Buffalo Life Insurance Lawyer
In Buffalo, where community pride meets a revitalized waterfront and a strong industrial past, life insurance claims should offer peace of mind not frustration. At The Lassen Law Firm, we help Buffalo families resolve denied, delayed, or disputed life insurance claims, including those involving complex accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) benefits.
Led by Christian Lassen, Esq. (NY License 5965058), our nationally recognized firm focuses solely on life insurance disputes. Whether your policy was governed by New York law or was an employer-sponsored ERISA plan, we deliver aggressive representation and winning strategies across Western New York.
Why Buffalo Residents Turn to The Lassen Law Firm
Exclusive Life Insurance Focus: We only handle life insurance litigation, no distractions, no general practice.
Direct Legal Counsel: You work one-on-one with a seasoned attorney, not shuffled through intake staff.
Proven Results: We’ve secured hundreds of millions for families across New York and nationwide.
Real Recoveries for Clients in Buffalo
$870,000 recovered for a client near Elmwood Village after an AD&D claim was denied due to a misclassified cause of death.
$765,000 secured for a family in North Buffalo following a lapse-based denial that failed to meet statutory notice standards.
$650,000 obtained after a disputed beneficiary designation involving stepfamily members in South Buffalo.
Insurance Tactics We Overcome in Buffalo
Misrepresentation Allegations: We investigate whether the claimed inaccuracies were truly material to the policy or claim.
Policy Lapses: Many policies are wrongfully terminated when grace periods or premium notices are mishandled. We challenge these terminations.
Denied AD&D Claims: Insurers frequently cite exclusions (e.g., intoxication or criminal conduct). We know how to disprove misuse of those clauses.
Contested Beneficiaries: Disputes often arise among children, ex-spouses, and unmarried partners. We assert rightful beneficiary status.
ERISA Plan Denials: We litigate ERISA group policy disputes in federal court, holding employers and insurers accountable.
Areas We Serve Throughout Buffalo
We work with clients in:
Downtown Buffalo
Elmwood Village
Allentown
North Buffalo
South Buffalo
Black Rock
Kaisertown
University Heights
West Side
Our Process
We handle everything, including:
Collecting claim documentation and submitting initial forms
Responding to denial letters and policy interpretation issues
Filing litigation when necessary in Erie County courts or U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York
No Fees Unless We Win
Our representation is 100% contingency-based. You only pay if we recover benefits for you.
Call The Lassen Law Firm at 800-330-2274 today for your free consultation.
Written & Reviewed by Christian Lassen, Esq.
NY Life Insurance Attorney | NY License 5965058 | 25+ Years Experience | Quoted in The Wall Street Journal (May 17, 2025)
Last reviewed: June 10, 2025
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 800-330-2274 today!
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A grace period is the time after a missed payment during which the policy remains in force, usually 30 to 60 days depending on state law and policy terms.
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No. In most states, insurers must send a written notice of overdue premiums and warn of pending lapse before terminating coverage.
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The policy may still be enforceable. Beneficiaries can challenge the lapse based on the insurer’s failure to provide required notice.
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Yes. If the insured dies during the grace period, the policy is still considered active, and benefits should be paid.
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Yes. In group life insurance policies, employers sometimes fail to forward premiums properly, leading to wrongful lapse denials.
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Yes. If automatic payment setups fail through no fault of the insured, lapses may be challenged.
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Some policies automatically borrow against cash value to cover missed payments. Failure to apply this correctly can lead to wrongful lapse claims.
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Possibly. Some courts excuse nonpayment if the insured was mentally incapacitated and missed premiums without proper notice.
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No. Reinstatement must occur while the insured is alive, but wrongful lapse denials can still be challenged posthumously.
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Not without following strict notice and grace period rules. Beneficiaries can often challenge technical denials.
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Deadlines vary by state, but it’s critical to act within 1 to 5 years depending on the policy and jurisdiction.
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Not necessarily. Payments mailed within grace periods or accepted by insurers may keep coverage active.
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Bank records, payment receipts, insurer correspondence, and premium notices are key evidence.
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If the insurer used an outdated address despite updated information, lapse denials can often be overturned.
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Possibly. If the insured submitted a reinstatement application before death, it may help challenge a lapse denial.
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In some states, special grace periods and protections applied during COVID-19 emergencies. They can help fight wrongful lapses.
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Only if the insurer followed all legal notice and grace period requirements. Otherwise, beneficiaries may still recover.
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Misapplied premiums can lead to wrongful lapses — and courts often hold insurers accountable for these errors.
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An attorney can obtain records, challenge improper lapses, negotiate settlements, and litigate if necessary to enforce payment.
Our Clients Speak Volumes
The Right Choice for Your Claim
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“They alleged policy fraud and said they wouldn’t pay. But Christian Lassen’s firm uncovered emails showing the insurer had approved everything months earlier. They settled the case quietly and quickly once the truth came out.”- Linda T.
Why The Lassen Law Firm Is Different
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Proven National ResultsRepresenting clients coast to coast and recovering hundreds of millions in denied life insurance claims, we secure justice and peace of mind for families everywhere.
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Recognized ExpertisePerfect 10.0 Avvo rating endorsed by over 1,700 attorneys; life member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum; ranked among the top 1 percent of lawyers nationally for life insurance litigation.
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Client-First AdvocacyNo upfront fees: our contingency fee guarantee aligns our interests with yours; we provide personalized, compassionate representation from your initial consultation through resolution.
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Media & Community LeadershipQuoted in The Wall Street Journal and featured in leading legal publications; frequent speaker at national conferences; dedicated to charitable efforts supporting pediatric cancer care.