Rochester Life Insurance Lawyer
In Rochester, where innovation and community values intersect, life insurance claims are too often met with delay, denial, or dispute, especially in complex cases like accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D). At The Lassen Law Firm, we represent Rochester families and beneficiaries who need decisive legal action to recover what they are rightfully owed.
Our practice is led by nationally respected life insurance attorney Christian Lassen, Esq. (NY License 5965058). With over 25 years of experience and hundreds of millions recovered, we know how to challenge insurers across New York, especially when they use technicalities or exclusions to avoid paying.
Why Rochester Families Trust The Lassen Law Firm
Singular Legal Focus: We litigate only life insurance cases, no injury law, no criminal defense, just life insurance disputes.
Attorney-Driven Cases: Christian Lassen works directly with clients, providing experienced guidance at every step.
Track Record of Success: We've reversed denials involving lapse, misrepresentation, exclusions, and disputed beneficiaries in high-value claims across New York.
Examples of Rochester-Based Recoveries
$880,000 recovered for a client in Park Avenue after an insurer wrongfully denied a claim under an AD&D policy involving a pedestrian death.
$715,000 secured in the East End after a lapse was alleged without the legally required premium notice.
$620,000 obtained for a family in Charlotte following a group ERISA denial that violated internal procedural timelines.
Common Life Insurance Claim Disputes in Rochester
We routinely fight and win cases involving:
Accidental Death Denials: Particularly when insurers try to label deaths as non-accidental to avoid AD&D payout.
Policy Lapse Disputes: We investigate notice compliance and payment history to reverse wrongful lapse decisions.
Misrepresentation Accusations: We defend claims where insurers argue minor inaccuracies justify rescission.
ERISA Group Policy Denials: We appeal administratively and litigate federally when employers or insurers mishandle claims.
Beneficiary Disputes: We represent rightful claimants in disputes involving ex-spouses, blended families, or outdated designations.
Serving All Areas of Rochester
We proudly help clients in:
Park Avenue
East End
Charlotte
Corn Hill
19th Ward
South Wedge
Maplewood
North Winton Village
Highland Park
Comprehensive Legal Representation
From day one, we:
File and track your claim
Challenge improper denials or delay tactics
Initiate litigation when insurers fail to act in good faith
We litigate life insurance disputes in Monroe County Supreme Court and federal court.
Contingency-Based Representation
No recovery? No fee. We only get paid if we successfully recover funds on your behalf.
Call The Lassen Law Firm today at 800-330-2274 for 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!
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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 insurer said my wife’s death was suicide and refused to pay, citing a policy exclusion. I knew that wasn’t true. The team at Lassen Law proved the exclusion period had ended. They handled everything and got me justice.”- Robert S.
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.