Life Insurance Lawyer Bismarck ND

"Life Insurance Lawyers for Bismarck, ND – The Lassen Law Firm" In Bismarck, North Dakota’s charming capital city, known for its stunning Missouri River views, rich history, and welcoming community, navigating life insurance claims can still be a challenging and overwhelming experience—especially when benefits are unfairly delayed or denied. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping families and individuals in Bismarck secure the financial protection they deserve. Whether you’re near the vibrant downtown area, the scenic Sertoma Park, or anywhere across Burleigh County, we provide trusted legal expertise and personalized care every step of the way. Our experienced and trusted North Dakota life insurance lawyers are here to help.

With a nationwide reputation for recovering hundreds of millions in life insurance claims, The Lassen Law Firm delivers compassionate representation, relentless advocacy, and trusted results for Bismarck residents seeking justice in insurance disputes.

2025 BismarCk ND Denied Life Insurance Claims

Lincoln National interpleader $370,000.00
ING shooting death denial $150,000.00
Bismarck ND life insurance claim $506,000.00
Globe Life suicide denial $30,000.00
Senior Life beneficiary dispute $520,000.00

Questions about life insurance claims in Bismarck

Q1: Can a Bismarck life insurance claim be denied if the insured left out a past diagnosis when applying?
Yes, but only if the omission was intentional and significant to the insurer’s decision to approve the policy. If the condition had no impact on the cause of death or the risk assessment, North Dakota law may support a challenge to the denial.

Q2: Does North Dakota law revoke an ex-spouse’s beneficiary rights after divorce in Bismarck?
Yes. Unless the insured reaffirmed the ex-spouse as a beneficiary after the divorce, North Dakota law will generally revoke their right to collect. But if the policy is governed by federal law, like ERISA, that state rule may not apply.

Q3: What happens if multiple people claim the same life insurance in Bismarck?
If competing claims arise, such as from a current spouse and an adult child, the insurer may file an interpleader lawsuit. The court in Bismarck then determines who is legally entitled to the death benefit.

Q4: Can a Bismarck insurer declare a life insurance policy lapsed for missing one premium?
Only if they followed required notice and grace period rules. North Dakota insurers must provide proper warning before termination. If the lapse notice wasn’t delivered or the grace period was ignored, the policy may still be enforceable.

Q5: What if the life insurance beneficiary in Bismarck passed away before the insured and no backup was listed?
If there’s no contingent beneficiary, the proceeds typically go to the policyholder’s estate. This can create probate delays and expose the funds to estate creditors or legal challenges from heirs.

Q6: Can life insurance be denied in Bismarck due to alcohol or drug use at the time of death?
Yes, if the policy contains a substance-related exclusion. But the insurer must prove that intoxication directly contributed to the death. If the exclusion language is vague or the toxicology is inconclusive, the denial may be contested.

Q7: Can someone in Bismarck challenge a change in beneficiary made just before the insured died?
Yes. If the insured was seriously ill, mentally impaired, or dependent on the new beneficiary, the change can be contested in court. Courts will examine medical records and intent to determine validity.

Q8: Is North Dakota a community property state, and does that affect life insurance in Bismarck?
No. North Dakota follows equitable distribution, not community property. That means a spouse has no automatic right to life insurance proceeds unless named as beneficiary or addressed in a legal agreement like a divorce settlement.

Q9: What should I do if I suspect a forged beneficiary form on a Bismarck policy?
If you believe a signature was forged, legal action should be taken immediately. Handwriting analysis and testimony may be used to challenge the change and reinstate a prior beneficiary.

Q10: Can a minor child in Bismarck receive life insurance funds directly?
No. If a child under 18 is the named beneficiary, the court may require the appointment of a guardian or creation of a trust. This can delay payment unless proper planning was done in advance.

Q11: What if a Bismarck life insurance company delays payment for no clear reason?
Unreasonable delays can be considered bad faith under North Dakota law. If the insurer received all necessary documents but refuses to pay promptly, legal remedies may include interest, damages, and attorney’s fees.

Q12: Can a handwritten beneficiary change be enforced in Bismarck?
Only if it was submitted to and accepted by the insurer. A note written by the policyholder but never processed by the company will generally not override the last filed beneficiary designation.

Q13: Are employer-provided life insurance plans in Bismarck subject to different rules?
Yes. Group policies through employers are typically governed by ERISA. That means federal law overrides certain state protections, and beneficiaries must follow ERISA’s specific procedures for claims and appeals.

Q14: Can someone who is not related to the insured be named beneficiary in Bismarck?
Yes. The policyholder can name anyone they choose. However, non-family designations—especially if made suddenly—can raise legal challenges from relatives who suspect undue influence or lack of capacity.

Q15: How can a claim in Bismarck be denied due to “material misrepresentation”?
If the insurer believes the insured made a false statement on the application, they must prove it was intentional and that it would have changed the policy’s issuance. If the issue was minor or irrelevant, the denial may not be valid.

Q16: Can life insurance in Bismarck be divided among multiple people?
Yes. Beneficiaries can be assigned equal or different percentages. If a beneficiary is missing or the allocation is unclear, the insurer may seek a court’s help to divide the proceeds fairly.

Q17: Can a will override a life insurance beneficiary designation in Bismarck?
No. The beneficiary form filed with the insurance company takes precedence. Even if the will says otherwise, the insurance company must follow its records unless a court rules the change invalid.

Q18: What’s the deadline to file a life insurance lawsuit in Bismarck after a denial?
North Dakota law typically allows six years to file a breach of contract lawsuit over a denied life insurance claim. However, shorter deadlines may apply to ERISA plans, so don’t delay seeking legal advice.

Q19: Can a denied life insurance claim in Bismarck be reopened?
Yes. If you discover new documentation, witness statements, or errors in the denial, the insurer may be forced to reconsider. If they refuse, legal action may be necessary to enforce the claim.

Q20: What can trigger an interpleader case in Bismarck life insurance matters?
Interpleader often occurs when there are conflicting claims—for example, from a recently added caregiver and a long-standing family member. The insurer deposits the money with the court, and a judge decides who is entitled to receive it.

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.