Pittsburgh Life Insurance Lawyer
When your life insurance claim is wrongfully denied, delayed, or disputed, The Lassen Law Firm stands ready to act. Based in Pennsylvania and led by nationally recognized attorney Christian Lassen, Esq. (PA License 87022), we’ve helped countless families across Pittsburgh fight back against unfair insurer tactics and recover the benefits their loved ones earned.
With over 25 years of experience focused exclusively on life insurance litigation, our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients nationwide including many right here in Allegheny County. Whether you live in Shadyside, Mount Washington, the Strip District, or the North Shore, we bring powerful representation and relentless advocacy directly to your doorstep.
Why Pittsburgh Families Trust The Lassen Law Firm
Proven Track Record: From claims denied over alleged misrepresentations to complex ERISA group policy denials, we’ve successfully reversed insurer decisions in high-stakes cases throughout Pittsburgh.
Local Knowledge: Our team understands Pennsylvania-specific legal standards and insurer practices unique to Pittsburgh and surrounding jurisdictions.
Direct Attorney Involvement: Clients work directly with an attorney, not paralegals, ensuring your case is handled with precision and urgency.
Real Results for Pittsburgh Residents
$1.1 million secured for a client in Squirrel Hill after an insurer denied an AD&D claim citing an improper exclusion.
$920,000 recovered for a family in Greenfield when a group policy claim was initially denied under ERISA guidelines.
$675,000 obtained in Oakland following a lapse-related denial that ignored mandatory grace period requirements.
Common Reasons for Life Insurance Denials in Pittsburgh
Our firm routinely handles the following denial scenarios:
Application Misrepresentation: Insurers may claim the policyholder omitted or misstated health history. We investigate and prove when information was accurate or not material to the claim.
Lapse in Coverage: Many claims are denied for alleged nonpayment. We assess grace periods, notice failures, and insurer conduct.
Beneficiary Disputes: If there’s a dispute over who’s entitled to the payout, we help rightful beneficiaries assert their claims.
Excluded Causes of Death: Insurers often stretch exclusion clauses beyond their limits. We analyze policy language and medical records to counter these tactics.
How We Help Pittsburgh Families Navigate the Claims Process
Our approach is hands-on and strategic:
We notify the insurer, compile necessary documents (policy, death certificate, etc.), and ensure nothing is missed.
We push back against delay tactics and file appeals or lawsuits when needed.
We pursue settlements or judgments efficiently and effectively.
We also represent claimants in interpleader actions filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Serving Every Neighborhood in the Pittsburgh Area
Our firm assists clients throughout the city and surrounding suburbs, including:
Downtown Pittsburgh
Shadyside
Squirrel Hill
South Side
Mount Washington
Bloomfield
North Shore
East Liberty
Greenfield
Lawrenceville
Robinson Township
Penn Hills
No Recovery, No Fee—Guaranteed
We handle all Pittsburgh life insurance cases on a contingency basis. That means no upfront fees, no hourly charges, and no legal bills unless we win.
Contact The Lassen Law Firm today at 800-330-2274 to schedule your free consultation.
Written & Reviewed by Christian Lassen, Esq.
PA Life Insurance Attorney | PA License 87022 | 25+ Years Experience | Quoted in The Wall Street Journal (May 17, 2025)
Last reviewed: June 10, 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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“The insurer said my wife’s death was suicide and refused to pay, citing a policy exclusion. I knew that wasn’t true. The team at Lassen Law proved the exclusion period had ended. They handled everything and got me justice.”- Robert S.
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.