New Hampshire Life Insurance Lawyer

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

Life Insurance Lawyers Serving All 10 New Hampshire Counties

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 something we’ve done for clients in Derry, Rochester, and Dover.

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, and fight for the payout you deserve, whether you’re in Salem, Merrimack, or Londonderry..

When life insurance claims are contested in New Hampshire, insurers often initiate an interpleader lawsuit in New Hampshire, sometimes in the US District Court for the District of 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, including families in Keene, Portsmouth, and Bedford.. 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 attorneys 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 including residents of Laconia, Goffstown, and Hampton..

New Hampshire Life Insurance Denials – Real Answers for Local Claimants

Does New Hampshire law remove an ex-spouse as beneficiary of a life insurance policy after divorce?

Yes. Under New Hampshire’s automatic revocation statute (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 551:13), a divorce generally revokes an ex-spouse’s beneficiary designation on a life insurance policy. The ex-spouse is treated as having predeceased the policyholder unless the designation was reaffirmed after divorce or preserved by court order. The Lassen Law Firm can help you determine how this law applies to your claim.

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

You should immediately contact a New Hampshire life insurance attorney. In one case, a 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 NH?

Interpleader lawsuits are filed when there are multiple potential beneficiaries. We have resolved countless interpleader lawsuits over the past two decades.

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

Yes. In a recent case, a policyholder changed beneficiaries to a new partner just days before passing. We represented the adult children, argued undue influence, and got the client the full policy.

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. There are numerous ways to fight an alcohol exclusion.

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 prescription medicine. We showed the medicine was 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 health issue 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 resolved an ERISA appeal and recovered $250,000 for the client.

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

No. 

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 got her son the full policy.

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 trip to Africa. The insurer denied the claim due to an exclusion in the policy. 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. Although it is better to resolve a beneficiary dispute before trial, our firm can litigate it.

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.

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.

Can a claim be denied during the contestability period?

Yes, but only if the misstatement is material. 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 a NH court?

Yes. Most cases get resolved without having to go to court.

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. 

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 resolved the case successfully.

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.

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.

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: July 13, 2025 | Contact 800-330-2274

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More New Hampshire Cities We Serve
Derry
Salem
Keene
Portsmouth
Laconia
Lebanon
Claremont
Windham
Milford
Exeter