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Lewiston Life Insurance Attorney

Lewiston Life Insurance Lawyer

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

In Lewiston, where deep roots and community values define the city, a denied life insurance claim can place even more stress on grieving families. At The Lassen Law Firm, we help people in Lewiston and throughout Androscoggin County recover the life insurance benefits they are rightfully owed. If your claim was delayed, denied, or disputed, we’re ready to act.

Trusted Nationwide, Focused on Maine

Christian Lassen, Esq., a nationally recognized life insurance attorney, has recovered hundreds of millions for clients across all 50 states. Our firm handles nothing but life insurance claim disputes and we do it with speed, precision, and compassion.

No Recovery. No Fee.

You’ll never pay us a cent unless we win your case.

We Serve All of Lewiston and Androscoggin County

Whether you’re near Bates College, the Androscoggin River, or further out in the Auburn-Lewiston metro area, we handle cases remotely and statewide, no office visits required.

What We Handle

Claims denied for alleged misrepresentation or non-disclosure

Policies voided during the contestability period

Lapse-related denials after missed premiums

ERISA claims involving employer-provided group policies

Disputes between multiple beneficiaries

Denials under federal plans like FEGLI or SGLI

Sample Recoveries

$425,000 paid after a group policy denial due to technical lapse

$600,000 won in a beneficiary dispute involving a forged change form

$2.1 million secured for a widow whose husband’s accidental death benefit was refused

Contesting a Beneficiary in Lewiston

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 Lewiston

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 emergency room visits?

Yes. During the contestability period, insurers may review hospital and emergency room records. If the insurer believes the insured failed to disclose visits that would have influenced underwriting decisions, it may attempt to rescind the policy.

Can a life insurance claim be denied because of an exclusion related to ATV or dirt bike use?

Some life insurance policies contain exclusions related to certain recreational vehicle activities. If the insurer determines the death occurred during an activity covered by the exclusion, it may attempt to deny the claim.

Can an ERISA life insurance claim be denied because the employee failed to enroll during the initial eligibility period?

Yes. Employer group life insurance plans governed by ERISA often require employees to enroll during an initial eligibility window. If the insurer claims the employee did not enroll during that period, it may argue that coverage never began.

Can a FEGLI life insurance claim be disputed if the beneficiary designation form lists more than one beneficiary but does not specify percentages?

Yes. If the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance designation form does not explain how the proceeds should be divided, the insurer may delay payment while reviewing the documentation.

Can an SGLI life insurance claim be delayed if the beneficiary designation is incomplete?

Yes. If the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance designation form lacks important identifying information, the insurer may delay payment while verifying the proper beneficiary.

Can a VGLI life insurance claim be denied if the veteran missed the application deadline after leaving service?

Yes. Veterans’ Group Life Insurance must be applied for within certain time limits following separation from military service. If the veteran missed the deadline, the insurer may argue that coverage never existed.

What is a beneficiary dispute in a life insurance claim?

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

What happens when an insurer files an interpleader action in a life insurance case?

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

Can a life insurance claim be denied during the contestability period because the insured failed to disclose prior specialist treatment?

Yes. If the insurer believes the insured did not disclose treatment from a specialist that would have affected underwriting decisions, it may attempt to rescind the policy during the contestability period.

Can an ERISA life insurance claim be denied because the employer incorrectly reported the employee’s eligibility?

Yes. Administrative errors sometimes occur when employers submit eligibility data to insurers. The insurer may dispute the claim based on its records.

Can a FEGLI claim lead to an interpleader lawsuit when multiple family members claim the proceeds?

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

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

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

Can a VGLI claim involve a dispute between the named beneficiary and a surviving spouse?

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

Can a life insurance claim be denied because of an exclusion related to unlawful 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 included in the insurer’s enrollment records?

Yes. Insurers often rely on enrollment 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 multiple 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 due to unpaid premiums?

Yes. Veterans’ Group Life Insurance policies must remain active through regular premium payments. If the policy lapsed before the insured’s 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.

 

Let Us Fight the Insurance Company For You

You don’t have to battle a billion-dollar insurer alone. We’ll get you answers and get you paid.

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

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
    Pre-Existing Condition Misuse
    “They tried to connect my father’s death to an undisclosed pre-existing condition. Christian's firm reviewed the full medical file and showed it had no bearing. Within a month, we had the check.”
    - Susan B.

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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