance claims and ensure their rights are protected under federal law.

Kansas Denied Life Insurance Claims: Answers to Common Questions

My Kansas life insurance claim was denied, what should I do?

You should immediately speak with a Kansas life insurance attorney. We recently helped a widow in Wichita overturn a denial where the insurer claimed a missing signature invalidated the policy, despite clear premium payment history.

What if I’ve been named in a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in Kansas?

You need legal representation fast. In a Salina case, we defended a son’s right to benefits after his father’s ex-spouse filed a competing claim using an outdated beneficiary form.

How are beneficiary disputes resolved under Kansas life insurance law?

These often come down to timing and influence. In a Garden City dispute, we proved that a last-minute change favoring a caregiver was invalid due to the insured’s lack of mental capacity.

Why do insurance companies in Kansas deny accidental death claims?

They often try to reclassify the death as illness-related. In Lawrence, we challenged a denial after a farmer’s tractor rollover was blamed on a “suspected stroke” with no medical basis.

Can a life insurance claim be denied for policy lapse in Kansas?

Yes, but not if the insurer violated notice laws. In Hays, we reinstated coverage after proving the company failed to mail a proper grace period notice to the updated address on file.

Can insurers reject claims over errors on the application?

Only if the error was both material and intentional. We beat a denial in Leavenworth where the insured forgot to mention high cholesterol, which had nothing to do with the cause of death.

Does alcohol in the system automatically void a life insurance claim in Kansas?

No. In Dodge City, we forced payment after the insurer pointed to a BAC reading despite no evidence that alcohol contributed to the fall that caused the death.

What if my employer-provided life insurance claim in Kansas is denied?

That may fall under ERISA. In Overland Park, we successfully appealed an ERISA group policy denial involving a school district employee by compiling expert affidavits and employment records.

What can I do if my claim was denied during the contestability period?

Even within the first two years, denials must be based on proven, material misrepresentation. We recently reversed a denial out of Manhattan after a typo in a medication name was used to deny payment.

What if my denial cites Kansas law?

Insurers often misapply the law. We successfully challenged a denial in Olathe where the company wrongly invoked Kansas’ slayer statute despite no criminal charges being filed.

Are there insurers in Kansas known for frequent claim denials?

Yes. We often see problematic denials from Kansas City Life, Americo, and Security Benefit Life.

What happens to the beneficiary designation after divorce in Kansas?

Kansas law typically revokes an ex-spouse’s beneficiary status unless reaffirmed post-divorce. In Junction City, we helped a daughter secure payment after an ex-wife tried to collect.

Is Kansas a community property state, and how might that affect my claim?

No. But we recently helped a Lenexa widow assert her marital interest in a policy purchased with joint assets, despite not being named as a beneficiary.

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

No. In Emporia, we defended a grandson’s claim after a relative tried to use a will to redirect proceeds that were already contractually promised.

What if the insured died overseas?

Insurers often delay or deny these claims. We helped a family in Liberal recover after a death occurred while the insured was working abroad in Brazil.

Can I contest a suspicious beneficiary change in Kansas?

Yes. In a Hutchinson case, we reinstated the original beneficiaries after proving that a change submitted a week before death was signed under pressure.

How long is too long for a life insurer to delay payment?

If more than 30–60 days pass with no clear reason, it could be bad faith. In Topeka, we forced payment plus statutory interest after a 100-day delay.

What if the insurer claims the death wasn’t accidental?

They often try this tactic. In Atchison, we countered a claim that a drowning was due to natural causes and secured AD&D benefits using expert forensic reports.

Can mistakes by the insurance agent affect my claim?

Yes, but not always in the way insurers hope. In Chanute, we proved that a misfiled health disclosure was the agent’s fault, and forced the insurer to pay.

Can I sue for bad faith life insurance denial in Kansas?

Absolutely. In a case out of Great Bend, we obtained punitive damages after proving the insurer ignored medical records that clearly supported the claim.

How long does a suicide exclusion last under Kansas law?

Typically two years. We reversed a denial in Winfield where the policy had been in force for over four years and no credible suicide evidence existed.

What happens if a health condition wasn’t disclosed in the application?

If it’s unrelated to the death and not intentional, the insurer can't void the policy. We overturned such a denial in Pratt involving an undisclosed allergy.

What if no beneficiary was named on the life insurance policy?

The benefit goes to the estate. We helped a probate administrator in Beloit secure the full payout for the decedent’s children.

Can I challenge a beneficiary form that looks altered or forged?

Yes. In Parsons, we used handwriting experts and witness testimony to invalidate a fraudulent change made days before the insured passed away.

Can a policy be canceled without proper notice?

No. In Independence, we reinstated a policy after the insurer failed to comply with Kansas notice requirements before lapse.

Are union-sponsored life insurance policies handled differently?

Often. We helped a Teamsters widow in Kansas City navigate union appeal rules after an administrative error led to denial.

If I'm a co-beneficiary, can I be denied my portion of the payout?

Not legally. In McPherson, we defended a 50% share after the other beneficiary tried to claim the entire benefit.

Can I file a claim if the insured disappeared and was later presumed dead?

Yes. We helped a family in Salina obtain a court-issued presumption of death, which triggered the policy payout.

How much time do I have to appeal a denied life insurance claim?

ERISA appeals usually must be filed within 60 days. For non-ERISA policies, the timeline may vary, but early legal action is always best.

Are life insurance proceeds protected from creditors in Kansas?

Generally yes, when a beneficiary is named. In a probate case from El Dorado, we defended a payout against a business creditor’s claim.

Can unclear wording in a policy justify denial?

Not under Kansas law. We challenged an ambiguous “high-risk activity” clause after a biking accident near Baldwin City and won full payment.

If a policy lapses, can it be reinstated?

Yes, if the insurer failed to follow proper cancellation procedures. We recently reinstated a policy in Ottawa after proving the notice was sent to the wrong address.

Can a child be named a life insurance beneficiary in Kansas?

Yes, but a guardian must manage the funds. We assisted a Wichita family in setting up a custodial account for their minor son’s benefit.

What if several people say the insured promised them the policy money?

Verbal promises don’t override written designations. In a Dodge City case, we defended the named beneficiary from multiple informal claims.

Can life insurance claims be denied due to illegal activity?

Only if the exclusion is clearly stated and proven. We beat a denial in Coffeyville where the “illegal act” was merely a misdemeanor citation.

Can a denied claim in Kansas be reopened after time has passed?

Yes, in many cases. We reopened a claim in Lawrence six months after denial by uncovering new medical records and proving the insurer mishandled the original investigation.

Life Insurance Disputes in Kansas: Real Cases, Real Recoveries

Denied life insurance claims in Kansas often come down to one thing, whether the insurer followed the rules or bent them to avoid paying. In Topeka, we represented a woman whose late husband’s $300,000 policy was canceled two weeks before his death. The insurer pointed to nonpayment, but the couple had recently moved, and no notice had reached them. We subpoenaed internal correspondence from the insurance company and found evidence the notice was never mailed. The claim was paid in full after we filed suit.

Kansas doesn’t operate under community property laws, but we’ve handled multiple disputes where spouses were left out of policies unintentionally. In Overland Park, we represented a wife excluded from her husband’s group life policy due to an HR enrollment error. Because the coverage was tied to his employer, ERISA applied, and we were able to overturn the denial through a targeted administrative appeal.

Federal interpleader lawsuits are also common here. The U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas in Wichita has seen numerous filings where two or more people claim the same benefit. One case we handled involved a last-minute beneficiary change made by a man in hospice care. The insurer filed interpleader, naming both his daughter and longtime partner. We proved the change was made under undue influence, and the daughter received the full $275,000 benefit.

Another Kansas City case involved an accidental death claim initially denied due to “alcohol involvement.” Our review of the toxicology report found the BAC was under the exclusion threshold listed in the policy. After we cited Kansas-specific bad faith case law in our demand letter, the insurer quickly settled.

What sets Kansas apart is how often technical denials fall apart under scrutiny. Whether it’s a missed premium, a contested signature, or a vague exclusion clause, these cases require a careful balance of federal and state law. With decades of experience handling complex disputes in Kansas, we’re prepared to dig into the details and win.

Contact us for a free consultation.

Written & Reviewed by Christian Lassen, Esq., Nationally recognized life insurance lawyer: 25 years experience, hundreds of millions recovered.  Quoted in The Wall Street Journal ( May 17, 2025).

Last reviewed: June 14, 2025 | Contact 800-330-2274