Life Insurance Lawyer New Hampshire

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.

Experienced Life Insurance Lawyers New Hampshire: The Lassen Law Firm

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. Whether you’re in Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Portsmouth, or anywhere else in New Hampshire, 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 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 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.

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: Missed premium payments may be cited, but New Hampshire law requires that insurers provide proper notice and observe grace periods before terminating coverage.

  • 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.

New Hampshire Denied Life Insurance Claims: Answers to Common Questions

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

Contact an experienced New Hampshire life insurance lawyer immediately. Many denials can be reversed with the right legal strategy and prompt action.

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

If you are served with a life insurance interpleader, the court will decide who receives the payout. Our New Hampshire attorneys represent beneficiaries to protect their rightful claims.

What should I do if I’m in a life insurance beneficiary dispute in New Hampshire?

Beneficiary disputes often involve family members, ex-spouses, or late-stage changes. We handle these cases throughout New Hampshire and fight to secure the benefits you deserve.

Why are accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) claims denied in New Hampshire?

AD&D claims are often denied when insurers argue the death was due to illness or intoxication. We investigate and challenge denials to prove the death meets the policy’s accidental death definition.

Can a policy lapse lead to a denied life insurance claim in New Hampshire?

Yes, but only if the insurer followed New Hampshire’s lapse notice and grace period requirements. We fight denials where notice was improper or missing.

Is misrepresentation on a life insurance application a valid reason to deny a claim in New Hampshire?

Only if the misrepresentation was material and intentional. We often show that the alleged misstatement had no effect on risk or cause of death and reverse such denials.

Can an alcohol exclusion be cited to deny a life insurance claim in New Hampshire?

Yes, but exclusions must be clear and directly connected to the death. We frequently challenge alcohol-based denials when insurers stretch policy language.

How should I handle an ERISA life insurance denial in New Hampshire?

You must act quickly and carefully. Our New Hampshire ERISA life insurance lawyers prepare strong appeals and litigate wrongful denials in federal court if necessary.

What is the contestability period and how does it affect New Hampshire life insurance claims?

In New Hampshire, the contestability period is generally two years. During this time, claims can be denied based on application misstatements—but only if material and relevant. We dispute improper contestability denials.

What if I receive a life insurance denial letter referencing New Hampshire law?

Insurers often misinterpret New Hampshire statutes. We review the denial carefully to find errors and build a strong legal challenge.

Which life insurance companies are known for denying claims in New Hampshire?

Lincoln Financial and smaller regional insurers are often involved in contested claims. We take on any insurer that wrongfully withholds benefits.

Does New Hampshire law revoke an ex-spouse’s beneficiary rights after divorce?

Yes. Divorce typically voids an ex-spouse’s designation unless reaffirmed afterward. We handle these disputes across New Hampshire.

Is New Hampshire a community property state, and does that impact life insurance claims?

No, but spouses may still have claims if marital assets paid the policy premiums. We litigate these cases when needed.

Can a will override the beneficiary on a New Hampshire life insurance policy?

No. The named beneficiary controls unless there is proof of fraud, undue influence, or legal incapacity.

What are the legal fees for a New Hampshire life insurance lawyer?

We work on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case and recover the insurance payout.

Can a life insurance claim be denied in New Hampshire due to a death that occurred abroad?

Yes, if the policy contains a valid foreign death exclusion. We often challenge international denials based on vague or unfair exclusions.

What if the insured changed the beneficiary shortly before death in New Hampshire?

Last-minute changes are often contested. We investigate for coercion, fraud, or incapacity and seek to have improper changes reversed.

What can I do if my New Hampshire life insurance claim is delayed?

Unreasonable delays may constitute bad faith. We pressure insurers to act promptly and seek penalties when they unlawfully delay payment.

Can New Hampshire insurers deny an AD&D claim by calling the death “natural”?

Yes, but we challenge such denials using forensic reports, death certificates, and expert testimony to prove accidental causes.

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

Yes, but the insurer may still be liable. We contest denials based on agent errors and fight for the insured’s intent to be honored.

What qualifies as bad faith in a life insurance denial in New Hampshire?

Bad faith includes misrepresenting policy terms, failing to investigate, or denying without proper cause. We pursue extra damages when bad faith is proven.

Can I appeal a contestability denial in New Hampshire?

Yes. We regularly overturn contestability-based denials when alleged misstatements are unrelated or immaterial to the risk insured.

Are ERISA-governed life insurance policies harder to contest in New Hampshire?

They are more procedurally restrictive, but we have extensive experience appealing ERISA denials and litigating in federal court.

What happens if a New Hampshire life insurance policy doesn’t name a beneficiary?

If no beneficiary is listed, proceeds typically go to the estate. We guide families through the probate process to recover the benefit.

Can I dispute a questionable beneficiary change in New Hampshire?

Yes. We challenge suspicious beneficiary changes based on fraud, coercion, or diminished mental capacity.

Are New Hampshire insurers required to give notice before policy cancellation?

Yes. If proper notice wasn’t provided, we may be able to reinstate the policy and force payment of the benefit.

How are employer-provided life insurance policies handled in New Hampshire?

Most are governed by ERISA. We handle enrollment mistakes, administrative errors, and wrongful denials for group life insurance claims.

What if multiple people claim the same New Hampshire life insurance policy?

An interpleader lawsuit may be filed. We represent rightful beneficiaries in these proceedings to secure their share of the payout.

Can I collect benefits in New Hampshire if the insured was declared dead after being missing?

Yes. After a legal death declaration, we help families file life insurance claims and overcome potential denials.

How long do I have to file an appeal after a denial in New Hampshire?

Typically, ERISA appeals must be filed within 180 days. Deadlines for other policies may vary. Prompt action is critical.

Can a verbal promise override the policy beneficiary in New Hampshire?

No. Only written designations are enforceable. However, we may seek equitable remedies if fraud or deceit occurred.

Are life insurance payouts shielded from creditors in New Hampshire?

Yes, if paid directly to a named beneficiary. If proceeds go to the estate, creditors may have access through probate.

Can vague language in a life insurance policy be used to deny a claim in New Hampshire?

No. Under New Hampshire law, ambiguities must be interpreted in favor of the insured or beneficiary.

Can a canceled policy still result in a payout in New Hampshire?

Yes. If cancellation procedures weren’t properly followed, we can often reinstate coverage and recover the benefit.

What if a New Hampshire policy was canceled due to non-payment?

We investigate whether proper lapse notices were given. Many non-payment denials are successfully challenged.

Can a child receive life insurance proceeds in New Hampshire?

Yes. If the beneficiary is a minor, the funds must typically be managed by a guardian or trust. We help families set up these arrangements.

Can a New Hampshire insurer deny a claim for suspected fraud?

Only if they prove the fraud was intentional and material. We aggressively contest unsupported fraud-based denials.

Can life insurance claim disputes be resolved without court in New Hampshire?

Yes. Many cases settle through negotiation or mediation, but we are ready to litigate if necessary.

What happens if a beneficiary change form was completed but never submitted in New Hampshire?

If the form was not finalized, the original beneficiary designation may still control. We assert claims based on the insured’s true intent.

Are older life insurance policies still valid under New Hampshire law?

Yes. As long as the policy was active at the time of death, it remains enforceable regardless of age.

How do I prove I’m the rightful life insurance beneficiary in New Hampshire?

We gather policy documents, correspondence, witness statements, and legal evidence to assert your claim and secure the payout.

2025 New Hampshire Denied Life Insurance Claims: settlements & verdicts

Below are examples of New Hampshire life insurance claims successfully resolved.

  • Transamerica COVID-19 death $502,000.00
  • Guardian Life chronic illness exclusion $49,000.00
  • AARP coronavirus denial case $104,000.00
  • Baltimore Life lapse of policy won $36,000.00
  • Mass shooting life insurance claim $102,000.00
  • Legal & General lapsed the policy $50,000.00
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment drug use $290,000.00
  • Midland National power of attorney change $77,000.00
  • JRC Insurance Group beneficiary dispute $32,000.00
  • Haven Life interpleader lawsuit won $115,000.00
  • Athene Life material misrepresentation $80,000.00
  • Pacific Life act of war exclusion won $50,000.00
  • North American Life cancer rejection $98,000.00
  • MetLife policy purchased less than 2 years ago $328,500.00
  • Stonebridge illegal activity exclusion $202,860.00
  • AIG accidental death & dismemberment AD&D $407,000.00
  • Gerber ambiguous language policy $278,200.00
  • FEGLI dispute among beneficiaries $146,000.00
  • New Hampshire denied life insurance claim $1,500,000.00
  • ERISA appeal had to overcome 3 issues $139,000.00
  • Allstate material misrepresentation application $302,000.00
  • American General suspicious circumstances $204,000.00
  • New Hampshire denied AD&D claim won $1,00,000.00
  • Hartford autoerotic asphyxiation death $305,900.00
  • Globe lapse policy not in force $103,000.00
  • Transamerica alcohol drunk driving death $259,000.00
  • SGLI 2 issues first was beneficiary change $400,000.00
  • New Hampshire divorce and life insurance $731,000.00
  • AAA suicide or self-inflicted injury exclusion $114,200.00
  • Bankers issue with felony exclusion on policy $283,000.00
  • Genworth prescription drug exclusion issue $107,000.00

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

Legal References – New Hampshire

  • New Hampshire Contestability Clause Law: New Hampshire law requires life insurance policies to include a provision stating that the policy becomes incontestable after it has been in force during the lifetime of the insured for two years from its date, except for nonpayment of premiums.​

  • Automatic Revocation of Ex-Spouse Beneficiaries: New Hampshire law does not automatically revoke a former spouse's designation as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy upon divorce. Therefore, unless the policyholder updates the beneficiary designation after divorce, the ex-spouse may remain the beneficiary. ​

  • Equitable Distribution Laws: New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire'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 New Hampshire, you can visit the New Hampshire Insurance Department. 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.