Life Insurance Lawyer Manchester NH
"Life Insurance Lawyers for Manchester, NH – The Lassen Law Firm" In Manchester, New Hampshire's largest city known for its rich history, thriving arts scene, and scenic Merrimack River views, navigating life insurance claims can still be a challenging and stressful process—particularly when benefits are unfairly delayed or denied. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping families and individuals in Manchester secure the financial peace of mind they deserve. Whether you’re near the vibrant downtown area, the serene Lake Massabesic, or anywhere across Hillsborough County, we provide trusted legal expertise and personalized care every step of the way. Our experienced and trusted New Hampshire life insurance lawyers are here to help.
With a nationwide record of recovering hundreds of millions in life insurance claims, The Lassen Law Firm delivers compassionate representation, relentless advocacy, and trusted results for Manchester residents seeking justice in insurance disputes.
2025 Manchester NH Denied Life Insurance Claims
- Allianz Life material misrepresentation $25,000.00
- Forethought Life cancer in medical history $60,000.00
- Mutual of Omaha coronavirus denial $1,033,000.00
- MassMutual accidental death claim $625,000.00
- Gerber Life misrepresentation case $240,000.00
- Crump Life missed two payments lapse $29,000.00
- Manchester New Hampshire life insurance claim $350,000.00
- Northwestern Mutual beneficiary dispute $701,000.00
- Penn Mutual interpleader action $295,000.00
- Colorado Bankers intoxication exclusion $41,000.00
- Sec Mutual Life contestable period issue $98,000.00
Questions About Life Insurance Claims in Manchester, New Hampshire
Can a life insurance claim in Manchester be denied if the insured failed to report a past cancer diagnosis?
Yes, but only if the insurer proves the omission was intentional and material. For example, if the cancer was long in remission and unrelated to the death, New Hampshire law often protects beneficiaries—especially after the two-year contestability period has passed.
Does New Hampshire law revoke a life insurance beneficiary designation after divorce in Manchester?
Typically yes. Divorce automatically revokes an ex-spouse’s beneficiary rights unless the insured reaffirmed them afterward. However, if the policy falls under federal law like ERISA, state revocation rules may not apply, leading to disputes over older policies in Manchester.
How does an interpleader case work in Manchester life insurance disputes?
If multiple people claim the same payout—such as a new spouse and adult children—the insurer may file an interpleader. In Manchester courts, the insurer deposits the funds and lets a judge determine the rightful recipient based on evidence from all claimants.
What if the insured in Manchester died during a risky activity excluded in the policy?
Some policies exclude deaths from activities like skydiving, scuba diving, or motorcycle racing. If the language is vague or the death doesn’t clearly fit the exclusion, beneficiaries in Manchester can often contest these denials successfully.
Can a life insurance claim in Manchester be denied even if premiums were paid on time?
Yes. An insurer may still deny a claim based on alleged misrepresentation or excluded causes of death. For instance, even with up-to-date payments, claims involving accidental deaths are sometimes wrongly denied if the policy terms are misinterpreted.
Is it legal to name a non-relative as a life insurance beneficiary in Manchester?
Yes. New Hampshire allows policyholders to name anyone they wish, whether a family member, friend, or caregiver. However, non-traditional beneficiary choices can trigger family disputes, especially if changes were made late in life.
Can the beneficiary of a life insurance policy be disqualified in Manchester due to a criminal act?
Yes, under New Hampshire’s slayer statute. If the beneficiary is found responsible for the insured’s death—such as through criminal conviction or wrongful death judgment—they are barred from collecting the proceeds.
What happens if the life insurance company in Manchester claims the beneficiary designation was forged?
The insurer may freeze the payout and require handwriting analysis, witness testimony, or further investigation. In Manchester, alleged forgery cases often end up in court with competing expert opinions.
How does New Hampshire’s inheritance law affect life insurance benefits in Manchester?
If a valid beneficiary is named, the payout bypasses probate. But if no beneficiary survives, the funds may pass through the insured’s estate under New Hampshire intestacy laws—making them accessible to creditors and subject to probate delays.
Can a life insurance policy be reinstated in Manchester after wrongful cancellation?
Yes. If a lapse occurred because the insurer failed to send proper notices or mishandled payment processing, the policy may be retroactively reinstated. We often see this issue when elderly Manchester residents miss premium notices sent to old addresses.
Can multiple beneficiaries in Manchester split life insurance proceeds unequally?
Yes. The policyholder can specify any division they like, such as 70/30 or 60/20/20 splits. If no percentages are listed, insurers typically split proceeds equally among named beneficiaries, sometimes leading to disputes if family members disagree.
What can you do if a Manchester life insurance claim is delayed for months?
If the insurer delays without valid reasons after receiving all required documents, it could be bad faith under New Hampshire law. Beneficiaries may pursue interest penalties or file lawsuits to compel payment if the delay becomes unreasonable.
Can someone challenge a last-minute beneficiary change made in a Manchester hospital?
Yes. Changes made while the insured was in declining health can be challenged based on claims of undue influence or lack of mental capacity. In Manchester courts, witness affidavits, doctor’s notes, and handwriting analysis often play key roles in these cases.
Are life insurance proceeds in Manchester protected from creditors?
Generally yes, as long as a named beneficiary exists. But if the payout defaults to the estate because no beneficiary is alive, the funds become subject to creditor claims during probate.
Can a life insurance policy be denied in Manchester because of a minor omission on the application?
Only if the omission was material to the risk assessment. For example, forgetting to list a minor past injury typically doesn’t justify denial unless it directly relates to the cause of death. Courts in Manchester often side with beneficiaries when omissions are irrelevant.
What rights do surviving spouses in Manchester have if they aren’t named on the policy?
Unless named as a beneficiary, surviving spouses generally have no automatic claim. However, if marital funds were used to pay premiums, the spouse might have a limited right to recover part of the proceeds under New Hampshire marital property laws.
What happens if the insured in Manchester named a minor child as beneficiary?
The life insurer will usually require a court-appointed guardian to manage the funds until the child reaches adulthood. In some Manchester cases, setting up a trust in advance avoids these delays and ensures better financial protection for the minor.
Can mental health treatment history result in life insurance denial in Manchester?
It can if omitted during the application and directly related to the cause of death—especially if suicide occurs within the exclusion period. However, mental health history unrelated to death often cannot lawfully justify claim denial.
Is it possible to sue a life insurance company in Manchester for denying a valid claim?
Yes. Beneficiaries can sue for breach of contract and bad faith if the insurer wrongfully denies a valid claim. Remedies under New Hampshire law include policy payout, attorney’s fees, interest, and sometimes punitive damages.
How long do you have to challenge a denied life insurance claim in Manchester?
New Hampshire’s statute of limitations for breach of contract claims is typically three years from the denial date. However, if fraud or bad faith is involved, different deadlines may apply—so it’s best to act quickly and consult a life insurance attorney.
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.