Life Insurance Lawyer Missouri

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


Life insurance companies in Missouri sometimes rely on technicalities to avoid paying out valid claims, leaving beneficiaries in a difficult position. If you’re dealing with a life insurance dispute in Missouri, The Lassen Law Firm can help you challenge the denial and pursue the full benefits you’re owed.

Life insurance beneficiary disputes in Missouri can quickly escalate when family members challenge a designation or claim fraud or undue influence. If you're facing a life insurance beneficiary dispute in Missouri, The Lassen Law Firm can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the benefits you're entitled to receive.

When multiple individuals claim the same life insurance benefit in Missouri, insurers commonly file an interpleader lawsuit in Missouri so the court can decide who should rightfully receive the funds.

Trusted Life Insurance Lawyers Missouri: The Lassen Law Firm

Life insurance claims in Missouri can be complicated, particularly when dealing with denied payouts or bad faith insurance practices. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are committed to helping individuals and families across the Show-Me State secure the benefits they deserve. From Kansas City MO to St. Louis, Springfield MO to Columbia, and every community in between, we’re here to provide trusted legal guidance and unwavering support.

With a nationwide presence, our experienced life insurance attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions in policies for our clients. At The Lassen Law Firm, we combine expertise, dedication, and personalized service 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 24 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 Claim Denied in Missouri? Our Attorneys Are Ready to Act

Life insurance should provide comfort and financial protection to families after a loss — not trigger stressful disputes with insurance companies. Unfortunately, in Missouri, insurers often deny valid life insurance claims based on technical arguments or questionable interpretations of policy terms. If your life insurance claim has been denied, delayed, or undervalued, you have legal options. Our Missouri life insurance attorneys are prepared to fight aggressively on your behalf.

Insurance companies are obligated to handle claims in good faith. When they deny valid claims, delay payment, or misapply policy exclusions, they can be held accountable under Missouri law — including facing bad faith lawsuits. We offer free consultations, and you owe nothing unless we recover benefits for you.

The Role of the Contestability Period in Missouri Life Insurance Claims

Life insurance policies issued in Missouri usually include a two-year contestability period. During this period, insurers can investigate claims and deny benefits if they find material misstatements made in the application process. After two years, the insurer's ability to contest coverage becomes extremely limited unless there is evidence of fraud.

Not every error justifies denial. Missouri law makes it clear that only material misrepresentations — false statements that would have changed the insurer’s decision to issue or price the policy — are grounds for rescission. Minor mistakes, irrelevant omissions, or unintentional errors are not sufficient.

If your claim has been denied based on contestability arguments, you need an experienced life insurance attorney to challenge the insurer’s position.

Common Reasons Life Insurance Claims Are Denied in Missouri

Insurers often use the same tactics across cases to deny life insurance claims. In Missouri, we frequently see denials based on:

  • Alleged Application Misrepresentations: Claims that the insured failed to disclose medical conditions, smoking history, or lifestyle risks.

  • Policy Lapses for Nonpayment: Missed payments may be used to argue the policy lapsed, but Missouri law requires insurers to provide advance notice before terminating coverage.

  • Exclusions for Cause of Death: Deaths involving suicide (within exclusion periods), dangerous activities, or illegal acts may trigger exclusions depending on policy terms.

  • Beneficiary Disputes: Conflicting claims between family members, ex-spouses, or others often lead to delays or denials.

  • Employer Mistakes in Group Life Insurance Coverage: Administrative errors during enrollment or maintenance can wrongly deprive families of benefits.

  • Delays Caused by Criminal Investigations: When deaths are under investigation, insurers may delay payment, but they are still required to act promptly and reasonably.

No matter the reason stated by the insurer, many life insurance denials are legally vulnerable and can be challenged with the right representation.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Life Insurance Denial in Missouri

Swift action after a claim denial is crucial. Here’s what you should do:

  • Request a full copy of the insurance policy, the original application, and any amendments.

  • Review the denial letter carefully and record the insurer’s explanations.

  • Save all written communications with the insurer, including letters, emails, and call notes.

  • Avoid giving further statements or documentation without consulting an attorney.

  • Contact a Missouri life insurance lawyer promptly to begin building a strategy for appeal or litigation.

Missouri also recognizes strong remedies for bad faith claim handling, allowing additional damages if the insurer’s behavior was unreasonable.

How Our Missouri Life Insurance Attorneys Handle Denied Claims

Our firm is focused solely on representing beneficiaries against life insurance companies. When you work with us, you gain a team that will:

  • Conduct a full analysis of your policy and the insurer’s stated reasons for denial.

  • Challenge improper contestability rescissions, lapse defenses, and exclusions.

  • Handle all negotiations and communication with the insurance company.

  • Prepare administrative appeals when necessary for group life insurance claims.

  • Litigate wrongful denials in Missouri courts to enforce your rights.

  • Pursue additional damages when the insurer’s conduct amounts to bad faith.

Our objective is simple: to recover every dollar of life insurance benefits you are owed and hold the insurer accountable if they break the law.

Missouri Denied Life Insurance Claims: Answers to Common Questions

What should I do if my life insurance claim was denied in Missouri?

You should immediately contact a Missouri life insurance attorney. For example, we recently helped a family in St. Louis reverse a denial based on a technicality that violated Missouri law.

How should I respond to a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in Missouri?

Hire legal counsel right away. In a Kansas City case, we defended a rightful daughter’s claim when an ex-spouse and current spouse both asserted rights to the same policy.

What are my options in a life insurance beneficiary dispute in Missouri?

Beneficiary disputes often involve multiple family members. In Springfield, we resolved a dispute between siblings after a last-minute beneficiary change was contested.

Why would an accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) claim be denied in Missouri?

Insurers often argue that the death was caused by illness, not an accident. We overturned such a denial in Columbia by proving the death met the policy’s accidental definition.

Can a life insurance policy lapse result in claim denial in Missouri?

Yes, but Missouri law requires strict notice procedures. In Independence, we reinstated a policy where the insurer failed to give required lapse warnings.

Is a misrepresentation on the application a valid reason to deny a life insurance claim in Missouri?

Only if the misstatement was intentional and material. We successfully contested a denial in Jefferson City by proving the information was immaterial to risk.

Can an alcohol-related exclusion be used to deny a life insurance claim in Missouri?

Yes, but these exclusions are often vague. We defeated an alcohol-based denial in Chesterfield where intoxication wasn’t the true cause of death.

What should I do about an ERISA life insurance denial in Missouri?

Act fast. You only get one ERISA appeal. We recently reversed a wrongful ERISA denial for a client in Blue Springs by submitting a detailed administrative record.

How does the contestability period impact Missouri life insurance claims?

Missouri policies have a two-year contestability period. We’ve fought and won cases where insurers tried to deny claims over immaterial errors made during application.

What should I do if I get a Missouri life insurance denial citing state law?

Insurers often misuse Missouri law to justify denials. In Cape Girardeau, we challenged a denial by showing the insurer had misinterpreted statutory requirements.

Which life insurance companies in Missouri have a history of denying claims?

Kansas City Life, Shelter Insurance, and national providers frequently deny claims in Missouri. We aggressively challenge any improper denial statewide.

Does Missouri law revoke an ex-spouse as beneficiary after divorce?

Yes, unless the insured reaffirmed the designation after divorce. We handled such a dispute successfully for a client in Joplin.

Is Missouri considered a community property state for life insurance purposes?

No. Missouri is not a community property state, but surviving spouses may still have rights if marital assets funded the policy.

Can a will override the named beneficiary on a Missouri life insurance policy?

No. Policy designations control in Missouri, unless fraud, coercion, or incapacity is proven.

How much does a Missouri life insurance lawyer cost?

We work on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we recover your life insurance benefit.

Can a Missouri life insurance claim be denied if the death happened outside the U.S.?

Yes, but only if the policy has a valid foreign death exclusion. We overturned a denial in St. Charles involving a death while traveling overseas.

What happens if the beneficiary was changed shortly before the insured died in Missouri?

If the change appears suspicious, we investigate. We recently overturned a late change in Lee’s Summit that had been influenced by undue pressure.

What should I do if my Missouri life insurance claim is being delayed?

Unreasonable delays may violate Missouri’s insurance laws. We pushed an insurer in St. Peters to pay after a six-month delay.

Can an insurer in Missouri deny an AD&D claim by labeling the death as “natural”?

Yes, but we fight back with medical evidence. In Columbia, we proved a client’s death was accidental despite insurer arguments.

What if a Missouri life insurance agent made a mistake on the application?

Agent errors shouldn’t cost you the benefit. We corrected an agent’s mistake in Branson that initially caused a wrongful denial.

What is considered bad faith in a Missouri life insurance denial?

Bad faith includes denying a valid claim without investigation, delaying payment, or misrepresenting the policy terms. We sue for extra damages in bad faith cases.

Can contestability-related denials be appealed in Missouri?

Yes. We overturned a contestability denial in Florissant where the alleged error had no relevance to the cause of death.

Are ERISA life insurance policies harder to challenge in Missouri?

They are more technical, but we handle ERISA appeals and lawsuits statewide, including federal court litigation.

What if a Missouri life insurance policy doesn’t name a beneficiary?

The funds typically go to the estate. We assist families across Missouri with probate to recover these funds efficiently.

Can I challenge a suspicious beneficiary change on a Missouri life insurance policy?

Yes. We successfully challenged a suspicious change in St. Joseph where the insured’s capacity was compromised.

Does Missouri law require insurers to provide notice before canceling a policy?

Yes. If notice was not properly given, we can often argue that coverage remained in effect at the time of death.

What if the life insurance policy came through a Missouri employer?

Employer-sponsored policies are often governed by ERISA. We help workers and families fight wrongful denials and missed enrollments.

What happens if more than one person claims a Missouri life insurance policy?

The insurer may file an interpleader lawsuit. We’ve represented multiple clients in interpleaders across Missouri courts to secure rightful payouts.

Can I collect a Missouri life insurance benefit if the insured was declared legally dead?

Yes. After a court declares the insured legally deceased, we assist with filing and securing the claim.

How much time do I have to appeal a life insurance denial in Missouri?

Typically 180 days for ERISA claims. Other policies vary. We ensure every appeal is filed on time and aggressively supported.

Can verbal agreements override life insurance policy terms in Missouri?

No. Missouri law honors written designations, although we pursue cases involving fraud or undue influence when appropriate.

Are life insurance benefits shielded from creditors in Missouri?

Yes, provided a named beneficiary exists. Estate payouts, however, can be vulnerable in Missouri probate.

Can unclear or ambiguous policy language be used to deny a claim in Missouri?

No. Under Missouri law, ambiguities must be interpreted in favor of the policyholder or beneficiary.

Can I still recover if a Missouri life insurance policy lapsed or was canceled?

Yes, if cancellation procedures weren’t followed correctly. We recently reinstated a policy in Hannibal after improper lapse notice.

What if the Missouri policy was canceled due to missed premiums?

We review the notice history. If the insurer failed in its obligations, we pursue reinstatement and full payment.

Can a minor be a life insurance beneficiary in Missouri?

Yes, but funds are typically managed by a guardian or trust until adulthood. We help Missouri families set up appropriate legal arrangements.

Can fraud allegations be used to deny a Missouri life insurance claim?

Only if proven with clear, convincing evidence. We frequently challenge weak or speculative fraud-based denials.

Can Missouri life insurance disputes be resolved outside of court?

Yes. Many disputes settle through negotiation, but we are fully prepared to litigate if needed.

What if a Missouri life insurance beneficiary change was never processed?

If the change wasn’t formalized, the previous beneficiary may still be entitled. We investigate these cases fully.

Are old life insurance policies still valid in Missouri?

Yes. Even decades-old policies are enforceable if active at the time of death. We regularly recover payouts from older policies.

How can I prove I’m the correct beneficiary on a Missouri life insurance policy?

We gather policy documents, change forms, communications, and witness statements to build an ironclad claim.

2025 Missouri Denied Life Insurance Claims: settlements & verdicts

Below are examples of Missouri life insurance claims successfully resolved.

  • USAA COVID-19 death denial won $104,600.00
  • Mass shooting denied life insurance claim $985,000.00
  • Mutual Life coronavirus death rejection $55,000.00
  • State Farm Life felony exclusion $11,000.00
  • Loyal American misrepresentation claim $26,000.00
  • Sentinel Life suicide denial gun discharge $77,000.00
  • AD&D denial intoxication exclusion overturned $49,000.00
  • Bestow Financial Life cancer in medical records $22,000.00
  • Farmers New World lapsed the policy after death $95,000.00
  • Colonial Penn interpleader lawsuit resolved $588,000.00
  • Lincoln Benefit Life contestable period delay $37,000.00
  • Globe alcohol related death issue $107,200.00
  • Penn Treaty didn't get paperwork $39,300.00
  • Denied AD&D claim heart attack death $51,000.00
  • Iowa Farm competing beneficiaries won $95,000.00
  • SGLI change of beneficiary after death $400,000.00
  • Midland National interpleader lawsuit $256,300.00
  • Unum irrevocable beneficiary dispute $515,750.00
  • Missouri denied life insurance claim $3,500,000.00
  • Denied Accidental Death & Dismemberment $390,800.00
  • Denial of SGLI claim of ex-wife $402,488.00
  • American Fidelity felony exclusion $221,900.00
  • ERISA life insurance appeal successful $382,500.00
  • Mutual Benefit several exclusions we won $85,000.00
  • Transamerica material information missing $275,000.00
  • Denial of FEGLI claim of girlfriend we won $228,900.00
  • Foresters suicide clause settled $117,000.00
  • AIG accidental death claim $504,000.00
  • Missouri divorce and life insurance $700,000.00
  • Reliance Standard autoerotic asphyxiation $219,000.00
  • USAA material misrepresentation $104,623.00
  • Missouri denied AD&D claim $1,000,000.00
  • Reliable Life insurance claim denial $91,000.00
  • American General contestable claim medical $101,400.00

Every denied claim is unique. In Missouri, we know how to maximize your chance of recovering the full life insurance payout.

Legal References – Missouri

  • Missouri Contestability Clause Law: Under RSMo § 376.800, life insurance policies in Missouri become incontestable after being in force for two years from the date of issue, except for nonpayment of premiums. During this contestability period, insurers may deny claims based on material misrepresentations made in the application.

  • Automatic Revocation of Ex-Spouse Beneficiaries: According to RSMo § 461.051, a divorce or annulment automatically revokes a former spouse's designation as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy, unless the policyholder reaffirms the designation after the divorce or the policy explicitly states otherwise.

  • Equitable Distribution Laws: Missouri is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means that life insurance proceeds are distributed according to the policy's beneficiary designation, and a surviving spouse is not automatically entitled to the death benefit unless named as a beneficiary or granted rights through a court order or marital agreement. ​

  • ERISA & Group Policies: Employer-provided life insurance policies governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) may preempt Missouri's state laws in cases involving contested beneficiaries, including disputes with former spouses. In such cases, the beneficiary designation on the policy typically determines who receives the proceeds, regardless of state laws. ​

For more information on insurance regulations and consumer protections in Missouri, you can visit the Missouri Department of Insurance. Additionally, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers nationwide insurance resources.

The Lassen Law Firm is a national practice focused exclusively on life insurance litigation. Founded by Christian Lassen, Esq., the firm has recovered hundreds of millions for clients in all 50 states. All website content is written or reviewed by Mr. Lassen personally to ensure accuracy and authority.