New Hampshire Life Insurance Lawyer

Life Insurance Lawyers Serving All 10 New Hampshire Counties

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

If your life insurance claim was denied in New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire. We handle denied life insurance claims in all 10 counties, and we never charge a fee unless we recover for you.

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

Life insurance companies in New Hampshire sometimes delay or deny claims without valid reasons, putting unnecessary stress on grieving families. If you’re dealing with a refused life insurance payout in New Hampshire, The Lassen Law Firm can step in to challenge the denial and help secure the benefits you’re entitled to.

Beneficiary disputes in New Hampshire often arise when life insurance policies are changed without proper notice or when surviving relatives contest the designation. If you're facing a life insurance beneficiary dispute in New Hampshire, The Lassen Law Firm can help you protect your claim and resolve the issue efficiently.

When life insurance claims are contested in New Hampshire, insurers often initiate an interpleader lawsuit in New Hampshire, asking the court to determine the proper beneficiary and distribute the funds accordingly.

Navigating life insurance claims in New Hampshire can be challenging, especially when dealing with denied benefits or bad faith insurance practices. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are here to help individuals and families across the Granite State recover the payouts they rightfully deserve. We provide expert legal representation and personalized support.

As nationally recognized life insurance attorneys, we handle cases across all 50 states, with hundreds of millions in policies recovered for our clients. The Lassen Law Firm combines relentless dedication, legal expertise, and compassionate advocacy to deliver 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 Claim Denied in New Hampshire? Let Us Help You Fight for the Benefits You Deserve

Life insurance should provide security and peace of mind. But in New Hampshire, too many families are forced to confront unexpected denials, delays, or disputes after a loved one’s passing. If your life insurance claim has been denied, it’s important to know that you have rights under New Hampshire law. Our New Hampshire life insurance attorneys are here to protect those rights and work tirelessly to recover the benefits your family needs. A denied accidental death insurance claim in New Hampshire doesn’t have to be the end of the road, legal help can make all the difference in appealing the decision.

Insurance companies sometimes deny claims by pointing to technicalities, alleged application errors, or policy exclusions. However, insurers operating in New Hampshire must follow strict rules regarding claim handling and fair dealing. We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we successfully recover benefits on your behalf.

Contestability Periods and Life Insurance Claims in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, life insurance policies typically include a two-year contestability period. During this timeframe, insurers may attempt to rescind a policy if they uncover material misrepresentations made during the application process. After two years, however, their ability to deny claims based on application issues is extremely limited unless they can prove fraud.

It’s important to understand that only material misstatements, ones that would have affected the insurer’s decision to issue or price the policy, can justify rescission. Minor errors, misunderstandings, or innocent omissions generally do not meet this standard under New Hampshire law.

If your claim has been denied based on contestability arguments, a legal review is critical to determining whether the insurer's actions are lawful.

Common Reasons Life Insurance Claims Are Denied in New Hampshire

Insurance companies often rely on similar tactics when denying claims. In New Hampshire, some of the most common grounds for denial include:

Alleged Application Misstatements

Claims that the insured failed to disclose pre-existing medical conditions, medications, or risky behaviors.

Policy Lapses Due to Nonpayment

In New Hampshire, insurers may claim a policy lapsed due to nonpayment, but a life insurance denial based on lapse is often rooted in flawed notice timing or administrative mistakes.

Exclusions for Certain Causes of Death

Deaths related to suicide (within exclusion periods), hazardous activities, or illegal acts may trigger exclusion clauses depending on policy language.

Beneficiary Disputes

Conflicts over beneficiary designations, including last-minute changes or challenges from surviving spouses or children, can delay payment.

Employer Errors with Group Life Insurance

Mistakes made during group enrollment or maintenance can result in wrongful denial of benefits.

Delays Resulting From Death Investigations

Insurers sometimes delay payouts when deaths are under investigation, but unreasonable delays may violate New Hampshire's insurance laws.

Whatever the reason given, many life insurance denials can be challenged and overturned with skilled legal advocacy.

Steps You Should Take After Receiving a Life Insurance Denial in New Hampshire

If you receive a denial notice, taking quick and careful action is key. You should:

• Request the full life insurance policy, including the original application and all amendments.
• Review the denial letter carefully, noting the insurer’s stated reasons for refusal.
• Save all correspondence with the insurer, including letters, emails, and call notes.
• Refrain from providing additional documents or statements without speaking to an attorney.
• Contact a New Hampshire life insurance lawyer promptly to review your options and protect your rights.

New Hampshire law also provides remedies if insurers engage in unfair claim practices or handle your claim in bad faith.

How Our New Hampshire Life Insurance Attorneys Handle Denied Claims

When you hire our firm, you gain a dedicated team that focuses exclusively on representing life insurance beneficiaries. We will:

• Analyze the insurance policy, the insurer’s denial rationale, and all claim documentation.
• Challenge improper rescissions, exclusions, and allegations of lapse.
• Handle all communications and negotiations with the insurer so you can focus on healing.
• Prepare administrative appeals when necessary for group life policies governed by ERISA.
• Litigate wrongful denials when insurers refuse to resolve claims fairly.
• Pursue bad faith damages when the insurer’s conduct violates New Hampshire law.

Our commitment is to recover the full benefits you are entitled to and ensure that insurance companies are held accountable when they fail to honor their obligations.

Federal life insurance denials under programs like FEGLI and SGLI often stem from paperwork issues, missed enrollment details, or administrative errors. We assist New Hampshire beneficiaries in appealing denied SGLI claims involving denied federal employee claims.

Employer-sponsored life insurance is commonly subject to ERISA regulations, which impose strict rules for how claims must be processed and appealed. Our team helps New Hampshire clients pursue denied ERISA life insurance claims and works to secure the full benefits owed under federal law.

New Hampshire Life Insurance Denials – Real Answers for Local Claimants

What should I do if my life insurance claim was denied in Manchester, New Hampshire?

You should immediately contact a New Hampshire life insurance attorney. In one case, a Manchester widow was denied benefits after her husband's claim was rejected for alleged misrepresentation. We proved the error was immaterial and forced the insurer to pay the $150,000 benefit.

How do I respond to a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in Concord?

Interpleader lawsuits are filed when there are multiple potential beneficiaries. In Concord, a dispute between a decedent’s ex-spouse and adult son led to an interpleader. We represented the son and obtained a court order awarding him the full payout.

Can I fight a beneficiary dispute if someone else claims they were named last-minute?

Yes. In Nashua, a policyholder changed beneficiaries to a new partner just days before passing. We represented the adult children, argued undue influence, and the court reinstated the original designation.

Can a New Hampshire life insurance claim be denied because of a policy lapse?

Only if the insurer followed the legal requirements. In Keene, a policy was canceled after one missed payment, but no lapse notice was sent. We challenged the cancellation and reinstated the $200,000 policy after death.

What happens if an AD&D claim is denied for being “natural causes”?

Insurers often mislabel accidental deaths. In Portsmouth, a man died from head trauma after slipping on ice. The insurer said it was due to “underlying conditions.” We used medical records to prove it was accidental and won full AD&D benefits.

Is alcohol use a valid reason to deny a life insurance claim in New Hampshire?

Not always. In Dover, a man died in a boating accident after drinking. The insurer denied his claim citing intoxication. We argued that the cause of death wasn’t directly tied to alcohol and secured payment under the general policy.

How does the contestability period affect claims in New Hampshire?

Insurers have two years to deny claims based on application misstatements. In Laconia, a policyholder passed away 18 months after signing. The insurer claimed he failed to mention cholesterol meds. We showed the meds were unrelated to the death, and the denial was reversed.

Can misstatements on a life insurance application lead to denial?

Only if the misstatements are material. In Lebanon, a man forgot to disclose a minor surgery from years ago. The insurer denied the claim. We proved the omission had no impact on risk and forced a reversal.

Are ERISA life insurance claims harder to fight in New Hampshire?

They require specific procedures. A woman in Hanover lost her husband and was denied benefits under his university group plan. We filed an ERISA appeal and recovered $250,000 through federal court.

Can a will override a life insurance policy in New Hampshire?

No. In Rochester, a man’s will named his brother as heir, but the policy listed his girlfriend. The court upheld the policy’s beneficiary because wills don’t control life insurance designations.

What happens if no one is listed as the policy’s beneficiary?

The benefit typically goes to the estate. In Berlin, we helped a decedent’s daughter recover benefits through Coös County Probate Court after the policy lacked a beneficiary.

Can I challenge a suspicious beneficiary change made near death?

Yes. In Claremont, a woman’s caretaker was suddenly named as beneficiary. We contested the change, citing undue influence, and the court restored her son as the rightful recipient.

Are New Hampshire insurers required to send notice before canceling a policy?

Yes. In Exeter, a cancellation was ruled invalid after the insurer failed to send written notice. We used that to argue reinstatement and recovered the full benefit.

What if the death occurred outside the U.S. and the insurer denied the claim?

We can still fight it. In Peterborough, a man died on a mission trip to Africa. The insurer denied the claim under a foreign death exclusion. We showed the clause was vague and forced payment.

What happens if multiple people claim the same life insurance benefit?

An interpleader case may be filed. In Salem, two daughters from different marriages both claimed a father’s policy. We proved our client was the listed beneficiary and secured the payout in Rockingham County court.

Can a minor receive life insurance proceeds in New Hampshire?

Yes, but a guardian must be appointed. In Conway, a 6-year-old boy was the named beneficiary. We helped his aunt set up a court-approved trust to protect the funds.

What if the life insurance company says the policy was canceled for non-payment?

We’ll verify whether proper procedures were followed. In Derry, a man’s bank error caused a missed payment. The insurer canceled the policy without warning. We challenged the denial and recovered the benefit.

Can vague policy terms be used to deny a claim in New Hampshire?

No. In Hudson, an insurer denied a claim using the term “hazardous behavior” after a man died in a motorcycle crash. The court ruled the clause ambiguous and awarded the family the benefit.

Are older policies still valid in New Hampshire?

Yes, as long as they were active at the time of death. In Franklin, a widow found a 1991 policy in a safety deposit box. We confirmed it had been paid-up and helped her recover $80,000.

What happens if a beneficiary change form was filled out but never submitted?

In Goffstown, a man completed a change form to name his fiancée, but passed away before mailing it. We used witness statements and a scanned copy to convince the court to honor his intent.

How do you prove you're the rightful life insurance beneficiary in New Hampshire?

We gather the policy, payment history, statements from the insured, and correspondence. In Windham, we used text messages from the insured to support a claim and won a contested payout.

Can I sue a life insurance company for bad faith in New Hampshire?

Yes. In Merrimack, a woman waited 120 days without an update. We filed a bad faith lawsuit under New Hampshire RSA 417 and secured additional compensation for delay.

Can a New Hampshire insurance agent’s error cause a denied claim?

Yes, but the insurer may still be liable. In Hooksett, an agent incorrectly noted a “yes” on a diabetes question. The insurer denied the claim. We proved the agent’s error and recovered the benefit.

Are life insurance benefits in New Hampshire protected from creditors?

They are, if a named beneficiary exists. In Portsmouth, a man’s estate owed taxes, but his daughter, named on the policy, received the benefit without interference.

Can a claim be denied during the contestability period?

Yes, but only if the misstatement is relevant. In Amherst, a man failed to report a counseling session. The insurer claimed he lied. We showed it was unrelated to his accidental death and recovered the claim.

Can life insurance denials be settled outside of court?

Yes. In Bedford, we resolved a dispute between siblings through mediation in under a month, avoiding lengthy litigation and court fees.

Is a verbal promise enough to change a beneficiary?

No. In Plaistow, a man promised his brother the policy but never changed the designation from his ex-wife. The court enforced the written designation under New Hampshire law.

Can a denied claim be reinstated after a policy lapse?

Yes. In Litchfield, a policy lapsed due to a billing error. We showed the insurer failed to follow notification rules and successfully reinstated the coverage posthumously.

How long do I have to appeal a life insurance denial?

You typically have 180 days for ERISA policies. Private policy deadlines vary. In Raymond, we filed an appeal on day 179 and still won a reversal.

What if a fraud accusation is used to deny my New Hampshire claim?

The insurer must prove it. In Durham, a claim was denied due to “intentional misrepresentation.” We demonstrated the mistake was innocent and won the case through negotiated settlement.

What happens if a claim is delayed for months in New Hampshire?

It may constitute bad faith. In Hampstead, a woman’s claim sat unresolved for 90+ days. We filed a formal demand and recovered the benefit plus interest.

What is the process for claiming life insurance if the insured was missing?

After a legal death declaration, you can file the claim. In Lancaster, a man disappeared while hiking. We helped the family obtain a court declaration and recover the benefit.

Can you fight a denial based on prescription history?

Yes. In Milford, a denial cited a missed blood pressure medication. We showed the prescription had been discontinued years earlier and secured the benefit.

What happens if a policy was bought online and the company denies it?

We investigate. In Somersworth, a man purchased a policy through a digital app. The insurer denied the claim for incomplete application. We found confirmation emails and enforced the policy.

Can someone not listed on the policy ever receive the benefit?

Only in rare cases of fraud or mistake. In Pelham, a man left out his child by accident. We used equity arguments to obtain a partial award through probate court.

Are group life insurance claims under New Hampshire employers often denied?

They can be. In Lebanon, a Dartmouth employee’s group life claim was denied due to a clerical error. We proved eligibility and overturned the denial.

Can you still win a claim if the insured died while doing something risky?

Possibly. In Hillsborough, a man died during a backcountry ski trip. The insurer cited an exclusion. We showed the exclusion didn’t clearly cover the activity and recovered the payout.

What if the life insurance company changed names or merged?

We can trace it. In Tilton, a woman had a 1980s policy from a now-defunct insurer. We tracked the successor and recovered $50,000 for her family.

Life Insurance Legal Complexities in New Hampshire

New Hampshire doesn’t follow community property principles, which means life insurance benefits typically go to whoever is named on the policy, even if the policy was purchased during a marriage. But that doesn’t always stop disputes from arising. We've seen cases where surviving spouses claim an interest, especially when they helped pay premiums. Without a court order or clear agreement, these cases often favor the named beneficiary.

Federal law comes into play with many employer-based policies. If your loved one had coverage through work, it was likely governed by ERISA, which overrides New Hampshire's state laws on things like beneficiary designation and spousal rights. ERISA claims require a very specific appeals process, and we’ve won numerous reversals for New Hampshire clients who were initially denied benefits.

It’s also worth noting that New Hampshire does not automatically revoke an ex-spouse’s status as beneficiary after divorce. This often leads to contested claims, especially when the insured failed to update the designation. We’ve handled several cases in Concord and Nashua involving payouts to former spouses who hadn’t spoken to the insured in years.

When two or more people claim the same life insurance proceeds, insurers often file an interpleader lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire. These cases shift the decision to a federal judge, and it’s critical to have legal counsel familiar with how the court handles these matters. We’ve represented clients on both sides of interpleader disputes and know how to secure rightful payouts quickly and decisively.

Contact us today 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