Life Insurance Lawyer Pennsylvania

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

Life insurance companies in Pennsylvania sometimes deny valid claims, leaving grieving families without the financial protection they were promised. If you’re facing a denied life insurance claim in Pennsylvania, The Lassen Law Firm can step in to challenge the denial and work to recover the benefits you’re entitled to.

In Pennsylvania, life insurance beneficiary disputes commonly involve contested policy changes, legal conflicts among relatives, or challenges after divorce. If you're facing a life insurance beneficiary dispute in Pennsylvania, The Lassen Law Firm can help you assert your rights and recover the benefits you’re entitled to.

In Pennsylvania, when life insurance proceeds are contested, insurers often file an interpleader action in Pennsylvania to avoid liability and let the court determine the rightful beneficiary.

Trusted Life Insurance Lawyers in Pennsylvania: The Lassen Law Firm

Navigating life insurance claims in Pennsylvania can be complex, particularly when dealing with denied payouts or bad faith insurance practices. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are proud to support individuals and families across the Keystone State, helping them recover the benefits they deserve. Our Pennsylvania life insurance lawyers serve clients across the state, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown.

As experienced Pennsylvania life insurance attorneys handling cases nationwide, we’ve successfully recovered hundreds of millions in policies for our clients. At The Lassen Law Firm, we bring dedication, legal knowledge, and compassionate advocacy to every case we handle, ensuring justice for all. 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 Pennsylvania? We’re Ready to Fight for Your Benefits

Life insurance is meant to ease financial burdens after the loss of a loved one, not create new obstacles. Yet in Pennsylvania, many families find themselves facing wrongful denials, unreasonable delays, or reduced payouts. If your life insurance claim has been denied, our Pennsylvania life insurance attorneys are ready to take immediate action to protect your rights and pursue the benefits you were promised.

Insurance companies operating in Pennsylvania must handle claims fairly, promptly, and in good faith. When insurers act unfairly or in bad faith, they can be held accountable under Pennsylvania law — and additional damages may be available. We offer free consultations and charge no fees unless we successfully recover benefits for you.

Understanding Contestability Periods and Life Insurance Denials in Pennsylvania

Nearly all life insurance policies issued in Pennsylvania contain a two-year contestability period. During this window, insurers are allowed to investigate claims and deny benefits based on alleged material misrepresentations made during the application process. After the contestability period expires, insurers typically can only deny claims if they can prove fraud.

Importantly, only material misstatements — errors that would have affected the insurer’s decision to issue or price the policy — provide grounds for rescission. Minor mistakes, misunderstandings, or omissions unrelated to the risk being insured are not enough to justify denial under Pennsylvania law.

If your claim was denied during or after the contestability period, an experienced Pennsylvania life insurance attorney can evaluate whether the insurer’s actions were lawful.

Common Reasons Life Insurance Claims Are Denied in Pennsylvania

While each case is different, insurers in Pennsylvania often rely on familiar tactics when denying life insurance claims. Common reasons include:

Allegations of Application Misstatements: Claims that the insured failed to disclose health conditions, medication use, or risky activities such as skydiving or scuba diving.
Policy Lapse Due to Nonpayment: Insurers may argue the policy lapsed for nonpayment, but Pennsylvania law requires clear notice and a grace period before coverage can be terminated.
Exclusions for Specific Causes of Death: Deaths involving suicide (within exclusion periods), participation in illegal acts, or hazardous hobbies may be excluded depending on the policy terms.
Beneficiary Disputes: Conflicts between family members or claims involving outdated beneficiary designations can delay or derail payment.
Employer Mistakes in Group Life Insurance Plans: Errors made during group enrollment or administration can leave families without expected coverage.
Delays Related to Death Investigations: While insurers may delay payment if a death is under investigation, Pennsylvania law prohibits unreasonable delays without valid cause.

Even if the insurer presents a detailed explanation, many life insurance denials can — and should — be challenged.

What to Do After a Life Insurance Denial in Pennsylvania

Taking decisive steps after a denial can protect your rights and strengthen your claim. You should:

Request a complete copy of the life insurance policy, the original application, and any endorsements or amendments.
Review the denial letter carefully and document the reasons cited by the insurer.
Save all communications with the insurer, including letters, emails, and summaries of phone conversations.
Avoid providing additional documentation or statements without consulting a life insurance attorney.
Contact a Pennsylvania life insurance lawyer promptly to review your claim and prepare a legal strategy.

Pennsylvania’s insurance laws also allow beneficiaries to recover additional damages if an insurer acted in bad faith in handling a life insurance claim.

How Our Pennsylvania Life Insurance Attorneys Challenge Denied Claims

When you work with our firm, you gain a team dedicated solely to representing life insurance beneficiaries. We will:

Analyze your insurance policy, the denial letter, and all underlying documents for legal and factual weaknesses.
Challenge improper contestability rescissions, lapse defenses, and policy exclusions.
Manage all communications and negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf.
Prepare administrative appeals when necessary for group life insurance governed by ERISA.
Litigate denied claims in Pennsylvania courts when insurers refuse to pay valid claims.
Pursue additional damages if the insurer’s conduct qualifies as bad faith under Pennsylvania law.

Our mission is to recover the full life insurance benefits your family deserves and to hold insurers accountable when they act unfairly or unlawfully.

Pennsylvania Denied Life Insurance Claims: Answers to Common Questions

What happens when there is a life insurance interpleader in Pennsylvania?

When an insurer files an interpleader in Pennsylvania, they ask the court to decide who should receive the payout. For example, if two family members claim the benefit, we represent your interests to ensure you receive your rightful share.

How much does a life insurance lawyer cost in Pennsylvania?

Most Pennsylvania life insurance lawyers, including our firm, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and, for instance, if we don't recover the benefit for you, you owe us nothing.

What can void a life insurance payout in Pennsylvania?

Life insurance payouts can be voided due to material misrepresentation, lapse, exclusions, or beneficiary disputes. For example, a lapse caused by missed premiums might void a claim—but if proper notices weren’t sent, we can challenge it.

What happens when a life insurance claim is denied in Pennsylvania?

When a life insurance claim is denied, you should contact an attorney immediately. For example, ERISA group policies allow only one appeal, and missing key arguments can permanently bar recovery.

What should I do if I’m involved in a life insurance beneficiary dispute in Pennsylvania?

If you're involved in a beneficiary dispute, you need legal help quickly. For instance, if an ex-spouse claims benefits after a divorce, we challenge the designation if Pennsylvania revocation laws apply.

Why would a Pennsylvania AD&D life insurance claim be denied?

AD&D claims are often denied when insurers argue the death was natural rather than accidental. For example, if an insurer claims a fatal car crash was caused by a health condition, we bring in experts to dispute that.

Can a policy lapse result in a denied life insurance claim in Pennsylvania?

Yes, but many lapses are challenged successfully. For example, if the insurer failed to send proper lapse notices before canceling the policy, we can argue that coverage remained active.

Is misrepresentation on the life insurance application a reason for denial in Pennsylvania?

Misrepresentation can lead to denial if it was material and intentional. For instance, misstating minor health issues unrelated to the death should not invalidate the policy, and we challenge such denials.

Can an alcohol exclusion be used to deny a life insurance claim in Pennsylvania?

Alcohol exclusions may be used, but insurers often misapply them. For example, if alcohol was present but did not cause the accident, we fight to overturn the denial.

What should I do about a bad faith ERISA life insurance denial in Pennsylvania?

You must act quickly after an ERISA denial because only one appeal is allowed. For example, we build comprehensive appeals with medical and legal evidence to maximize your chance of success.

What should I do if my life insurance claim was denied during the contestability period in Pennsylvania?

If your claim was denied during the contestability period, the insurer must prove a material misstatement. For instance, minor inaccuracies like misstated weight often do not justify denial, and we fight those claims.

What if I receive a denial letter citing Pennsylvania state law?

Receiving a denial letter citing Pennsylvania law doesn’t mean the denial is valid. For example, insurers often misuse revocation statutes or misinterpret notice rules, and we challenge these errors.

Which life insurance companies deny the most claims in Pennsylvania?

Lincoln Heritage, Penn Mutual, and Guardian Life are often reported for high denial rates in Pennsylvania. For example, we have successfully challenged wrongful denials from all of these insurers.

Does Pennsylvania have a law that revokes an ex-spouse’s beneficiary rights after divorce?

Yes, Pennsylvania law automatically revokes an ex-spouse’s beneficiary rights unless reaffirmed. For instance, if no action was taken post-divorce, the ex-spouse may lose rights to the benefit.

Is Pennsylvania a community property state, and does a spouse have rights to life insurance benefits?

No, Pennsylvania is not a community property state. However, if premiums were paid with marital funds, surviving spouses may have a claim to part of the policy proceeds.

Can a will override the named beneficiary on a Pennsylvania life insurance policy?

No, a will cannot override the named beneficiary. For example, even if the will says otherwise, the policy proceeds must go to the person listed unless fraud or undue influence is proven.

Can I fight a denial if the death occurred outside the U.S.?

Yes, foreign death claims can be challenged. For instance, if the insured died during a trip abroad and the policy has no clear foreign death exclusion, we fight for payment.

What happens if a beneficiary change was made shortly before the insured's death?

Last-minute beneficiary changes are often contested. For example, if the change was made while the insured was incapacitated, we can file to invalidate it.

What if the insurance company delays my claim for months without payment?

Unreasonable delays may be considered bad faith in Pennsylvania. For instance, if your claim is delayed without explanation for months, we can pursue legal action for damages.

Can an insurance company deny an accidental death claim by calling it natural causes?

Yes, insurers often reclassify deaths as natural causes. For example, we use forensic experts to show that a fall or accident—not a health event—caused the death.

What if the agent helped fill out the application and made a mistake?

If an agent incorrectly filled out the application, the insurer may still be liable. For instance, if the agent omitted important information, we argue the insurer cannot deny coverage based on that error.

Can I sue for bad faith if my claim was wrongly denied in Pennsylvania?

Yes, Pennsylvania law allows bad faith lawsuits. For example, if an insurer denies a valid claim without proper investigation, we pursue punitive damages and attorney’s fees.

Can a suicide exclusion be challenged in Pennsylvania?

Suicide exclusions can be challenged if misapplied. For instance, if the policy was in force beyond the two-year suicide exclusion window, the insurer cannot use it to deny the claim.

Are ERISA policies different from private life insurance policies in Pennsylvania?

Yes, ERISA governs most employer-provided life insurance policies and limits remedies. For example, ERISA appeals have strict rules requiring immediate and complete evidence submission.

What if the insured didn’t disclose a health condition on their application?

Omissions must be material and intentional to justify denial. For example, if an undisclosed minor condition had no relation to the death, we argue the claim should be paid.

What happens if no beneficiary is named on the policy?

If no beneficiary is listed, the payout usually goes to the insured’s estate. For instance, we help families navigate Pennsylvania probate court to recover life insurance proceeds.

Can I dispute a beneficiary designation that seems suspicious?

Yes, you can challenge suspicious designations. For example, if a caregiver was named shortly before death under questionable circumstances, we take legal action to contest it.

Do insurers need to give notice before canceling a life insurance policy in Pennsylvania?

Yes, insurers must follow strict notice requirements. For instance, failure to send a proper warning before cancellation may keep the policy active, even after non-payment.

What if the life insurance policy was bought through a union or professional organization in Pennsylvania?

Union or association policies may have unique provisions. For example, some require exhausting internal appeal procedures first, and we handle these special processes carefully.

Can I recover only part of a policy if I’m one of multiple beneficiaries?

Yes, co-beneficiaries each receive their designated shares. For instance, if one beneficiary is disqualified, the surviving co-beneficiaries may split the proceeds under the policy’s terms.

What if the policyholder was missing and later declared legally dead?

If the insured was declared legally dead, the claim can move forward. For example, Pennsylvania courts usually require a five-to-seven-year disappearance before issuing a death declaration.

Can I appeal a denied life insurance claim months after the initial denial?

Yes, many claims can still be appealed if time limits allow. For example, ERISA plans have a 180-day appeal window, while private policies may allow more time depending on the terms.

What happens if multiple people claim the insured promised them the benefit?

Verbal promises do not override policy documents. However, for example, if fraud or unjust enrichment is suspected, we can seek court remedies like constructive trusts.

Are life insurance proceeds in Pennsylvania subject to creditor claims?

Life insurance proceeds are usually protected from creditors if paid to a living beneficiary. For example, only if the payout goes to the estate can creditors make claims against it.

What if the policy language is unclear or confusing?

Ambiguous terms are interpreted in favor of the beneficiary under Pennsylvania law. For instance, unclear exclusions must be construed to provide coverage.

Can a denial be reversed if the policy was allegedly canceled for non-payment?

Yes, if cancellation procedures weren’t properly followed. For example, if the insurer failed to send a required lapse notice, we argue the policy remained in effect.

Do minors need a guardian to receive life insurance proceeds in Pennsylvania?

Yes, minors cannot directly receive life insurance funds. For instance, courts may require a guardian or custodial account to manage the proceeds for the child’s benefit.

2025 Pennsylvania Denied Life Insurance Claims: settlements & verdicts

Below are examples of Pennsylvania life insurance claims successfully resolved.

MassMutual’s interpleader lawsuit was resolved favorably, securing $275,000 by clearly establishing rightful beneficiaries.
American Standard Life’s coronavirus-related denial was overturned, recovering $77,000 by proving insurer misinterpretation of pandemic clauses.
Global Atlantic’s COVID-19 denial was successfully contested, securing $114,000 through clarification of policy coverage.
Primerica’s denial for incorrect age listed on the application was successfully resolved, recovering $91,000 by demonstrating clerical error.
Bestow Life’s sickness exclusion denial was effectively resolved, recovering $55,000 by addressing ambiguous policy terms.
First Capital Life’s interpleader lawsuit was favorably resolved, securing $106,000 by clearly identifying rightful beneficiaries.
Athene Life’s denial due to unauthorized power of attorney changes was successfully contested, recovering $105,000 through valid documentation.
Foresters Financial’s delayed claim was successfully resolved, recovering $33,000 after highlighting insurer procedural errors.
Senior Life’s contested beneficiary claim was favorably resolved, recovering $105,000 through clear beneficiary documentation.
Chubb Life’s denial due to lapse of payment was successfully contested, recovering $49,000 by proving administrative mistakes.
North American Life’s denial involving unauthorized power of attorney changes was overturned, securing $202,400 by establishing valid authorization.
Bankers Life’s felony exclusion denial involving a crime was successfully contested, securing $68,000 by clarifying policy misinterpretation.
CUNA Mutual’s denial for policy lapse was effectively resolved, recovering $47,000 by demonstrating insurer errors.
Transamerica’s sickness exclusion denial was successfully overturned, securing $57,000 by clarifying ambiguous policy provisions.
AARP’s coronavirus denial was effectively contested, recovering $110,000 by proving insurer errors in pandemic-related coverage.
SGLI’s denial involving an unlogged beneficiary change form was successfully resolved, recovering $409,300 through demonstrating insurer administrative errors.
A significant Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) claim denial was resolved, securing $920,000 by clarifying policy ambiguities.
Ohio National’s denial due to payment lapse was successfully resolved, recovering $30,000 by highlighting insurer notification failures.
A Pennsylvania mass shooting-related denial was successfully contested, securing $275,000 by clarifying policy exclusions.
MetLife’s denial related to divorce proceedings and ex-spouse beneficiary rights was successfully contested, securing $1,000,000 per court order.
Jackson National Life’s denial involving autoerotic asphyxiation was successfully contested, recovering $107,400 through policy clarification.
Standard Life’s alcohol exclusion denial was overturned, securing $155,000 by proving alcohol was not the direct cause of death.
Guaranteed Life’s misrepresentation denial was successfully contested, recovering $253,700 by establishing inaccuracies were unintentional.
A substantial denied life insurance claim in Philadelphia totaling $507,630 was successfully litigated, highlighting insurer errors.
North American Life’s sickness exclusion denial was overturned, recovering $148,200 by clarifying policy terms.
Transamerica Life’s accidental death denial was successfully contested, securing $214,000 by addressing ambiguous accidental death provisions.
Liberty National Life’s delayed claim was successfully resolved, recovering $112,500 by demonstrating insurer negligence.
Another significant denied claim totaling $630,000 in Pennsylvania was effectively resolved through legal advocacy.
Foresters Life’s drug overdose denial was overturned, securing $284,100 by clarifying accidental circumstances.
Minnesota Life’s felony exclusion denial involving a shooting was successfully contested, securing $135,000 by addressing policy ambiguities.
Colonial Penn Life’s accidental death denial was overturned, securing $208,300 through litigation.
Prudential Life’s significant AD&D denial was successfully contested, recovering $513,500 by addressing policy ambiguities.
Another denied life insurance claim totaling $740,200 in Pennsylvania was successfully litigated, highlighting insurer procedural failures.
Phoenix Life’s undue influence beneficiary denial was successfully contested, recovering $214,000 by proving rightful beneficiary intentions.
Unum Life’s denial involving medical records was overturned, securing $265,300 by demonstrating insurer errors.
Metropolitan Life’s interpleader lawsuit was favorably resolved, recovering $250,000 through clearly identified beneficiaries.
Gerber Life’s denial involving two exclusions was resolved favorably, securing $302,900 by clarifying ambiguous policy language.
Continental Life’s dispute involving spouse versus ex-spouse was successfully resolved, securing $175,000.
AXA Equitable Life’s failure to accept premium denial was overturned, recovering $103,200 by demonstrating insurer errors.
A significant Philadelphia denied life insurance claim totaling $825,000 was successfully contested, emphasizing insurer procedural failures.
Lincoln National Life’s denial involving natural death was successfully contested, securing $211,750 by clarifying policy terms.
Protective Life’s denial based on drug exclusion was overturned, securing $102,900 through litigation clarifying legitimate medication usage.

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

Legal References – Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Contestability Clause Law: Under Pennsylvania law, life insurance policies must contain an incontestability provision stating that the policy becomes incontestable after it has been in force during the lifetime of the insured for a period not exceeding two years from its date, except for nonpayment of premiums.
Automatic Revocation of Ex-Spouse Beneficiaries: Pennsylvania law does not automatically revoke a former spouse's designation as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy upon divorce. Therefore, unless the policyholder updates the beneficiary designation after divorce, the ex-spouse may remain the beneficiary.
Equitable Distribution Laws: Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania'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 Pennsylvania, you can visit the Pennsylvania 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.