Manhattan Life Insurance Lawyer
In the fast-paced financial and cultural capital of the world, even life insurance claims aren’t immune to complications. At The Lassen Law Firm, we represent Manhattan families who face delayed, denied, or disputed life insurance claims including complex accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) cases. From the Upper East Side to SoHo, Tribeca to Harlem, we bring deep experience and aggressive advocacy to policyholders and beneficiaries across New York County.
Led by nationally recognized attorney Christian Lassen, Esq. (NY License 5965058), our firm has secured hundreds of millions in payouts by taking on insurers who wrongfully withhold benefits. Whether your claim is governed by New York contract law or involves a federally regulated group policy under ERISA, we know exactly how to challenge improper denials.
Why Manhattan Families Trust The Lassen Law Firm
Exclusive Focus on Life Insurance: We don’t dabble, we specialize. Our entire practice is built around winning life insurance disputes.
Decades of Experience: Attorney Christian Lassen brings over 25 years of litigation experience, and has been quoted by major publications like The Wall Street Journal.
Personal Legal Service: Every client speaks directly with an attorney, not an assistant or intake specialist.
Recent Legal Wins for Manhattan Clients
$1.3 million recovered in Midtown East following denial of a group AD&D claim under a federal ERISA plan.
$952,000 secured in the Financial District after a lapse-related denial was reversed when we proved improper notice procedures.
$875,000 obtained for a beneficiary in Washington Heights following a denied claim involving misapplication of a felony exclusion clause.
Types of Claims We Handle in Manhattan
Denied AD&D Claims: We’ve handled cases involving high BAC levels, falls, and more where insurers tried to label deaths as intentional or non-accidental or falling under exclusions.
Lapsed Policy Disputes: We analyze premium notices, grace periods, and payment histories to reverse unfair lapse decisions.
Misrepresentation Accusations: We fight back against attempts to rescind policies based on minor or immaterial application errors.
Contested Beneficiaries: Especially common in Manhattan estates involving high-value policies or blended families, we protect your legal entitlement.
ERISA Group Plan Denials: We handle complex administrative appeals and federal lawsuits involving employer-provided life insurance.
Serving Every Manhattan Neighborhood
We serve clients across:
Upper East Side
Upper West Side
Midtown
Tribeca
SoHo
Harlem
Financial District
Greenwich Village
Battery Park City
Chelsea
Inwood
Legal Support You Can Trust
Our team handles every step of your case:
Initial claim submission
Response to denials and delay tactics
Federal and state litigation as needed
No Fee Unless We Win
All cases are handled on a contingency basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Call The Lassen Law Firm at 800-330-2274 to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the benefits you are rightfully owed.
Written & Reviewed by Christian Lassen, Esq.
NY Life Insurance Attorney | NY License 5965058 | 25+ Years of 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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“The company claimed my dad died during a criminal act and denied the policy. Christian’s firm conducted their own investigation, cleared his name, and the benefit was paid in full. They didn’t back down.”- Steven
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.