Life Insurance Lawyer Columbus Oh

"Life Insurance Lawyers for Columbus, OH – The Lassen Law Firm" In Columbus, a thriving city celebrated for its vibrant arts scene, historic neighborhoods, and welcoming community, navigating life insurance claims can still be a difficult and overwhelming experience—especially when benefits are unfairly delayed or denied. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are committed to helping families and individuals in Columbus secure the financial protection they deserve. Whether you’re near the bustling Short North Arts District, the scenic Scioto Mile, or anywhere across Franklin County, we provide trusted legal expertise and personalized care every step of the way. Our experienced and trusted Ohio life insurance lawyers are here to help.

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

2025 Columbus Ohio Denied Life Insurance Claims

AARP interpleader $340,000.00
Monumental felony gun exclusion $350,000.00
Columbus Ohio life insurance claim $104,000.00
Stonebridge Life delay of claim $300,000.00
TIAA beneficiary dispute $235,000.00

Questions about life insurance claims in Columbus

Q1: Can a Columbus life insurance claim be denied if the insured failed to disclose prior heart surgery?
Yes, particularly if the omission occurred within the policy’s contestability period. However, if the surgery was many years ago or unrelated to the death, and the insurer didn’t investigate further before issuing the policy, the denial may be overturned through legal challenge.

Q2: Is a former spouse automatically removed as beneficiary after divorce in Columbus?
Yes—Ohio law generally revokes an ex-spouse’s beneficiary status unless the policyholder reaffirmed that choice after the divorce. Still, if the policy falls under ERISA (such as through a workplace plan), federal law may override Ohio’s revocation rule.

Q3: What is an interpleader lawsuit and why might one occur in a Columbus life insurance claim?
If there’s a dispute over who should receive the life insurance payout—such as between a new partner and an adult child—the insurer may file an interpleader lawsuit. This lets an Ohio court determine the rightful beneficiary while the insurer avoids liability.

Q4: Can a policy lapse be contested in Columbus if the insured never received a warning letter?
Yes. Ohio law requires insurers to give proper notice before canceling a policy due to nonpayment. If the lapse notice was never sent, or sent to the wrong address, the policy may be reinstated retroactively and the claim paid.

Q5: What if the insured died during a skydiving accident that wasn’t disclosed on their Columbus policy application?
If skydiving is listed as an exclusion or considered a material risk that was not disclosed, the insurer may deny the claim. However, if the insured regularly participated in high-risk sports and the insurer accepted premiums without objection, waiver or estoppel arguments may apply.

Q6: Can a claim be denied in Columbus due to alleged fraud by the beneficiary?
Yes. If the insurer suspects the beneficiary falsified documents or made misleading statements during the claim process, the payout can be delayed or denied. Legal representation is often needed to rebut such allegations and restore the claim.

Q7: What happens if a Columbus beneficiary is accused of involvement in the insured’s death?
Under Ohio’s slayer statute, a beneficiary found responsible for causing the insured’s death is barred from receiving proceeds. Even if criminal charges haven’t been filed, the insurer may withhold payment pending investigation or legal resolution.

Q8: Can a life insurance claim in Columbus be denied if the insured died abroad?
Yes, but only if the insurer can show that sufficient proof of death wasn’t submitted or if the death occurred in a region excluded by the policy. Many international deaths are initially denied due to missing documentation, which can be corrected with legal assistance.

Q9: What should I do if a Columbus life insurance company says the policy ended before death?
First, verify the date of lapse and whether premiums were paid or notices were sent. If the insured tried to convert a group policy to individual coverage but the insurer failed to provide proper information, the denial may be contested.

Q10: Can a claim be denied in Columbus based on drug use, even if it wasn’t the direct cause of death?
Yes, if the policy includes an exclusion for deaths involving illegal substances or substance abuse. However, if the toxicology report is inconclusive or the drug use was incidental, the exclusion may not apply and the denial can be disputed.

Q11: How can ERISA affect a Columbus life insurance claim involving a divorce?
ERISA-governed policies often disregard state divorce revocation laws. If the ex-spouse is still listed on an employer-sponsored life insurance plan, they may still legally receive the payout—even if the divorce decree stated otherwise.

Q12: Can a Columbus life insurance claim be denied because of an experimental medical procedure?
Possibly. Some policies exclude coverage for deaths resulting from non-approved or investigational treatments. However, this type of exclusion is often vague and may be challenged if the procedure was part of standard care or emergency treatment.

Q13: What if the insurer claims the application included inconsistent medical information in Columbus?
Many denials stem from clerical inconsistencies or honest mistakes. If the discrepancies weren’t intentional or didn’t affect the insurer’s decision to issue coverage, Ohio courts may side with the beneficiary.

Q14: Can a life insurance claim in Columbus be denied due to a vague or poorly defined exclusion clause?
Insurers sometimes rely on broadly written exclusions to deny claims. Under Ohio law, ambiguous policy language is usually interpreted in favor of the policyholder or beneficiary, not the insurer.

Q15: What if the life insurance claim was denied in Columbus because of “suspicious” circumstances surrounding the death?
If the insurer cannot clearly establish suicide, homicide, or a policy exclusion, the claim must still be paid. Legal support can help pressure insurers who try to delay or deny based on speculation rather than evidence.

Q16: Can participation in extreme hobbies lead to a denial in Columbus if not previously disclosed?
Yes, if the activity poses a material risk and the application asked about it. Activities like BASE jumping or deep diving often trigger exclusions. But if the insurer knew of the activity or failed to act on it, they may have waived the right to deny.

Q17: What happens if the insurer says the insured committed insurance fraud in Columbus?
Fraud is a serious allegation, but insurers must prove the insured intentionally provided false information. If the evidence is weak or based on assumptions, beneficiaries can challenge the denial and potentially recover damages for bad faith.

Q18: Can the death of the insured during a felony or while fleeing police void the policy in Columbus?
Some policies contain exclusions for deaths occurring during illegal acts. However, courts closely examine whether the activity was truly criminal and whether it caused the death. These denials often come down to nuanced legal arguments.

Q19: What if the insurer says required claim documents were missing in Columbus?
Many claims are denied for technical reasons like missing forms, incomplete applications, or lack of a certified death certificate. An attorney can help obtain proper documentation and resubmit the claim to force the insurer to act.

Q20: Can a beneficiary designation be overturned in Columbus if the form was allegedly forged?
Yes. If there’s evidence the insured didn’t authorize the change—such as inconsistent signatures, lack of witnesses, or suspicious timing—the court can void the designation and restore the original beneficiary.

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