Top
Baltimore Life Insurance Attorney

Baltimore Life Insurance Lawyer

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

In Baltimore, Maryland's largest city and a historic center of commerce and culture, families facing life insurance disputes often encounter aggressive tactics from insurers determined to delay or deny payment. At The Lassen Law Firm, we focus exclusively on life insurance claims, helping Baltimore residents recover the benefits they are legally and rightfully entitled to receive.

Led by nationally recognized attorney Christian Lassen, Esq., our firm brings over 25 years of experience handling denied, delayed, and disputed life insurance claims. With hundreds of millions recovered for beneficiaries across the country, we provide trusted legal counsel and powerful advocacy for individuals and families in Baltimore and throughout Maryland.

Why Baltimore Clients Choose The Lassen Law Firm

We Only Handle Life Insurance Cases: Our entire practice is dedicated to life insurance law—no personal injury, no general litigation, just life insurance.

Serving All 50 States: Whether your policy is private, employer-sponsored, or governed by federal ERISA law, we can help.

Direct Access to Your Attorney: Clients speak directly with attorney Christian Lassen, not case managers or junior staff.

Real Recoveries for Maryland Beneficiaries

$790,000 Prudential payout for a Baltimore widow whose claim was delayed due to an outdated beneficiary form. We proved the decedent’s intent with corroborating documentation.

$670,000 Mutual of Omaha payment after a denied AD&D claim following a death ruled "accidental overdose." We disproved the intoxication exclusion with medical expert review.

$600,000 AIG policy for a family in Park Heights after a lapse dispute was raised due to alleged non-payment. We uncovered misapplied premium payments by the insurer.

Life Insurance Disputes We Handle in Baltimore

AD&D Claim Denials: Especially those involving alcohol or drug exclusions, criminal conduct allegations, or classification of deaths as non-accidental.

Lapse and Non-Payment Disputes: We investigate whether proper grace periods and notices were sent, as required under Maryland law.

Misrepresentation Allegations: Claims denied due to alleged false statements on the policy application.

Beneficiary Contests: Cases involving ex-spouses, handwritten changes, or family disputes over rightful payouts.

ERISA Employer Group Denials: Including appeals and federal lawsuits for Baltimore employees covered under workplace plans.

Contesting a Beneficiary in Baltimore

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 Baltimore

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.

We Serve the Entire Baltimore Region

Whether you reside in:

Inner Harbor

Federal Hill

Mount Vernon

Roland Park

Cherry Hill

Canton

Park Heights

Dundalk

Towson

Catonsville

We provide aggressive representation tailored to your circumstances. No matter where you live in Baltimore City or Baltimore County, our firm is ready to help.

Our Services Include

Comprehensive claim analysis and documentation review

Communication and negotiation with insurance companies

Filing lawsuits in Maryland state or federal court when necessary

Full client support from intake to resolution

Denied Life Insurance Claim FAQ

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

Yes. During the contestability period, insurers may review medical records and physician notes. If the insurer believes neurological symptoms were not disclosed and would have affected underwriting, it may attempt to rescind the policy.

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

Some life insurance policies contain exclusions related to certain aviation activities such as private or noncommercial flights. If the insurer determines the death occurred during an excluded activity, it may attempt to deny the claim.

Can an ERISA life insurance claim be denied because the employee failed to complete the employer’s annual enrollment verification?

Yes. Employer group life insurance plans governed by ERISA sometimes require employees to verify coverage selections during annual enrollment. If the insurer claims the verification was not completed, it may argue that coverage never took effect.

Can a FEGLI life insurance claim be disputed if the beneficiary designation form is missing from the agency file?

Yes. If the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance designation form cannot be located in the agency records, disputes may arise about who should receive the proceeds.

Can an SGLI life insurance claim be delayed if the beneficiary designation lists someone with an incomplete name?

Yes. If the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance designation does not clearly identify the beneficiary, the insurer may delay payment while reviewing the documentation.

Can a VGLI life insurance claim be denied if the veteran never completed the required enrollment after separation?

Yes. Veterans’ Group Life Insurance requires a completed application after leaving military service. If the veteran never finalized the enrollment, the insurer may argue that coverage never began.

What is a beneficiary dispute in a life insurance claim?

A beneficiary dispute occurs when multiple 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 for life insurance proceeds?

When an insurer files an interpleader action, it deposits the policy proceeds with the court because there are competing claims. The court then decides 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 cardiac symptoms?

Yes. If the insurer believes the insured did not disclose symptoms 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 failed to properly enroll the employee in the plan?

Yes. Administrative errors sometimes occur when employers fail to submit enrollment information to insurers. The insurer may argue that coverage was never established.

Can a FEGLI claim lead to an interpleader lawsuit when several beneficiaries 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 completed incorrectly?

Yes. If someone questions whether the designation form was properly executed, 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 adult children?

Yes. Adult children 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 unlawful activity?

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 records?

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 controls?

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

Can an SGLI claim result in an interpleader action when competing claimants file claims?

Yes. When multiple individuals claim 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 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 proceeds?

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.

 
 
 
 
 
 

No Recovery, No Fee

There are no upfront costs. We only get paid if we recover money for you. Every case begins with a free, confidential consultation.

Call The Lassen Law Firm at 800-330-2274 to speak directly with attorney Christian Lassen today.

Written & Reviewed by Christian Lassen, Esq.
National Life Insurance Attorney | 25+ Years of Experience
Quoted in The Wall Street Journal (May 17, 2025)

Last reviewed: Jan 3, 2026

Maryland Required Disclaimer: “Clients may be responsible for expenses of litigation. Contingent fees are not permitted in certain types of cases.”

 

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
    Alleged Inconsistencies on the Application
    “Apparently, there were so-called inconsistencies on the application. The insurer used that as an excuse to avoid paying. Thankfully, Lassen Law stepped in and proved everything had been disclosed accurately. Claim paid.”
    - Rebecca M.

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.

  • By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy