Syracuse Life Insurance Lawyer
In Syracuse, where historic charm meets thriving innovation, navigating a life insurance claim can feel like an uphill battle, especially when benefits are unfairly delayed or denied. At The Lassen Law Firm, we stand with Syracuse families, helping them recover the benefits they’re owed after the loss of a loved one. We focus exclusively on life insurance disputes, including accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) claims, ERISA group denials, and contested beneficiary cases.
Led by Christian Lassen, Esq. (NY License 5965058), our firm has recovered hundreds of millions for clients nationwide. With over 25 years of experience, we bring strategic litigation and deep insurance knowledge to clients throughout Onondaga County and Central New York.
Why Syracuse Families Choose The Lassen Law Firm
Sole Focus on Life Insurance Law: We are not a general practice firm. Life insurance disputes are all we do.
Direct Attorney Access: Clients work directly with a lawyer, not with case managers or assistants.
Track Record of Success: We've handled complex denials and disputes with excellent outcomes across New York State.
Syracuse Case Results
$810,000 recovered for a client in Eastwood after an AD&D claim was improperly denied based on a disputed toxicology report.
$735,000 secured for a family near Armory Square after a policy was canceled without adequate premium notice.
$660,000 obtained in the Valley area after resolving a contested claim involving multiple beneficiary designations.
Common Life Insurance Issues in Syracuse
We frequently help Syracuse-area clients with:
Denied Accidental Death Claims: We fight exclusions based on drugs, alcohol, or technical causes that insurers overuse.
Policy Lapse Disputes: We assess notification procedures, payment timelines, and statutory compliance.
ERISA Denials: We appeal and litigate improperly denied group life policies issued through employers.
Beneficiary Conflicts: We represent rightful heirs in disputes involving ex-spouses, estranged family members, or outdated forms.
Misrepresentation Claims: We challenge insurer attempts to void policies over minor, unrelated omissions on applications.
Syracuse Neighborhoods We Serve
We represent clients across:
Armory Square
Eastwood
Westcott
South Valley
Tipp Hill
Northside
Outer Comstock
East Syracuse
Near Westside
Full-Service Legal Support
From initial claim filing to trial, we manage every stage:
Gathering documentation
Responding to delay tactics
Filing lawsuits in Onondaga County Supreme Court or U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York
No Fees Unless We Win
We operate on contingency, you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
Call The Lassen Law Firm today at 800-330-2274 for a free, confidential 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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“We were denied after my dad changed jobs and the company claimed he never converted his life insurance policy. Mr. Lassen found the paperwork showing he had. The check arrived a month later.”- Brian C.
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.