Life Insurance Lawyer Greenville SC
"Life Insurance Lawyers for Greenville, SC – The Lassen Law Firm" In Greenville, a charming city celebrated for its vibrant downtown, scenic Falls Park on the Reedy, 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 Greenville secure the financial peace of mind they deserve. Whether you’re near the bustling Main Street, the picturesque Swamp Rabbit Trail, or anywhere across Greenville County, we provide trusted legal expertise and personalized care every step of the way. Our experienced and trusted South Carolina 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 representation, relentless advocacy, and trusted results for Greenville residents seeking justice in insurance disputes.
2025 Greenville SC Denied Life Insurance Claims
- Colombus Life interpleader case $126,000.00
- Sun National alcohol exclusion $39,000.00
- Pacific Life beneficiary dispute $101,000.00
- Fidelity prescription drug problem $200,000.00
- Assurity alcohol exclusion $201,000.00
Questions About Life Insurance Claims in Greenville
Can a Greenville life insurance claim be denied if the insured didn’t disclose past cancer treatment?
Yes, especially if the insurer claims the omission was material during the contestability period. However, if the cancer was in remission or unrelated to the cause of death, the denial may be successfully challenged through legal action.
Does South Carolina law revoke a former spouse’s beneficiary status after divorce in Greenville?
Yes, South Carolina law automatically revokes an ex-spouse’s right to life insurance proceeds unless the insured reaffirms the designation after the divorce. For ERISA-governed policies, federal law may allow the ex-spouse to still collect, unless the designation was changed through the proper channels.
What is an interpleader lawsuit, and how might it impact a Greenville life insurance dispute?
An interpleader occurs when multiple people claim the same benefit. The insurer files the lawsuit to have a judge decide who should receive the payout. This helps the insurer avoid liability and resolves disputes over beneficiary designations or potential fraud.
Can a policy lapse be reversed in Greenville if the insured missed a premium while in a coma?
Yes, if the insurer failed to send proper lapse notices or didn’t adhere to the grace period rules in South Carolina, the lapse may be invalid. Legal action can be taken to reinstate the policy and recover the death benefit.
Can a life insurance claim be denied in Greenville if the death occurred during a felony?
Yes, if the policy includes a felony exclusion and the death was caused by or occurred during the commission of a felony. The insurer must prove a direct link between the crime and the death, but if the connection is speculative, the denial may be contested.
What if the insured died overseas and the Greenville insurer rejects the foreign documents?
Insurers often delay claims involving foreign death documentation. With proper translations, embassy verifications, and supporting affidavits, we can help ensure the insurer accepts the documents and moves forward with payment.
Can suicide lead to a denied life insurance claim in Greenville?
Suicide can result in a claim denial if it occurs during the suicide exclusion period, typically within two years of policy issuance. After this period, suicide is usually covered. If the cause of death is disputed or misclassified, legal assistance can help reverse the denial.
Can someone in Greenville challenge a forged beneficiary designation form?
Yes. If there is evidence of forgery, such as mismatched signatures or suspicious timing, the rightful beneficiary can challenge the designation in court. Courts will often rely on handwriting experts and witness testimony to resolve the dispute.
Does a will have any effect on life insurance beneficiary designations in Greenville?
No. Life insurance proceeds go to the named beneficiary on the policy, not to anyone named in the will, unless the estate is listed as the beneficiary. If the beneficiary designation is legally invalidated, the estate may receive the payout.
Can ERISA override South Carolina’s beneficiary revocation laws in Greenville?
Yes. ERISA governs most employer-provided policies and supersedes state law, including automatic revocation of ex-spouses as beneficiaries. If the ex-spouse is still named, they may collect unless the designation was formally changed through the employer’s plan administrator.
Can high-risk hobbies like skydiving lead to a denied claim in Greenville?
Yes, if the policy specifically excludes high-risk activities like skydiving and the insured did not disclose participation. However, if the exclusions are vague or not explicitly stated, the denial may be challenged in court.
What if the insurer claims the policyholder lied on their application in Greenville?
The insurer must prove the misstatements were intentional and materially affected their decision to issue the policy. Minor errors or vague questions typically don’t justify a denial, especially if they were unrelated to the cause of death.
What can be done if the Greenville insurer delays a claim citing “incomplete documents”?
If the insurer stalls despite receiving all required documents, it may be acting in bad faith. We can help push the insurer to pay the claim or take legal action if unnecessary delays persist.
Can a last-minute beneficiary change made near death be contested in Greenville?
Yes, if the insured was mentally impaired, in hospice care, or under duress, the change may be challenged. Courts will consider the insured’s capacity and whether the change truly reflects their intent, restoring the prior beneficiary if necessary.
What if the policy was canceled right before death due to “fraud” in Greenville?
Insurers must prove the fraud was intentional and material to their decision. Last-minute cancellations, especially close to the insured’s death, are often scrutinized. If the evidence is weak, the cancellation may be overturned in court.
Can experimental medical procedures lead to a denied claim in Greenville?
Possibly. If the death resulted from an experimental treatment explicitly excluded in the policy, the insurer may deny the claim. However, exclusions must be clearly stated, and many treatments that are part of accepted care may not qualify as “experimental.”
Can an employer be liable if a group life insurance claim is denied in Greenville?
Yes, if the employer mishandled the enrollment process, failed to inform the insured about conversion rights, or made administrative errors, the employer could be held responsible for the denial. Legal action can recover benefits lost due to employer negligence.
What if the beneficiary is suspected of causing the insured’s death in Greenville?
Under South Carolina’s slayer statute, a beneficiary who unlawfully and intentionally caused the death is barred from receiving the payout. A civil court can enforce this disqualification, even without a criminal conviction.
Can vague or confusing policy language be used to deny a claim in Greenville?
Insurers may attempt to deny claims using unclear or ambiguous policy language. However, South Carolina law requires courts to interpret ambiguous clauses in favor of the policyholder. If the exclusion isn’t clearly defined, it may not be enforceable.
How long do I have to sue after a denied life insurance claim in Greenville?
In South Carolina, you typically have three years to file a lawsuit for breach of contract after a life insurance claim is denied. However, ERISA-regulated policies often have much shorter appeal and legal deadlines, so it’s crucial to act quickly after receiving a denial.
For more information on insurance regulations and consumer protections in South Carolina, you can visit the South Carolina Department of Insurance. Additionally, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers nationwide insurance resources.