Life Insurance Lawyer Raleigh NC
"Life Insurance Lawyers for Raleigh, NC – The Lassen Law Firm" In Raleigh, the vibrant capital of North Carolina, celebrated for its thriving tech industry, historic charm, and lush greenery, navigating life insurance claims can still be a stressful and overwhelming process—especially when benefits are unfairly delayed or denied. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping families and individuals in Raleigh secure the financial protection they deserve. Whether you’re near the bustling Downtown district, the serene Pullen Park, or anywhere across Wake County, we provide trusted legal expertise and personalized support every step of the way. Our experienced and trusted North Carolina life insurance lawyers are here to help.
With a nationwide track record of recovering hundreds of millions in life insurance claims, The Lassen Law Firm delivers compassionate advocacy, relentless representation, and trusted results for Raleigh residents seeking justice in insurance disputes.
2025 Raleigh NC Denied Life Insurance Claims
- Unum mispresentation claim $625,000.00
- Ohio Nation two exclusions $340,000.00
- Lincoln National suicide exclusion $270,000.00
- Raleigh life insurance claim $500,000.00
- Veterans life claim dispute $400,000.00
- FEGLI beneficiary dispute $300,000.00
- TIAA interpleader claim $159,000.00
- LIcoln Heritage life dispute $600,000.00
Questions about life insurance claims in Raleigh
Q1: Can a life insurance claim be denied in Raleigh if the insured failed
to disclose past prescription drug use?
Yes, particularly during the contestability period. If the insurer proves
the omission was intentional and that the policy wouldn’t have been
issued had the drug use been disclosed, they may deny the claim. But if
the medication had no connection to the cause of death, the denial can
often be challenged.
Q2: Does North Carolina law revoke an ex-spouse's beneficiary status after
divorce in Raleigh?
Yes. Under state law, divorce typically cancels a former spouse’s
designation as a beneficiary unless the policyholder reaffirms that designation
afterward. However, if the policy falls under federal rules—like
ERISA—state revocation statutes may not apply.
Q3: What is an interpleader lawsuit in a Raleigh life insurance case?
When more than one person claims to be the rightful beneficiary, the insurer
might file an interpleader with the court. In Raleigh, this allows the
court to determine who should receive the death benefit while the insurer
removes itself from the legal dispute.
Q4: Can a policy lapse in Raleigh even if the premium was only a few days late?
Not necessarily. North Carolina law requires life insurers to provide a
grace period and proper notice before canceling coverage. If the insurer
failed to send the required notices or misprocessed the payment, the lapse
may be invalid.
Q5: What happens if no beneficiary is listed on a Raleigh life insurance policy?
The proceeds typically go to the estate of the deceased. That may lead
to probate delays, exposure to creditors, and disputes among heirs, particularly
in situations involving blended families or unclear wills.
Q6: Can a claim in Raleigh be denied due to intoxication if the insured
died in an accident?
It depends on the policy language. If the life insurance or accidental
death policy has an intoxication exclusion, the insurer must prove that
substance use contributed directly to the fatal event. These denials are
often contested due to ambiguous wording or lack of clear evidence.
Q7: Can someone challenge a late beneficiary change made in Raleigh right
before the insured passed away?
Yes. If the change was made when the insured was mentally or physically
compromised—or under pressure from another party—it may be
invalid. Courts will consider evidence such as medical records and witness
testimony.
Q8: Does North Carolina follow community property rules in life insurance cases?
No. North Carolina is not a community property state. That means a spouse
in Raleigh has no automatic right to life insurance proceeds unless named
as a beneficiary or if the policy was governed by an agreement that granted
them such rights.
Q9: Can a life insurance claim be denied in Raleigh based on a forged beneficiary form?
Yes. If a beneficiary designation is proven to be forged, the court can
invalidate it. Legal challenges often require handwriting experts, evidence
of fraud, and testimony to resolve the issue.
Q10: Can a minor child in Raleigh receive life insurance proceeds directly?
No. If a minor is named, the funds are typically placed in a guardianship
or trust until the child reaches adulthood. Without a trust already established,
court involvement is required and may delay distribution.
Q11: What if the insurer in Raleigh is taking too long to pay the life
insurance claim?
North Carolina law requires insurers to pay claims in a timely manner once
all documentation is received. If delays persist without valid justification,
the company may be acting in bad faith and legal action can force payment,
interest, and possible damages.
Q12: Can someone in Raleigh override a beneficiary designation by mentioning
a different name in their will?
No. A will does not override a life insurance policy. The company must
follow the most recent valid beneficiary form on file. Attempts to change
the payout via will or verbal statements will generally be unsuccessful.
Q13: What happens if a Raleigh life insurance policy was provided by an employer?
Employer-sponsored policies are often governed by ERISA, which supersedes
state law. This means that designations like ex-spouses may remain valid
even after divorce, and the appeals process follows federal rules rather
than North Carolina’s.
Q14: Can a Raleigh resident name someone outside the family—like
a friend—as a life insurance beneficiary?
Yes. North Carolina law allows policyholders to name anyone they choose.
However, unexpected designations—especially made shortly before
death—can lead to legal challenges by family members.
Q15: What should I do if the insurer says the insured made a “material
misrepresentation” on the Raleigh policy application?
Request a full copy of the application and ask the insurer to specify the
misrepresentation. If it was minor or unrelated to the cause of death,
the denial may be invalid. Legal help is often necessary to evaluate and
contest these claims.
Q16: Can life insurance in Raleigh be split between multiple beneficiaries?
Yes. The policyholder can name more than one beneficiary and assign specific
percentages. If no percentages are specified or if one beneficiary has
passed away, the proceeds may be split equally or result in an interpleader action.
Q17: Can a life insurance claim be denied in Raleigh based on suicide?
Only during the suicide exclusion period, which typically lasts two years
from the policy’s start date. After that period, suicide is generally
covered. If the insurer denies the claim outside this window, the denial
may not be legally valid.
Q18: What happens if a Raleigh beneficiary change was never submitted to
the insurance company?
Unsubmitted or informal changes—such as handwritten notes or verbal
declarations—do not override the last valid beneficiary form filed
with the insurer. Only properly processed changes are enforceable.
Q19: Can a Raleigh life insurance claim be reopened if new documentation
becomes available?
Yes. If new evidence emerges—such as proof of payment, medical clarification,
or confirmation of policy activity—you may be able to request reconsideration
or file a legal challenge to revive the claim.
Q20: How long do you have to file a lawsuit over a denied life insurance
claim in Raleigh?
North Carolina generally allows three years from the date of denial to
file a breach of contract lawsuit. However, policies governed by ERISA
or with different contractual terms may require action sooner, so don’t
wait to consult an attorney.
For more information on insurance regulations and consumer protections in North Carolina, you can visit the North Carolina Department of Insurance. Additionally, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides nationwide insurance resources.