Salem OR Life Insurance Lawyer
In Salem, Oregon’s capital city, known for its scenic parks, civic pride, and historic neighborhoods, families facing denied or delayed life insurance claims are often forced to go up against powerful insurance companies. At The Lassen Law Firm, we help Salem residents resolve complex life insurance disputes including accidental death denials, lapse claims, and ERISA group policy issues.
Attorney Christian Lassen, Esq. has over 25 years of experience focused solely on life insurance law. With hundreds of millions recovered for beneficiaries nationwide, our firm delivers trusted legal help to families across Salem and Marion County.
Why Salem Clients Choose The Lassen Law Firm
Exclusive Focus on Life Insurance
We do not take injury or general civil cases. We concentrate exclusively on life insurance matters.
Serving the Country
We represent clients in all 50 states and handle both employer-sponsored and private life insurance policies.
Direct Access to Your Attorney
From start to finish, you will work directly with attorney Christian Lassen not a case manager or junior associate.
Notable Oregon Case Results
$735,000 settlement for a Salem family after a group life policy was improperly terminated during a medical leave of absence. We proved the insurer failed to provide required notices.
$690,000 accidental death claim denial reversed when the insurer relied on a “hazardous activity” exclusion. We showed the activity was not excluded under the plain language of the policy.
$615,000 for a client in West Salem whose individual life policy was rescinded due to an alleged omission on the application. We proved the error was immaterial and the policy should be enforced.
Types of Life Insurance Disputes We Handle in Salem
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Denials
Including disputes over exclusions for alcohol, illegal activity, or risky behavior.
Policy Lapse Claims
We investigate whether required grace periods and billing notices were properly issued under Oregon law.
Misrepresentation Allegations
We defend policyholders and beneficiaries from wrongful rescissions over application answers or outdated health history.
Beneficiary Conflicts
Including contested designations, outdated forms, and post-divorce disputes.
ERISA Group Plan Denials
We handle federal appeals and lawsuits for Salem workers covered by employer-provided policies.
Areas We Serve in and Around Salem
Our firm represents clients throughout the greater Salem area, including:
South Central
West Salem
Keizer
East Lancaster
Morningside
Hayesville
Four Corners
South Gateway
Northgate
Whether your policy was through a local employer or purchased individually, we have the experience to protect your rights and recover your benefits.
What You Can Expect
Free consultation and policy review
No recovery, no fee
Direct communication with your attorney
Skilled negotiations and, if needed, litigation in federal or state court
Get Legal Help Today
There is no fee unless we win your case. Reach out for a confidential case review with a top national life insurance attorney.
Call The Lassen Law Firm at 800-330-2274 to speak directly with attorney Christian Lassen.
Written & Reviewed by Christian Lassen, Esq.
National Life Insurance Attorney | 25+ Years of Experience
Quoted in The Wall Street Journal (May 17, 2025)
Last reviewed: June 13, 2025
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 800-330-2274 today!
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A grace period is the time after a missed payment during which the policy remains in force, usually 30 to 60 days depending on state law and policy terms.
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No. In most states, insurers must send a written notice of overdue premiums and warn of pending lapse before terminating coverage.
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The policy may still be enforceable. Beneficiaries can challenge the lapse based on the insurer’s failure to provide required notice.
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Yes. If the insured dies during the grace period, the policy is still considered active, and benefits should be paid.
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Yes. In group life insurance policies, employers sometimes fail to forward premiums properly, leading to wrongful lapse denials.
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Yes. If automatic payment setups fail through no fault of the insured, lapses may be challenged.
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Some policies automatically borrow against cash value to cover missed payments. Failure to apply this correctly can lead to wrongful lapse claims.
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Possibly. Some courts excuse nonpayment if the insured was mentally incapacitated and missed premiums without proper notice.
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No. Reinstatement must occur while the insured is alive, but wrongful lapse denials can still be challenged posthumously.
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Not without following strict notice and grace period rules. Beneficiaries can often challenge technical denials.
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Deadlines vary by state, but it’s critical to act within 1 to 5 years depending on the policy and jurisdiction.
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Not necessarily. Payments mailed within grace periods or accepted by insurers may keep coverage active.
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Bank records, payment receipts, insurer correspondence, and premium notices are key evidence.
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If the insurer used an outdated address despite updated information, lapse denials can often be overturned.
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Possibly. If the insured submitted a reinstatement application before death, it may help challenge a lapse denial.
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In some states, special grace periods and protections applied during COVID-19 emergencies. They can help fight wrongful lapses.
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Only if the insurer followed all legal notice and grace period requirements. Otherwise, beneficiaries may still recover.
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Misapplied premiums can lead to wrongful lapses — and courts often hold insurers accountable for these errors.
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An attorney can obtain records, challenge improper lapses, negotiate settlements, and litigate if necessary to enforce payment.
Our Clients Speak Volumes
The Right Choice for Your Claim
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“Apparently, there were so-called inconsistencies on the application. The insurer used that as an excuse to avoid paying. Thankfully, Lassen Law stepped in and proved everything had been disclosed accurately. Claim paid.”- Rebecca M.
Why The Lassen Law Firm Is Different
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Proven National ResultsRepresenting clients coast to coast and recovering hundreds of millions in denied life insurance claims, we secure justice and peace of mind for families everywhere.
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Recognized ExpertisePerfect 10.0 Avvo rating endorsed by over 1,700 attorneys; life member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum; ranked among the top 1 percent of lawyers nationally for life insurance litigation.
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Client-First AdvocacyNo upfront fees: our contingency fee guarantee aligns our interests with yours; we provide personalized, compassionate representation from your initial consultation through resolution.
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Media & Community LeadershipQuoted in The Wall Street Journal and featured in leading legal publications; frequent speaker at national conferences; dedicated to charitable efforts supporting pediatric cancer care.