New York Life Insurance Lawyer

Life Insurance Lawyers Serving All 62 New York Counties

Christian Lassen, Esq. | Licensed in New York (NY 5965058) | 25 Years Experience | Hundreds of Millions Recovered

If your life insurance claim was denied in New York, you're not alone and you’re not out of options. The Lassen Law Firm focuses exclusively on life insurance litigation and has helped beneficiaries across New York recover millions in wrongfully denied claims. Whether the denial involves a lapse, exclusion, misstatement, or a disputed beneficiary, we know how to challenge the insurer and pursue the payout you deserve.

Led by nationally recognized attorney Christian Lassen, quoted by The Wall Street Journal and rated 10.0 by AVVO, our firm serves clients statewide. We offer direct attorney access and only charge a fee if we recover benefits for you.

Denied Life Insurance Claim in New York? You’re Not Alone.

In New York, insurers sometimes deny life insurance claims based on vague exclusions or alleged misrepresentations. If you're dealing with a life insurance claim denial in New York, The Lassen Law Firm can help you challenge the insurer’s tactics and pursue the full payout your family deserves.

In New York, life insurance beneficiary disputes commonly arise when policies are changed shortly before death or when multiple individuals claim to be the rightful recipient. If you're facing a life insurance beneficiary dispute in New York, The Lassen Law Firm can help you assert your legal rights and fight for the benefits you were meant to receive.

In New York, insurers often respond to beneficiary disputes by filing an interpleader action in New York, allowing the court to determine who should receive the life insurance proceeds and relieving the insurer of liability.

Navigating life insurance claims in New York can be particularly challenging, especially when dealing with denied benefits or bad faith insurance practices. At The Lassen Law Firm, with an office in Manhattan, we proudly help individuals and families across the Empire State recover the payouts they rightfully deserve. We proudly represent clients in all 62 New York counties, providing expert legal guidance and personalized support to life insurance beneficiaries statewide.

As nationally recognized New York life insurance attorneys, we’ve successfully handled cases across all 50 states, with hundreds of millions in policies recovered for our clients. At The Lassen Law Firm, we combine relentless advocacy, unparalleled expertise, and compassionate representation to deliver justice for every client we serve. 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 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 York? We’re Ready to Protect Your Rights

Life insurance is intended to offer security and financial stability during some of life’s most difficult moments. Yet in New York, many families face denied or delayed claims when they need support the most. If your life insurance claim has been denied, our New York life insurance attorneys are here to stand up for your rights and fight for the benefits you deserve. If you’ve received a denial on an AD&D insurance claim in NY, we can help you contest the decision and fight for the full benefit amount.

Insurance companies in New York must adhere to some of the most stringent consumer protection laws in the nation. They are required to process claims fairly, promptly, and in good faith. When insurers wrongfully deny claims, they can be held accountable. We offer free consultations and only collect fees if we successfully recover benefits for you.

Understanding the Contestability Period for Life Insurance in New York

Life insurance policies issued in New York generally include a two-year contestability period. During this time, insurers can challenge a claim if they discover material misrepresentations made during the application process. After the contestability period expires, their ability to deny claims based on application issues becomes sharply limited unless fraud is proven.

Importantly, not every error justifies denial. Under New York law, only material misstatements, those that would have influenced the insurer’s decision to issue or price the policy can be grounds for rescission. Innocent mistakes, small oversights, or irrelevant omissions cannot legally be used to deny benefits.

If your claim was denied on contestability grounds, it is essential to have an experienced New York life insurance lawyer review the denial immediately.

Common Reasons Life Insurance Claims Are Denied in New York

Although each claim is unique, insurers often rely on similar tactics when denying life insurance benefits. In New York, common denial grounds include:

Alleged Misrepresentations on the Application

Insurers claim the insured failed to disclose a pre-existing medical condition, dangerous activities, or tobacco use.

Policy Lapse for Nonpayment

New York insurance companies may deny claims by citing unpaid premiums, but the life insurance lapse claim is frequently based on procedural errors or misapplied payments.

Exclusions for Certain Causes of Death

Deaths involving suicide within an exclusion period, participation in criminal acts, or dangerous recreational activities may fall under policy exclusions.

Beneficiary Disputes

Competing claims or challenges to recent beneficiary changes often cause claim delays or denials.

Employer Errors in Group Life Insurance Policies

Administrative mistakes can deprive families of expected benefits under group life coverage.

Delays Related to Death Investigations

Insurers sometimes delay claims when a death is under investigation, but excessive delays may constitute bad faith under New York insurance law.

Regardless of the stated reason, many life insurance denials do not withstand legal scrutiny.

Steps to Take After a Life Insurance Claim Denial in New York

Acting quickly is crucial after receiving a denial letter. You should:

• Obtain a full copy of the insurance policy, including the application and all amendments.
• Carefully review the denial letter and note the specific reasons provided by the insurer.
• Preserve all communications with the insurer, including letters, emails, and call records.
• Avoid providing additional information or documentation without legal advice.
• Contact a New York life insurance attorney promptly to evaluate your rights and build a strong strategy for challenging the denial.

New York’s insurance laws provide significant protections for beneficiaries and insurers who violate those standards can face serious legal consequences.

Federal life insurance programs like FEGLI and SGLI can result in wrongful denials when paperwork is mishandled or eligibility is incorrectly evaluated. We assist New York families in appealing denied Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance claims and denied Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance benefits following a service-related death.

Group life insurance coverage through private employment is often regulated by ERISA, which involves detailed appeal requirements. Our attorneys help New York clients with denied ERISA life insurance claims and work to recover the full benefits owed under federal law.

How Our New York Life Insurance Attorneys Pursue Denied Claims

When you choose our firm, you gain a legal team with extensive experience handling life insurance disputes across New York. We will:

• Analyze your policy, application documents, and the insurer’s denial rationale in detail.
• Identify errors, misinterpretations, and violations of New York insurance law.
• Challenge wrongful denials based on contestability, policy lapse, or exclusions.
• Handle all insurer communications so you can focus on your family.
• Prepare administrative appeals when necessary for group life insurance claims governed by ERISA.
• Litigate denied claims in New York state or federal courts when insurers refuse to pay.
• Seek additional damages when insurers act in bad faith or violate New York’s unfair claims practices laws.

Our commitment is to recover the full value of your life insurance claim and ensure that insurers meet their legal and contractual obligations.

Answers to Common Questions About Life Insurance Denials in New York

Does divorce automatically revoke a life insurance beneficiary in New York?

Yes. In New York, a divorce typically revokes a former spouse as a beneficiary, unless the designation is reaffirmed or the policy clearly states otherwise. For example, we represented a client in Brooklyn whose father passed away years after divorcing his ex-wife. The insurer initially tried to pay the ex-spouse, but we invoked state law and redirected the $436,000 to the rightful heir.

Can I dispute a denied life insurance claim in New York City?

Absolutely. We helped a Manhattan client recover $1,264,000 after an insurer denied a claim over a technicality involving a prescription. We demonstrated the medication had no link to the death and forced a full payout.

What happens if the insured died overseas and the insurer denies the claim?

Foreign deaths don’t invalidate policies unless exclusions clearly apply. A Bronx client recovered $389,000 after her husband died while visiting family in Ghana. The insurer initially denied the claim, but we showed the policy didn’t limit international coverage.

What if the insurance company claims the death wasn’t accidental in an AD&D policy?

In Queens, we recovered $415,700 after the insurer claimed a fatal stairway fall wasn’t accidental. We brought in medical experts to prove the death met the policy’s criteria and forced the insurer to pay.

How long can a life insurance company delay paying a claim in New York?

New York requires insurers to act promptly. In Buffalo, a 90-day delay led us to file a bad faith complaint. The insurer settled shortly after and paid the full $300,000 plus interest.

What if my group life insurance claim was denied because my employer didn’t enroll me?

We handled a case in Rochester where a worker died believing they had coverage. The employer failed to submit the enrollment paperwork. We forced the plan to pay $220,400 under ERISA rules.

Can a will override a life insurance beneficiary in New York?

No. The named beneficiary on the policy controls.

What if the insurer says the policy lapsed for nonpayment?

In Yonkers, we proved the insurer never sent the required lapse notice. As a result, we recovered $250,000 for a family after the insurer attempted to cancel coverage for a missed premium.

Can a caregiver being named beneficiary raise legal issues?

Yes. In Staten Island, we successfully challenged a caregiver’s last-minute beneficiary designation. Medical records showed the insured lacked capacity, and we reinstated the son as rightful beneficiary.

What if a beneficiary form was incomplete or unsigned?

In White Plains, a man attempted to change his beneficiary but didn’t complete the process. The insurer denied the claim to the prior beneficiary, but we successfully reinstated the original designation and secured $145,000.

Can life insurance proceeds be taken by creditors in New York?

No, if there is a named beneficiary. In a case from New Rochelle, we protected a $214,000 payout from being included in a bankruptcy estate by showing it was exempt under state law.

What if the insured died during a crime, can the claim be denied?

Only if the crime directly caused the death. In Harlem, a man was shot during a robbery attempt. The insurer tried to deny based on a criminal exclusion, but we proved he was a victim and recovered $175,000.

What happens if two people claim the same benefit?

The insurer may file an interpleader in court. In Mount Vernon, we represented a daughter in a case where an ex-girlfriend also claimed the benefit. The court ruled in our client’s favor, and she received the full payout.

Can I appeal a denial involving an accidental death with alcohol involved?

Yes. In Schenectady, we reversed a denial after a man drowned with alcohol in his system. We proved intoxication didn’t cause the death and recovered $300,000.

Is suicide a valid reason to deny a claim after the first two years?

No. In a case from Utica, we recovered $245,300 after the insurer claimed suicide, but the policy had been in place for over three years. We proved the exclusion didn’t apply.

What if the insured had dementia when changing beneficiaries?

In Syracuse, we proved the insured lacked mental capacity when changing beneficiaries late in life. The court reinstated the original designation, and the family received $425,000.

Can a claim be denied due to a misstatement on the application?

Only if the error was material and related to the cause of death. In Brooklyn, we overturned a denial involving omitted cholesterol medication when the insured died in a car crash.

What if no beneficiary was named on the policy?

If no one is listed, the payout usually goes to the estate. In Queens, we helped a widow navigate Surrogate’s Court and recover $214,000 in proceeds.

Can life insurance policies from years ago still be valid?

Yes. In Manhattan, we helped a family recover $292,000 on a policy from the 1980s. The policy had been paid in full and was still enforceable despite the insurer's initial denial.

Can a child beneficiary receive funds directly in New York?

No. In Buffalo, we helped a family establish a guardianship account for a minor beneficiary who was due $100,000. Without proper arrangements, the funds could not be released.

Can the insurer deny the claim by misclassifying the cause of death?

Yes, and we fight that. In the Bronx, an insurer claimed a fall was due to a heart attack. We proved the fall caused the death and secured full AD&D benefits.

What if my ERISA life insurance appeal deadline is approaching?

In Queens, we filed a last-minute appeal on day 179 of the 180-day ERISA window. We later won the case and recovered $265,000 under a group policy.

What if a caregiver forged a beneficiary form?

In Brooklyn, we exposed a forged form submitted by a home health aide. The court invalidated the change, and the decedent’s son received the full benefit.

Can I reopen a life insurance denial with new evidence?

Yes. In Staten Island, we reopened a denial from 18 months earlier after finding a signed change of beneficiary form. The insurer reversed the decision and paid $127,000.

What if I can’t find the life insurance policy?

We’ve helped many New Yorkers recover benefits without a policy copy. In Long Island, we tracked the insurer using a checkbook stub and secured the $220,000 benefit.

Can a life insurance claim be denied due to minor health omissions?

Only if the omission is material and related to the death. In Albany, we overturned a denial based on omitted asthma history when the insured died from unrelated causes.

Do verbal promises about life insurance count in New York?

Not typically. But in a Manhattan case, we found emails that helped enforce a $300,000 payout when the official beneficiary designation had been lost.

Is New York a community property state?

No. But in cases where premiums were paid from marital funds, spouses may have rights. In Rochester, we helped a widow claim half the benefit despite not being named.

Can delayed payments lead to penalties for the insurer?

Yes. In Yonkers, a 90-day delay led to a legal challenge. The insurer paid interest plus the $250,000 policy after we pushed for bad faith penalties.

Can a claim be denied if the insured died while traveling?

Only if the policy contains a valid exclusion. In a New York City case, we challenged a denial over a death in Europe and recovered $389,000.

What if a parent named only one sibling as beneficiary?

In Staten Island, we defended a beneficiary designation made years before death. The other siblings contested, but we showed the designation was intentional and it held up in court.

Can I challenge a change made under threat or coercion?

Yes. In a Westchester case, we proved an elderly man changed his policy under duress. The court voided the change, and benefits were redirected to his daughter.

Are ERISA life insurance appeals more difficult than private plans?

Yes. They have strict deadlines and limited remedies. In NYC, we managed a successful appeal and secured $308,000 after a denial based on paperwork technicalities.

What happens if an insurer misuses New York law in a denial?

In Harlem, we forced a reversal after an insurer misapplied divorce revocation laws. Our client received the $175,000 benefit that had initially been denied.

Can vague policy terms help my case?

Yes. In the Bronx, we argued a confusing clause shouldn’t be used to deny benefits. The court agreed and awarded the full payout to our client.

What if the insured’s employer promised coverage that was never activated?

In Albany, a government worker believed he was covered under a union plan. We showed the employer’s failure to activate coverage and forced a $200,000 payout.

Are there extra penalties for wrongful denial in New York?

Yes, if the denial was in bad faith. In Manhattan, a delay and refusal without cause led to a bad faith suit. The insurer settled for the policy value plus an additional $100,000.

Can I collect life insurance if the insured was declared dead after going missing?

Yes. In Queens, we secured $147,000 for a client whose brother disappeared and was declared legally dead. The insurer initially refused to pay until we presented the court order.

Can vague beneficiary paperwork be challenged?

Yes. In Brooklyn, we proved a handwritten change lacked proper signatures and had it voided. The original beneficiary recovered the full benefit.

Contact us 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: June 14, 2025 | Contact 800-330-2274