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Auburn Life Insurance Attorney

Auburn Life Insurance Lawyer 

Christian Lassen, Esq. | Quoted in The Wall Street Journal | 25 Years Experience

In Auburn, a historic city along the Androscoggin River known for its strong sense of community, a denied life insurance claim can leave families financially vulnerable during an already painful time. At The Lassen Law Firm, we represent Auburn residents and families across Androscoggin County in fighting back against unfair claim delays and denials.

Focused Exclusively on Life Insurance Denials

Led by nationally recognized attorney Christian Lassen, our firm handles nothing but life insurance disputes. We’ve recovered hundreds of millions for beneficiaries just like you.

No Fees Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis. That means no upfront cost to you—and no fee at all unless we recover your life insurance payout.

Serving Auburn and All of Androscoggin County

Whether you're in downtown Auburn, near Festival Plaza, or across the river in Lewiston, we handle your case virtually. There’s no need for an office visit. We move fast and aggressively pursue your claim.

We Handle All Types of Life Insurance Disputes

Claim denials due to misrepresentation or application issues

Lapsed policies (often still collectible)

Denials within the contestability period

Employer-provided group life (ERISA) claims

Beneficiary disputes or multiple claims

Federal life insurance (FEGLI, SGLI)

Why Auburn Families Choose Us

25+ years of national life insurance litigation experience

Hundreds of millions recovered for clients in all 50 states

Known and respected by life insurance companies and feared in court

Personal, aggressive, and fast legal support

Contesting a Beneficiary in Auburn

Life insurance beneficiary disputes often arise when there are questions about a last-minute change, conflicting forms, or whether the policyholder had the capacity to make the designation.

We represent clients nationwide in cases involving:

  • Undue influence or coercion
  • Lack of mental capacity
  • Forged or suspicious beneficiary changes
  • Conflicts between spouses, children, or prior beneficiaries

Contesting a beneficiary designation requires strong evidence and a clear legal strategy. We work to challenge invalid designations and protect the rights of the rightful beneficiary.

Interpleader Lawyer in Auburn

When a life insurance company faces competing claims or unclear beneficiary designations, it may file an interpleader lawsuit and deposit the funds with the court instead of paying the claim.

We represent beneficiaries nationwide in interpleader actions and life insurance disputes involving:

  • Conflicting beneficiary claims
  • Disputed beneficiary changes
  • Divorce or remarriage issues
  • Allegations of undue influence or fraud

Once an interpleader is filed, the case becomes a legal dispute between claimants. We work to protect rightful beneficiaries and pursue recovery of the full policy proceeds.

Denied Life Insurance Claim FAQ

Can a life insurance claim be denied during the contestability period because the insured failed to disclose prior chest X ray findings?

Yes. During the contestability period, insurers may review medical records and imaging results. If the insurer believes the insured failed to disclose abnormal findings that would have affected underwriting, it may attempt to rescind the policy.

Can a life insurance claim be denied because of an exclusion related to skydiving or parachuting?

Some life insurance policies contain exclusions related to certain high risk aerial activities. If the insurer determines the death occurred during an activity listed in the exclusion, it may attempt to deny the claim.

Can an ERISA life insurance claim be denied because the employee did not satisfy the plan’s eligibility waiting period?

Yes. Employer group life insurance plans governed by ERISA often require employees to complete a waiting period before coverage begins. If the insurer claims the employee died before meeting that requirement, it may deny the claim.

Can a FEGLI life insurance claim be disputed if the beneficiary designation form contains multiple versions in the agency file?

Yes. If several Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance designation forms appear in the employee’s file, the insurer may review the records to determine which designation controls.

Can an SGLI life insurance claim be delayed if the beneficiary designation lists a minor as the beneficiary?

Yes. If the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance designation names a minor, the insurer may delay payment while determining how the benefit should legally be distributed.

Can a VGLI life insurance claim be denied if the veteran stopped paying premiums before death?

Yes. Veterans’ Group Life Insurance policies must remain active through regular premium payments. If the policy lapsed due to nonpayment before the insured’s death, the insurer may deny the claim.

What is a beneficiary dispute in a life insurance claim?

A beneficiary dispute occurs when multiple individuals claim the same life insurance proceeds or when someone challenges the validity of the beneficiary designation.

What happens when a life insurance company files an interpleader action?

When an insurer files an interpleader action, it deposits the policy proceeds with the court because there are competing claims. The court determines which claimant is entitled to receive the funds.

Can a life insurance claim be denied during the contestability period because the insured failed to disclose ongoing medical monitoring?

Yes. If the insurer believes the insured failed to disclose monitoring for a medical condition that would have influenced underwriting decisions, it may attempt to rescind the policy during the contestability period.

Can an ERISA life insurance claim be denied because the employer reported incorrect employment hours?

Yes. Administrative errors sometimes occur when employers transmit payroll or hours information to insurers. The insurer may dispute the claim based on its records.

Can a FEGLI claim lead to an interpleader lawsuit when several people claim the benefit?

Yes. If competing claims are made to the FEGLI proceeds, the insurer may file an interpleader action so a court can determine the rightful beneficiary.

Can an SGLI claim be challenged if family members believe the beneficiary designation was forged?

Yes. If someone alleges the designation form was forged or improperly completed, the insurer may delay payment while the dispute is investigated.

Can a VGLI claim involve a dispute between the named beneficiary and the insured’s spouse?

Yes. A spouse or other relatives may challenge the validity of a beneficiary designation if they believe it is outdated or invalid.

Can a life insurance claim be denied because of an exclusion related to illegal conduct?

Some policies contain exclusions for deaths that occur during certain unlawful acts. If the insurer believes the exclusion applies to the circumstances of the death, it may attempt to deny the claim.

Can an ERISA life insurance claim be denied because the employee was not listed in the insurer’s eligibility database?

Yes. Insurers often rely on eligibility files submitted by employers. If the employee was not included in those records, the insurer may deny the claim.

Can a FEGLI claim be delayed if the insurer cannot determine which beneficiary designation form is the most recent?

Yes. If multiple designation forms exist, the insurer may review the records to determine which one controls before paying the claim.

Can an SGLI claim result in an interpleader action when several claimants assert rights to the proceeds?

Yes. When competing claims are made to the SGLI proceeds, the insurer may deposit the funds with the court through an interpleader action.

Can a VGLI claim be denied if the policy lapsed because premiums were not paid?

Yes. Veterans’ Group Life Insurance policies require regular premium payments to remain active. If the policy lapsed before death, the insurer may deny the claim.

Can a life insurance claim be denied because of an aviation related exclusion?

Some policies contain exclusions for deaths that occur during certain aviation activities. If the insurer believes the exclusion applies to the circumstances of the death, it may attempt to deny the claim.

Can a beneficiary dispute delay payment of life insurance benefits?

Yes. When competing claims or challenges to the beneficiary designation arise, insurers often delay payment or file an interpleader action until the dispute is resolved.

 

Call 800-330-2274 now for a free consultation
You can also submit your claim online and receive a same-day evaluation.

Written & Reviewed by Christian Lassen, Esq.
National Life Insurance Lawyer | 25+ Years’ Experience
Quoted in The Wall Street Journal (May 17, 2025)
Last reviewed: Jan 3, 2026

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!

  • 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.

  • No. In most states, insurers must send a written notice of overdue premiums and warn of pending lapse before terminating coverage.

  • The policy may still be enforceable. Beneficiaries can challenge the lapse based on the insurer’s failure to provide required notice.

  • Yes. If the insured dies during the grace period, the policy is still considered active, and benefits should be paid.

  • Yes. In group life insurance policies, employers sometimes fail to forward premiums properly, leading to wrongful lapse denials.

  • Yes. If automatic payment setups fail through no fault of the insured, lapses may be challenged.

  • Some policies automatically borrow against cash value to cover missed payments. Failure to apply this correctly can lead to wrongful lapse claims.

  • Possibly. Some courts excuse nonpayment if the insured was mentally incapacitated and missed premiums without proper notice.

  • No. Reinstatement must occur while the insured is alive, but wrongful lapse denials can still be challenged posthumously.

  • Not without following strict notice and grace period rules. Beneficiaries can often challenge technical denials.

  • Deadlines vary by state, but it’s critical to act within 1 to 5 years depending on the policy and jurisdiction.

  • Not necessarily. Payments mailed within grace periods or accepted by insurers may keep coverage active.

  • Bank records, payment receipts, insurer correspondence, and premium notices are key evidence.

  • If the insurer used an outdated address despite updated information, lapse denials can often be overturned.

  • Possibly. If the insured submitted a reinstatement application before death, it may help challenge a lapse denial.

  • In some states, special grace periods and protections applied during COVID-19 emergencies. They can help fight wrongful lapses.

  • Only if the insurer followed all legal notice and grace period requirements. Otherwise, beneficiaries may still recover.

  • Misapplied premiums can lead to wrongful lapses — and courts often hold insurers accountable for these errors.

  • 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
    Application Incomplete Allegation
    “The insurer said the application wasn’t complete, so the claim couldn’t be processed. I felt helpless until I hired Lassen Law. They located the original records and showed that everything was properly submitted. Case closed.”
    - Christopher A.

Why The Lassen Law Firm Is Different

  • 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.

  • Recognized Expertise
    Perfect 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.
  • Client-First Advocacy
    No upfront fees: our contingency fee guarantee aligns our interests with yours; we provide personalized, compassionate representation from your initial consultation through resolution.
  • Media & Community Leadership
    Quoted in The Wall Street Journal and featured in leading legal publications; frequent speaker at national conferences; dedicated to charitable efforts supporting pediatric cancer care.

Do You Need a Life Insurance Lawyer?

Please contact us for a free legal review of your claim. Every submission is confidential and reviewed by an experienced life insurance attorney, not a call center or case manager. There is no fee unless we win.

We handle denied and delayed claims, beneficiary disputes, ERISA denials, interpleader lawsuits, and policy lapse cases.

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