Life Insurance Lawyer Santa Fe NM
"Life Insurance Lawyers for Santa Fe, NM – The Lassen Law Firm" In Santa Fe, a city renowned for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and breathtaking Southwestern landscapes, navigating life insurance claims can still be a daunting and stressful experience—especially when benefits are unfairly delayed or denied. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are committed to helping families and individuals in Santa Fe secure the financial protection they deserve. Whether you’re near the historic Santa Fe Plaza, the serene Sangre de Cristo Mountains, or anywhere across Santa Fe County, we provide trusted legal expertise and personalized guidance 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 Santa Fe residents seeking justice in insurance disputes.
2025 Sante Fe NM Denied Life Insurance Claims
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Mutual of Omaha coronavirus denial $507,300.00
- COVID 19 death claim in Santa Fe NM $98,000.00
- LIberty National accidental death claim $152,000.00
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment Santa Fe $125,000.00
- Geico Life interpleader filed but resolved $150,000.00
- Santa Fe New Mexico life insurance claim $140,000.00
- Lincoln Financial beneficiary dispute $101,000.00
- Ohio National interpleader lawsuit $125,000.00
- Starmount suicide and/or self-inflicted injury $39,000.00
Santa Fe Denied Life Insurance Claims: Answers to Common Questions
Can a life insurance claim be denied in Santa Fe if the insured left out details about past medical treatment?
Yes, but only if the omission was material and intentional. We recently overturned a Santa Fe denial where the insured forgot to mention minor physical therapy unrelated to the cause of death.
Does New Mexico law cancel an ex-spouse’s life insurance rights after a divorce in Santa Fe?
Generally yes. We defended a Santa Fe widow’s claim when the ex-spouse tried to collect, proving the beneficiary designation hadn’t been reaffirmed after the divorce.
What is an interpleader action and why would it be filed in Santa Fe?
When multiple people claim the same payout, insurers file an interpleader in Santa Fe courts. We helped a client secure benefits after a court resolved a dispute between a second spouse and adult children.
Can a life insurance policy in Santa Fe lapse even if a payment was only a few days late?
Not necessarily. We reinstated a Santa Fe policy after showing the insurer failed to provide proper lapse notices during the required grace period.
What happens if the listed life insurance beneficiary passed away before the insured in Santa Fe?
Without a contingent beneficiary, the funds usually go to the estate. We helped a Santa Fe family navigate probate to recover insurance benefits after the primary beneficiary died unexpectedly.
Can a life insurance claim be denied in Santa Fe because the insured died while intoxicated?
Only if the policy had a clear alcohol exclusion. We reversed a Santa Fe denial where the insurer wrongly blamed a minor BAC finding for a fatal car crash caused by mechanical failure.
Can a life insurance policy be changed at the last minute in Santa Fe and still be valid?
It depends on capacity and voluntariness. We invalidated a rushed hospital-bed beneficiary change in Santa Fe where the insured was medicated and confused.
What rights does a surviving spouse in Santa Fe have if they were not named as a beneficiary?
Under New Mexico’s community property laws, a spouse may still claim half the proceeds if marital funds paid the premiums. We secured a partial payout for a Santa Fe widow in such a dispute.
Can forgery be grounds for denying a beneficiary’s claim in Santa Fe?
Yes. We proved forgery in a Santa Fe case involving a suspicious signature change, resulting in reinstatement of the rightful heir’s claim.
Are minor children in Santa Fe allowed to directly receive life insurance payouts?
No. We helped a Santa Fe family set up a custodial account after a minor was listed as beneficiary, preventing unnecessary court delays.
Can an insurer delay a valid life insurance payout in Santa Fe for months?
Not legally. We recovered full benefits and penalties after a Santa Fe insurer dragged out a claim for over five months without justification.
What should I do if a life insurance claim is denied in Santa Fe due to an alleged misstatement on the application?
Demand proof. We defeated a Santa Fe denial where the insurer cited a long-forgotten minor surgery that had no relation to the insured’s cause of death.
How does ERISA affect life insurance policies provided through Santa Fe employers?
ERISA can override state laws, including divorce-related revocation rules. We helped a Santa Fe client win an ERISA group life claim after an ex-spouse dispute.
Can a handwritten note change the beneficiary of a life insurance policy in Santa Fe?
Only if the insurer received and accepted it. We successfully defended a Santa Fe widow’s claim when a handwritten note favoring someone else was never submitted to the insurer.
Is a verbal promise to name someone as a beneficiary enforceable in Santa Fe?
No. Written designations control. We preserved a son’s beneficiary rights in Santa Fe despite a verbal promise made to another relative.
Can a stepchild in Santa Fe claim life insurance benefits without being listed on the policy?
Typically not. We defended a Santa Fe adult child’s rights when a stepchild unsuccessfully argued for proceeds without being named in the policy.
What if the insurer in Santa Fe says the policy was void due to a “material misrepresentation”?
The burden is on the insurer. We overturned a Santa Fe denial by proving that an alleged misstatement was minor and didn’t impact underwriting decisions.
How does community property law impact disputes between a current spouse and a child beneficiary in Santa Fe?
The spouse may claim half the policy’s value if premiums were paid with marital assets. We successfully split a Santa Fe payout between a current wife and an adult child based on community property principles.
Can a life insurance claim be reinstated in Santa Fe if it was denied due to insurer error?
Yes. We reopened a Santa Fe life insurance case after showing the insurer failed to properly apply payments made through automatic bank withdrawal.
How long do I have to challenge a denied life insurance claim in Santa Fe?
Generally six years under New Mexico law, but acting quickly is critical. We saved a Santa Fe case by filing just weeks before the deadline expired.
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.