Life Insurance Lawyer Roswell NM

"Life Insurance Lawyers for Roswell, NM – The Lassen Law Firm" In Roswell, a city famous for its intriguing history, vibrant community, and rich ties to Southwestern culture, navigating life insurance claims can still be a stressful and frustrating experience—especially when benefits are unfairly delayed or denied. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping families and individuals in Roswell secure the financial protection they deserve. Whether you’re near the intriguing International UFO Museum, the picturesque Bottomless Lakes State Park, or anywhere across Chaves County, we provide trusted legal expertise and personalized care every step of the way. Our experienced and trusted New Mexico 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 Roswell residents seeking justice in insurance disputes.

2025 Roswell NM Denied Life Insurance Claims

Primerica accidental death claim $195,000.00
Nationwide sickness exclusion $220,000.00
Landmark coronavirus death claim $97,000.00
Roswell New Mexico life insurance claim $60,000.00
Transamerica felony exclusion claim $283,000.00
Aflac beneficiary dispute $169,000.00
Berkshire Life lapse of policy $38,000.00
Lumico interpleader filed $275,000.00
Farmers New World suicide exclusion $51,000.00
Roswell NM accidental death & dismemberment $65,000.00

Questions about life insurance claims in Roswell

Q1: Can a life insurance policy be voided in Roswell if the insured forgot to list a previous diagnosis?
Yes—if the insurer can show the omission was intentional and would have influenced their decision to issue coverage. But if the condition wasn’t material or unrelated to the cause of death, a denial may be successfully challenged under New Mexico law.

Q2: After divorce, can a former spouse still collect life insurance in Roswell if the insured never changed the beneficiary?
Usually not. New Mexico law revokes pre-divorce beneficiary designations to ex-spouses unless the policyholder reaffirmed them afterward. However, if the policy is governed by federal law (like ERISA), state revocation rules may not apply.

Q3: Why would a life insurance company in Roswell file an interpleader lawsuit?
If more than one person claims to be the rightful beneficiary—such as a current spouse and a child from a prior marriage—the insurer may ask a Roswell court to resolve the dispute. The company deposits the funds with the court and removes itself from the conflict.

Q4: Can a policy lapse in Roswell if the insured missed just one payment while hospitalized?
Not automatically. Insurers must follow proper notice procedures and allow a grace period. If the insurer failed to send a required lapse warning or received a late payment attempt, the denial may not hold up in court.

Q5: What happens if the listed life insurance beneficiary in Roswell died before the insured?
If no contingent beneficiary is named, the benefit typically becomes part of the insured’s estate. That can lead to delays, probate proceedings, and possible disputes among heirs or creditors under New Mexico law.

Q6: Is alcohol use a valid reason for denial under a Roswell life insurance policy?
Possibly. If the policy contains a clause excluding deaths caused by intoxication, the insurer may attempt to deny the claim. But they must show a direct link between alcohol use and the death—something often disputed in these cases.

Q7: Can a last-minute change in beneficiary be invalidated in Roswell if coercion is suspected?
Yes. If someone pressured the insured or the insured lacked mental capacity, the change can be contested. Courts in Roswell review timing, medical condition, and witness accounts when determining the validity of such changes.

Q8: Are life insurance benefits community property in Roswell even if a different person is named as beneficiary?
Potentially. New Mexico is a community property state, so if premiums were paid using marital funds, the surviving spouse may have a legal claim to part of the proceeds—even if not named as the beneficiary.

Q9: Can life insurance be paid to someone who forged the beneficiary designation in Roswell?
No. If a beneficiary form was forged, it is invalid. Forensic experts may be needed to prove the signature isn’t authentic. These disputes often result in the reinstatement of a prior, valid beneficiary.

Q10: Can a life insurance company in Roswell delay payment indefinitely while “reviewing” a claim?
No. Insurers must investigate promptly and cannot stall without a valid reason. If the company delays too long, it may be acting in bad faith—and beneficiaries can sue for damages under New Mexico insurance law.

Q11: Is it legal in Roswell to name a friend or romantic partner as your life insurance beneficiary?
Yes. There’s no legal requirement to name a family member. However, if the designation is sudden or unexpected, others may challenge it based on fraud, undue influence, or incapacity.

Q12: Can life insurance proceeds be withheld in Roswell due to a suicide?
Only if the death occurred during the policy’s suicide exclusion period, usually two years. After that window, suicide is generally covered. Denials that rely on weak or disputed evidence can often be overturned with legal help.

Q13: Can stepchildren in Roswell inherit life insurance if not named as beneficiaries?
No. Stepchildren only receive proceeds if specifically named. If they’re not listed and no will includes them, they typically have no legal claim—though they may contest the designation under certain circumstances.

Q14: What if an employer-based life insurance plan denied a claim in Roswell?
Group life insurance policies offered through employment are often governed by ERISA. That means federal law may override New Mexico protections. These claims follow specific rules and require legal expertise in ERISA litigation.

Q15: Can a handwritten note or will override a life insurance beneficiary designation in Roswell?
Not unless the change was properly submitted and accepted by the insurer. Life insurance companies rely on the last valid form on file—not on wills or informal notes discovered after the policyholder’s death.

Q16: What should I do if a life insurance company in Roswell denies a claim due to “material misrepresentation”?
Ask for a detailed explanation and request copies of the application and underwriting file. If the alleged misstatement didn’t affect the policy decision or relate to the cause of death, the denial may be overturned in court.

Q17: Are there time limits in Roswell for filing a lawsuit over a denied life insurance claim?
Yes. In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for breach of contract is generally six years. However, you should act quickly—waiting too long can make gathering evidence and challenging the denial more difficult.

Q18: Can life insurance funds be divided unequally among beneficiaries in Roswell?
Yes. The policyholder can assign different percentages to different people. If the designation is unclear or a beneficiary has died, a Roswell court may be asked to interpret the policy or apply state succession rules.

Q19: Can a life insurance claim in Roswell be reopened if new evidence is found?
Yes. If documentation emerges that disproves the insurer’s reason for denial—such as proof of payment or medical clarification—you can request reconsideration or file a lawsuit to enforce the claim.

Q20: Can someone in Roswell receive life insurance proceeds if they were found responsible for the insured’s death?
No. Under New Mexico’s slayer statute, a person who intentionally caused the death of the insured is legally barred from receiving life insurance benefits. The payout is redirected to contingent beneficiaries or the estate.

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