New York City Life Insurance Lawyer
In a city as vast and dynamic as New York, life insurance disputes can be just as complex as the skyline is tall. At The Lassen Law Firm, we represent clients in all five boroughs, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, who are facing delayed, denied, or disputed life insurance claims. Our deep experience includes handling high-stakes accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) denials, ERISA group policy disputes, and complex beneficiary conflicts.
Led by attorney Christian Lassen, Esq. (NY License 5965058), we’ve recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients across the country. From brownstones in Park Slope to co-ops in Queens and townhomes in the Bronx, we help New Yorkers secure the benefits their loved ones earned and intended for them.
Why New Yorkers Choose The Lassen Law Firm
Exclusive Life Insurance Focus: We don’t handle divorces, injury claims, or criminal defense, only life insurance disputes.
Citywide Reach: We serve every borough and understand the procedural and cultural nuances of New York courts.
Attorney-Led Advocacy: Christian Lassen personally oversees every case, ensuring strategic legal execution from start to finish.
Recent Recoveries for NYC Clients
$1.2 million for a Brooklyn family after an ERISA-based group AD&D claim was denied due to a supposed exclusion for alcohol.
$940,000 in the Bronx after we proved the insurer failed to provide proper notice of lapse on a high-value individual policy.
$690,000 for a Staten Island resident after we secured reversal of a beneficiary dispute involving conflicting designations.
Complex Claims We Handle Throughout NYC
Denied AD&D Benefits: Insurers often cite exclusions for intoxication, suicide, or criminal acts, many of which are misapplied. We fight back.
Lapse & Grace Period Challenges: We scrutinize policy lapse notices, billing records, and grace window compliance.
Misrepresentation Accusations: Minor inaccuracies are often exaggerated by insurers; we build strong rebuttals to keep policies intact.
Group Policy Denials: Many New Yorkers are covered under employer plans subject to federal ERISA rules. We handle both administrative appeals and federal litigation.
Contested Beneficiary Claims: We resolve disputes between current partners, ex-spouses, children, and stepfamilies.
Serving Clients in All NYC Boroughs
We provide trusted legal support across:
Manhattan
Brooklyn
Queens
The Bronx
Staten Island
Including neighborhoods like:
Park Slope
Astoria
Flushing
Riverdale
Harlem
St. George
Forest Hills
Williamsburg
Lower East Side
Start-to-Finish Representation
From claim submission through litigation, our firm provides:
Direct legal contact
Timely communication with insurers
Strategic litigation in New York state and federal courts when necessary
No Fees Unless We Win
You never pay unless we recover money for you. Period.
Call The Lassen Law Firm at 800-330-2274 today to schedule a free consultation.
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!
-
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.
-
No. In most states, insurers must send a written notice of overdue premiums and warn of pending lapse before terminating coverage.
-
The policy may still be enforceable. Beneficiaries can challenge the lapse based on the insurer’s failure to provide required notice.
-
Yes. If the insured dies during the grace period, the policy is still considered active, and benefits should be paid.
-
Yes. In group life insurance policies, employers sometimes fail to forward premiums properly, leading to wrongful lapse denials.
-
Yes. If automatic payment setups fail through no fault of the insured, lapses may be challenged.
-
Some policies automatically borrow against cash value to cover missed payments. Failure to apply this correctly can lead to wrongful lapse claims.
-
Possibly. Some courts excuse nonpayment if the insured was mentally incapacitated and missed premiums without proper notice.
-
No. Reinstatement must occur while the insured is alive, but wrongful lapse denials can still be challenged posthumously.
-
Not without following strict notice and grace period rules. Beneficiaries can often challenge technical denials.
-
Deadlines vary by state, but it’s critical to act within 1 to 5 years depending on the policy and jurisdiction.
-
Not necessarily. Payments mailed within grace periods or accepted by insurers may keep coverage active.
-
Bank records, payment receipts, insurer correspondence, and premium notices are key evidence.
-
If the insurer used an outdated address despite updated information, lapse denials can often be overturned.
-
Possibly. If the insured submitted a reinstatement application before death, it may help challenge a lapse denial.
-
In some states, special grace periods and protections applied during COVID-19 emergencies. They can help fight wrongful lapses.
-
Only if the insurer followed all legal notice and grace period requirements. Otherwise, beneficiaries may still recover.
-
Misapplied premiums can lead to wrongful lapses — and courts often hold insurers accountable for these errors.
-
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
-
“The insurer said the activity my father was doing at the time of his death wasn’t covered. Lassen reviewed the policy and showed there was no such exclusion. They got it paid out without a lawsuit.”- Deborah L.
Why The Lassen Law Firm Is Different
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.