Life Insurance Lawyer Oklahoma City Ok
"Life Insurance Lawyers for Oklahoma City, OK – The Lassen Law Firm" In Oklahoma City, a vibrant city known for its rich Western heritage, booming energy industry, and welcoming community spirit, 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 committed to helping families and individuals in Oklahoma City secure the financial peace of mind they deserve. Whether you’re near the bustling Bricktown district, the serene Myriad Botanical Gardens, or anywhere across Oklahoma County, we provide trusted legal expertise and personalized care every step of the way. Our experienced and trusted Oklahoma life insurance lawyers are here to help.
With a proven nationwide record of recovering hundreds of millions in life insurance claims, The Lassen Law Firm delivers compassionate advocacy, relentless representation, and trusted results for Oklahoma City residents seeking justice in insurance disputes.
2025 Oklahoma City Denied Life Insurance Claims
- ING beneficiary dispute lawsuit $551,000.00
- Nationwide Life interpleader $400,000.00
- Colonial life alcohol exclusion $50,000.00
- Oklahoma City life insurance claim $714,000.00
- Farmers drug exclusion $300,000.00
Life Insurance Claim Denials in Oklahoma City: Common Issues & Legal Guidance
Can a life insurance company in Oklahoma City deny a claim if the insured failed to mention past heart surgery?
Yes, especially if the omission occurred during the contestability period. However, if the surgery was unrelated to the cause of death or if the insurer failed to properly assess the information, the denial may be overturned through legal action.
Does Ohio law revoke an ex-spouse’s beneficiary rights on life insurance policies after divorce in Oklahoma City?
Yes, under Oklahoma law, unless the insured reaffirmed the beneficiary designation after divorce, it is generally revoked. However, for ERISA-governed policies (typically employer-sponsored plans), the ex-spouse might still be entitled to the proceeds if the designation was not updated.
What is an interpleader action and how can it affect life insurance claims in Oklahoma City?
An interpleader action is filed by the insurer when multiple claimants are contesting the same benefit. The insurer deposits the death benefit with the court, and an Oklahoma City judge determines who is legally entitled to the proceeds.
Can a life insurance policy lapse in Oklahoma City if one premium payment was missed during a medical emergency?
Not if the insurer failed to follow legal cancellation procedures. If the insurer didn’t send proper notice or allow the grace period, the policy may still be enforceable, and the claim may be contested in court.
What happens if the insured died while committing a felony in Oklahoma City?
Many life insurance policies exclude coverage for deaths during criminal activity. However, the insurer must prove that the death was directly tied to the felony and that the exclusion applies. These exclusions can often be challenged if the evidence is unclear or the act was minor.
Can a claim be denied in Oklahoma City if the death occurred during an overseas trip?
Yes, especially if the death occurred in a country excluded by the policy or if the insurer claims there is insufficient proof. However, legal assistance can help by gathering consular records, foreign death certificates, and translations to overcome the denial.
What happens if someone forged the beneficiary change form in an Oklahoma City life insurance policy?
A forged beneficiary form is invalid. If forgery is suspected, legal action may be taken. Courts will review evidence such as handwriting analysis, timing, and witness testimony to restore the original beneficiary and invalidate the forged change.
Can high-risk activities like private aviation or skydiving lead to a denied claim in Oklahoma City?
Yes, if these activities were excluded by the policy or not disclosed in the application. However, if the insurer continued accepting premiums despite knowing about the activities, the denial may be legally challenged, especially if the exclusion was ambiguous.
Does a will have the power to change the beneficiary of a life insurance policy in Oklahoma City?
No. Life insurance proceeds are paid to the beneficiary listed on the most recent valid beneficiary form filed with the insurer, not to individuals named in a will. A will has no authority over life insurance unless the estate is named as the beneficiary.
Can a beneficiary in Oklahoma City be disqualified if they’re suspected in the insured’s death?
Yes. Under Oklahoma’s slayer statute, if a beneficiary is found to have intentionally caused the death of the insured, they are barred from receiving the proceeds. Even without a criminal conviction, evidence in civil court can disqualify the beneficiary.
What if the employer never told the insured about their right to convert a policy in Oklahoma City?
If the insured failed to convert a group policy to an individual one after leaving their job and the employer didn’t inform them of their conversion rights, the insurer may be legally obligated to honor the coverage under ERISA protections.
Can a claim in Oklahoma City be denied due to “missing paperwork” or “incomplete forms”?
Yes, but many denials are simply tactics to delay the claim. Legal action can ensure that the insurer promptly processes the claim and that the necessary documentation is provided. Many of these delays are not justified under Oklahoma law.
What if the insured died while using prescription medication not disclosed on the application?
If the medication directly contributed to the death and wasn’t disclosed, the insurer may deny the claim. However, many of these claims can be overturned if the medication was prescribed as part of routine care or if the omission was minor.
Can suicide lead to a denied life insurance claim in Oklahoma City?
Yes, but only if the suicide occurred during the suicide exclusion period—usually the first two years of the policy. After that, suicide is generally covered unless explicitly excluded. If the insurer wrongly claims suicide, legal support can be used to challenge the denial.
Can a life insurance claim in Oklahoma City be denied if the insured was undergoing experimental treatment?
Possibly, as some policies exclude deaths resulting from experimental treatments. However, these exclusions must be clearly stated, and if the treatment was part of standard medical care, the denial may be contested.
Does ERISA affect life insurance claims from employer policies in Oklahoma City?
Yes. ERISA governs most employer-sponsored life insurance policies, which means federal law overrides state law. For example, an ex-spouse may still be entitled to benefits under ERISA even if state law would revoke their rights after a divorce.
Can a life insurance claim in Oklahoma City be denied if the cause of death was “undetermined”?
Yes, but only temporarily. Insurers may delay claims if the cause of death is ambiguous. Legal action can help clarify the cause, whether through autopsy reports, medical records, or police investigations, to force the insurer to pay.
What if the insurer says the insured made a “material misrepresentation” in their application?
The insurer must prove that the misrepresentation was intentional and material to the risk. If the error was minor, unintentional, or unrelated to the cause of death, the denial may be overturned in court.
Can a life insurance policy be canceled shortly before death due to alleged fraud in Oklahoma City?
If the insurer claims fraud but continued to accept premiums without investigating, the cancellation may be deemed illegal. Insurers must follow proper procedures, and legal action can reinstate the policy and enforce the claim.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a denied life insurance claim in Oklahoma City?
In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for breach of contract is typically five years. However, for ERISA-governed policies, the deadline may be shorter, so it’s important to act quickly and seek legal counsel after a denial.
For more information on insurance regulations and consumer protections in Oklahoma, you can visit the Oklahoma Insurance Department. Additionally, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers nationwide insurance resources.