Life Insurance Lawyer North Dakota

Denied Life Insurance Claim in North Dakota? You’re Not Alone.


In North Dakota, families may be surprised to learn that a life insurance provider has denied a claim over technicalities or unclear policy language. If you're dealing with a life insurance payout denial in North Dakota, The Lassen Law Firm can help you dispute the decision and work to recover the full benefits.

In North Dakota, beneficiary disputes can arise when life insurance policies are ambiguous, outdated, or changed under questionable circumstances. If you're facing a life insurance beneficiary dispute in North Dakota, The Lassen Law Firm can help you protect your rights and pursue the benefits intended for you.

In North Dakota, life insurance companies often file an interpleader action in North Dakota when they receive conflicting claims, asking the court to decide who is legally entitled to the policy proceeds.

Experienced Life Insurance Lawyers North Dakota: The Lassen Law Firm

Dealing with life insurance claims in North Dakota can be challenging, especially when faced with denied benefits or bad faith insurance practices. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are committed to helping individuals and families across the Peace Garden State recover the payouts they deserve. Whether you’re in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, or any other community in North Dakota, we provide trusted legal expertise and personalized support.

As experienced life insurance attorneys handling cases nationwide, we’ve successfully recovered hundreds of millions in policies for our clients. At The Lassen Law Firm, we combine legal expertise, dedication, and compassionate advocacy to fight for justice and deliver exceptional results. Call now for a free consultation to see if we can help you recover your life insurance benefits. No obligation.

Unlike other firms, The Lassen Law Firm exclusively handles denied life insurance claims. With 24 years of experience in this niche, we are recognized as top experts in the field. Our lawyers have earned prestigious awards, including membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and a 10.0 rating on AVVO. No other firm offers the same level of dedication and expertise in denied life insurance cases.

Life Insurance Claim Denied in North Dakota? We’re Here to Stand Up for You

Life insurance is meant to provide financial stability when families need it most. Unfortunately, in North Dakota, many beneficiaries are forced to face unnecessary denials, delays, or reductions in life insurance benefits. If your life insurance claim has been denied, our North Dakota life insurance attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and work to recover the benefits you were promised.

Insurance companies are legally obligated to handle claims fairly and promptly. When they fail to do so, North Dakota law allows beneficiaries to challenge wrongful denials — and insurers who act in bad faith may face additional penalties. We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we secure benefits on your behalf.

Contestability Periods and Life Insurance Claims in North Dakota

Nearly all life insurance policies issued in North Dakota include a two-year contestability period. During this period, insurers may investigate claims and deny benefits if they uncover material misstatements made during the application process. After two years, however, the insurer’s ability to challenge the validity of the policy is severely limited unless fraud can be proven.

It’s important to understand that not every error justifies denial. Under North Dakota law, only material misrepresentations — those that would have influenced the insurer’s decision to issue or price the policy — can serve as a valid basis for rescission. Innocent mistakes or omissions that had no bearing on the insurer’s decision are not grounds for denying benefits.

If your claim was denied based on contestability issues, an experienced life insurance attorney can evaluate whether the insurer’s actions comply with North Dakota law.

Common Reasons Life Insurance Claims Are Denied in North Dakota

Insurance companies often use predictable strategies to deny claims. In North Dakota, common reasons for denial include:

  • Alleged Application Misrepresentations: Claims that the insured failed to disclose medical history, tobacco use, or high-risk activities.

  • Policy Lapses for Nonpayment: Missed premium payments may be cited, but North Dakota law requires insurers to provide proper notice and observe grace periods before terminating coverage.

  • Exclusions for Certain Deaths: Deaths tied to suicide (within exclusion periods), illegal conduct, or hazardous hobbies may be subject to exclusions under policy terms.

  • Beneficiary Disputes: Conflicts between surviving family members or questions about recent beneficiary changes can delay or derail claims.

  • Employer Errors in Group Life Insurance Plans: Administrative mistakes during enrollment or record-keeping can wrongfully deprive families of expected benefits.

  • Delays Due to Death Investigations: While insurers may delay claims when a death is under investigation, North Dakota law prohibits unreasonable or bad faith delays.

Regardless of the reason provided, many life insurance denials can — and should — be legally challenged.

What to Do After a Life Insurance Denial in North Dakota

If you receive a denial letter, acting promptly can significantly strengthen your position. Important steps include:

  • Request a full copy of the life insurance policy, the original application, and any amendments.

  • Carefully review the denial letter and document all stated reasons for denial.

  • Preserve all written and electronic communications with the insurance company.

  • Avoid making additional statements or providing further documents without first consulting an attorney.

  • Contact a North Dakota life insurance lawyer immediately to evaluate your case and protect your rights.

North Dakota’s insurance laws provide strong remedies against insurers who engage in bad faith claim practices.

How Our North Dakota Life Insurance Attorneys Challenge Wrongful Denials

When you work with our firm, you gain a dedicated team that focuses solely on helping beneficiaries recover life insurance proceeds. We will:

  • Review the policy, application documents, and the insurer’s denial justification in detail.

  • Identify whether the denial violated North Dakota’s insurance laws or involved unfair practices.

  • Challenge wrongful denials based on contestability, lapse defenses, and improper exclusions.

  • Handle all negotiations and insurer communications on your behalf.

  • Prepare administrative appeals when necessary for group life insurance governed by ERISA.

  • File lawsuits in North Dakota courts when insurers refuse to pay valid claims.

  • Pursue additional damages if the insurer’s behavior rises to the level of bad faith under North Dakota law.

Our mission is simple: to recover the full life insurance benefits your family is owed and to hold insurers accountable when they break the law.

North Dakota Denied Life Insurance Claims: Answers to Common Questions

What Should I Do If My Life Insurance Claim in North Dakota Has Been Denied?

If your life insurance claim was denied in North Dakota, don’t delay—contact a skilled North Dakota life insurance attorney. In a recent Bismarck case, we reversed a denial based on an improperly applied exclusion clause.

How Do I Respond to a Life Insurance Interpleader Lawsuit in North Dakota?

If you've been named in an interpleader action, the insurer is asking the court to decide who should get the benefit. We recently helped a Fargo client win their rightful share after a family dispute triggered an interpleader.

What Happens During a Life Insurance Beneficiary Dispute in North Dakota?

Beneficiary disputes are common, especially after divorces or late-stage policy changes. In Minot, we successfully defended a spouse whose claim was challenged by an adult child from a previous marriage.

Why Are Accidental Death and Dismemberment Claims Often Denied in North Dakota?

Insurers often argue that the death was due to illness or intoxication, not an accident. We fought and won an AD&D case in Grand Forks where the insurer wrongly classified a car crash death as "natural."

Can a Policy Lapse Result in a Denied Life Insurance Claim in North Dakota?

Yes, but only if proper notice was provided. We recently reinstated a policy for a Dickinson family after proving the insurer failed to send legally required lapse notices.

Is Misrepresentation on the Application a Reason Insurers Deny Claims in North Dakota?

Only if the misstatement was material and intentional. In a Jamestown case, we showed that an alleged misstatement had no link to the cause of death, leading to full payment.

Can an Alcohol Exclusion Be Used to Deny a North Dakota Life Insurance Claim?

Yes, but only if alcohol was a direct cause of death and the policy language is clear. We overturned a denial in Williston where the exclusion was vague and improperly applied.

How Should I Handle an ERISA Life Insurance Denial in North Dakota?

You only get one appeal under ERISA rules, so it must be thorough. In Devils Lake, we secured a reversal after carefully building a complete administrative appeal.

What Is the Purpose of the Contestability Period in North Dakota Life Insurance Policies?

During the first two years, insurers can challenge claims based on application errors. We successfully fought a contestability denial in Mandan where the alleged error had no relevance to the claim.

What If My Denial Letter Cites North Dakota Law as the Reason for Denial?

Insurers often misinterpret North Dakota statutes. We recently disputed and won a case in Rugby where the insurer’s reading of state law was completely off-base.

Which Life Insurance Companies Deny the Most Claims in North Dakota?

Dakota Capital Life in Bismarck and New York Life in Harvey are among those frequently cited. However, we aggressively pursue claims against any insurer operating in North Dakota.

Does Divorce Revoke an Ex-Spouse’s Beneficiary Rights in North Dakota?

Yes, unless the policyholder reaffirms the designation after divorce. We resolved a complex ex-spouse dispute for a client in Valley City.

Is North Dakota a Community Property State, and How Does That Affect Life Insurance Claims?

No, but if marital funds were used to pay premiums, a surviving spouse may still have a claim. We recently handled such a case successfully in Wahpeton.

Can a Will Change the Outcome of a Life Insurance Payout in North Dakota?

Generally not. In North Dakota, the named beneficiary controls unless there’s proven fraud or undue influence, as we proved in a Bottineau case.

What Do North Dakota Life Insurance Lawyers Charge for Denied Claims?

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win and recover your benefit.

Can a North Dakota Life Insurance Claim Be Denied Due to a Death Overseas?

Yes, if a valid foreign death exclusion applies. We recently overturned a wrongful overseas death denial for a client in Beulah.

What Happens If the Beneficiary Was Changed Shortly Before the Insured’s Death in North Dakota?

Last-minute changes are suspect. We successfully challenged a suspicious change made two weeks before death in Watford City.

What Should I Do If My North Dakota Life Insurance Claim Is Taking Too Long?

Delays can amount to bad faith. In a case out of Jamestown, we forced prompt payment plus bad faith damages after months of insurer stalling.

Can Insurers Deny Accidental Death Benefits in North Dakota by Labeling a Death Natural?

They sometimes try, but we often win these cases. We proved an accidental overdose was covered under AD&D policy terms for a Minot client.

Can an Insurance Agent’s Error Lead to Claim Denial in North Dakota?

Yes, but the insurer remains responsible if the agent made the mistake. In Wahpeton, we reversed a denial tied to a broker's sloppy application handling.

What Is Considered Bad Faith in a North Dakota Life Insurance Denial?

Bad faith includes failing to properly investigate, misrepresenting the policy, or denying a valid claim. We seek additional damages when insurers act improperly.

Can Contestability Period Denials Be Appealed in North Dakota?

Absolutely. We recently reversed a denial in Fargo during the contestability window by showing the alleged misstatement had no bearing on the insured’s death.

Are ERISA Life Insurance Appeals More Difficult in North Dakota?

They’re more restricted under federal law, but our North Dakota attorneys have extensive experience winning ERISA life insurance cases.

What If There Is No Named Beneficiary on a North Dakota Policy?

The proceeds typically go to the insured’s estate. We assist families in recovering benefits through the North Dakota probate system.

Can I Challenge a Suspicious Beneficiary Designation in North Dakota?

Yes. In Grafton, we successfully challenged a beneficiary change made under suspicious circumstances just days before death.

Do North Dakota Insurers Have to Notify Policyholders Before Canceling Coverage?

Yes. Lack of proper notice can invalidate the cancellation. We proved this in a lapse dispute in New Rockford.

How Are Group and Employer Life Insurance Policies Handled in North Dakota?

Most are ERISA-governed. We handle employer-related life insurance denials, including enrollment mistakes and HR errors.

What Happens When Multiple People Claim a North Dakota Life Insurance Policy?

The insurer may file an interpleader in court. We recently defended a client in Williston who faced two competing claims over the same policy.

Can I File a Claim If the Insured Was Declared Dead After Going Missing in North Dakota?

Yes. After a North Dakota court declares legal death, we guide families through the claim process and fight any unfair denials.

How Long Do I Have to Appeal a Denied Life Insurance Claim in North Dakota?

ERISA deadlines are typically 180 days. Other policies may vary. We ensure all appeals are filed correctly and on time.

Are Verbal Promises About Life Insurance Enforceable in North Dakota?

Generally no. Only written beneficiary designations control, but in cases of fraud or misconduct, we sometimes pursue equitable claims.

Are Life Insurance Proceeds Protected From Creditors in North Dakota?

Yes, when a living beneficiary is named. If the funds go to the estate, however, creditors may have access.

Can Unclear or Vague Policy Language Be Used to Deny a Claim in North Dakota?

No. North Dakota courts interpret ambiguities in favor of the insured or beneficiary. We use this rule to challenge bad denials.

Can a Canceled or Lapsed Policy Still Pay Out in North Dakota?

Sometimes. If notice requirements weren’t met or reinstatement efforts were made, we can often restore coverage and recover benefits.

What If the Insurer Says the North Dakota Policy Lapsed Due to Non-Payment?

We review all documentation carefully. In a Valley City case, we showed that no lapse notice was ever sent and recovered the full payout.

Can a Minor Receive Life Insurance Proceeds in North Dakota?

Yes, but a guardian or trust may be required. We help North Dakota families properly manage minor beneficiary funds.

Can a Claim Be Denied in North Dakota Due to Alleged Fraud?

Only if intentional fraud is proven. We regularly defeat fraud-based denials lacking real evidence.

Can a North Dakota Life Insurance Claim Dispute Be Resolved Without Court?

Yes. Many disputes are negotiated successfully out of court. However, we are fully prepared to litigate if needed.

What If a Beneficiary Change Form Was Never Submitted in North Dakota?

If the change wasn’t processed, the original designation may still control. We help families assert claims based on the policyholder’s true intent.

Are Older Life Insurance Policies Still Enforceable in North Dakota?

Yes. As long as the policy was active at the time of death, it remains valid. We recently recovered benefits for a family from a policy issued in the 1970s.

How Can I Prove I’m the Rightful Beneficiary of a Life Insurance Policy in North Dakota?

We collect and present all necessary documentation, including policy forms, communications, and legal filings, to secure your benefit.

2025 North Dakota Denied Life Insurance Claims: settlements & verdicts

Below are examples of North Dakota life insurance claims successfully resolved.

  • Nationwide coronavirus death denied $202,000.00
  • Bestow Life chronic illness exclusion $56,000.00
  • MassMutual POA beneficiary change $104,000.00
  • Country Financial Life lapse of policy $30,000.00
  • Globe Life COVID-19 death denial $107,000.00
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment Alcohol $938,000.00
  • CMFG Life material misrepresentation $58,000.00
  • Ladder Life intoxication exclusion won $75,000.00
  • RiverSource lapsed the policy rejection $104,000.00
  • Army Life change of beneficiary form $402,145.00
  • Wilton Life cancer in the medical records $60,000.00
  • OneAmerica Life suicide exclusion hanging $110,000.00
  • Mass shooting North Dakota exclusion $205,000.00
  • Globe misrepresentation application $102,400.00
  • American General felony exclusion $416,000.00
  • Banner prescription drug exclusion denial $263,000.00
  • Prudential interpleader lawsuit beneficiaries $477,000.00
  • North Dakota denied life insurance claim $1,118,000.00
  • AIG accidental death and dismemberment $427,000.00
  • SGLI beneficiary change form issue $400,000.00
  • Denied life insurance claim North Dakota $458,000.00
  • Gerber autoerotic asphyxiation death $219,000.00
  • ERISA insufficient documents supporting claim $143,000.00
  • North Dakota divorce and life insurance $269,000.00
  • Transamerica bad faith life insurance claim $150,000.00
  • North Dakota denied AD&D claim $755,300.00

Every denied claim is unique. In North Dakota, we know how to maximize your chance of recovering the full life insurance payout.

Legal References – North Dakota

  • North Dakota Contestability Clause Law: Under N.D. Cent. Code § 26.1-33-05, life insurance policies issued in North Dakota must include a provision stating that the policy becomes incontestable after it has been in force during the lifetime of the insured for a period of two years from its date, except for nonpayment of premiums. During this contestability period, insurers may deny claims based on material misrepresentations made in the application.​

  • Automatic Revocation of Ex-Spouse Beneficiaries: According to N.D. Cent. Code § 30.1-10-04, a divorce or annulment automatically revokes a former spouse's designation as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy, unless the policyholder reaffirms the designation after the divorce or the policy explicitly states otherwise.​

  • Equitable Distribution Laws: North Dakota is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means that life insurance proceeds are distributed according to the policy's beneficiary designation, and a surviving spouse is not automatically entitled to the death benefit unless named as a beneficiary or granted rights through a court order or marital agreement.​

  • ERISA & Group Policies: Employer-provided life insurance policies governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) may preempt North Dakota's state laws in cases involving contested beneficiaries, including disputes with former spouses. In such cases, the beneficiary designation on the policy typically determines who receives the proceeds, regardless of state laws.

For more information on insurance regulations and consumer protections in North Dakota, you can visit the North Dakota Insurance Department. Additionally, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers nationwide insurance resources.

The Lassen Law Firm is a national practice focused exclusively on life insurance litigation. Founded by Christian Lassen, Esq., the firm has recovered hundreds of millions for clients in all 50 states. All website content is written or reviewed by Mr. Lassen personally to ensure accuracy and authority.