Life Insurance Lawyer Mount Pleasant SC

"Life Insurance Lawyers for Mount Pleasant, SC – The Lassen Law Firm" In Mount Pleasant, a charming town renowned for its scenic beauty, historic allure, 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 Mount Pleasant secure the financial peace of mind they deserve. Whether you’re near the bustling Old Village, the serene Shem Creek, or anywhere across Charleston 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 track record of recovering hundreds of millions in life insurance claims, The Lassen Law Firm delivers compassionate advocacy, relentless representation, and trusted results for Mount Pleasant residents seeking justice in insurance disputes.

2025 Mount Pleasant SC Denied Life Insurance Claims

Allstate competing beneficiaries $124,000.00
Primerica prescription drug exclusion $89,000.00
Horace Mann beneficiary dispute $111,000.00
Sunlife misrepresentation application $50,000.00
Mount Pleasant SC life insurance claim $50,000.00

Questions about life insurance claims in Mount Pleasant

Q1: Can a life insurance claim be denied in Mount Pleasant if the insured didn’t report a prior stroke on the application?
Yes, especially if the omission occurred within the contestability period and the insurer considers it material. However, if the stroke didn’t influence the underwriting decision or relate to the cause of death, the denial may be successfully challenged.

Q2: After divorce in Mount Pleasant, can a former spouse still receive life insurance benefits?
Not usually. South Carolina law automatically revokes an ex-spouse’s beneficiary status unless the insured specifically reaffirmed the designation post-divorce. However, for ERISA-governed policies, federal law often overrides state revocation rules.

Q3: What is an interpleader lawsuit, and how can it impact a Mount Pleasant life insurance claim?
An interpleader occurs when the insurer receives competing claims and files a case in court, asking a judge to decide who should receive the payout. This protects the insurer and allows the court to resolve any beneficiary dispute or forgery allegation.

Q4: Can a policy lapse be reversed in Mount Pleasant if the insured missed a payment due to hospitalization?
Yes, if the insurer failed to provide a proper lapse notice or didn’t comply with South Carolina’s grace period requirements. A wrongful lapse can lead to reinstatement of the policy and full recovery of the death benefit.

Q5: Can a Mount Pleasant life insurance claim be denied if the insured died during a felony?
Yes, if the policy contains a criminal act exclusion and the death directly resulted from the felony. The insurer must clearly prove the causal link between the illegal act and the fatal event to justify denial.

Q6: Can foreign death documentation delay a life insurance claim in Mount Pleasant?
Yes, especially if the death certificate is in a foreign language or issued under non-standard legal procedures. We help families obtain consular reports, certified translations, and other documents to satisfy insurer requirements and get claims paid.

Q7: Is suicide a valid reason for denial of life insurance in Mount Pleasant?
Only if it occurred during the policy’s suicide exclusion period, typically the first two years. After that window, suicide is covered. If the insurer labels a death as suicide without conclusive evidence, legal action may be required to enforce the claim.

Q8: What if the beneficiary form in a Mount Pleasant policy was forged?
A forged beneficiary designation is invalid. If the signature doesn’t match or the form appears suspicious, the rightful beneficiary can file a challenge. Courts often rely on handwriting experts and witness testimony to resolve these disputes.

Q9: Can the insured’s will change who receives the life insurance payout in Mount Pleasant?
No. The life insurance policy’s named beneficiary takes priority. A will only controls the benefit if the estate is listed as the policy’s beneficiary or if the beneficiary designation is successfully invalidated.

Q10: Do ERISA rules affect how life insurance claims are handled in Mount Pleasant?
Yes. If the policy is tied to employment, ERISA likely governs it. This preempts state law, including automatic revocation of ex-spouses, and creates specific timelines and procedures for appealing denials.

Q11: What if the insured died while skydiving or engaging in another extreme sport near Mount Pleasant?
Policies often exclude high-risk activities. If skydiving, racing, or similar hobbies were not disclosed and are listed as exclusions, the insurer may deny the claim. However, if exclusions were unclear or not disclosed, the denial may be contested.

Q12: Can a Mount Pleasant life insurance claim be denied because of alleged misstatements on the application?
Yes, but only if the insurer proves the misstatements were intentional and impacted their decision to issue the policy. If the questions were vague or the omissions were minor and unrelated to the death, the claim may still be valid.

Q13: What happens if the insurer delays payment because the cause of death is listed as “undetermined” in Mount Pleasant?
Insurers often delay claims when the cause of death is unclear. We help families obtain autopsy reports, medical records, and other evidence to establish cause and compel the insurer to process the claim.

Q14: Can a beneficiary change made right before death be challenged in Mount Pleasant?
Yes. If the insured was terminally ill or mentally impaired at the time of the change, and the new beneficiary benefitted suspiciously, it may be reversed by the court due to undue influence or lack of capacity.

Q15: Can policy exclusions for experimental treatment be used to deny a Mount Pleasant claim?
Yes, but only if the death was directly tied to an excluded experimental procedure and the exclusion was clearly listed in the policy. Vague exclusions or treatments part of routine care are often not enforceable.

Q16: Can employer error lead to a denied life insurance claim in Mount Pleasant?
Unfortunately, yes. If an employer failed to submit enrollment documents or miscommunicated conversion rights, the insurer might deny coverage. Legal action can often recover benefits lost due to administrative negligence.

Q17: What if the insurer claims they canceled the policy for fraud just before the insured’s death in Mount Pleasant?
Insurers must prove the alleged fraud was both intentional and material to their risk decision. Last-minute cancellations are closely scrutinized, and many are overturned if the evidence is weak or the insurer acted in bad faith.

Q18: Can a Mount Pleasant life insurance claim be denied for lack of paperwork?
Not permanently. If the claimant submits all required forms and proof of death, the insurer must act. Delays beyond a reasonable time may justify legal action, especially if the company is using documentation as an excuse to stall.

Q19: Can the beneficiary be disqualified in Mount Pleasant if they’re suspected of causing the insured’s death?
Yes. Under South Carolina’s slayer statute, a beneficiary who unlawfully and intentionally caused the death is barred from collecting—even without a criminal conviction. Civil courts can enforce this disqualification.

Q20: How long do I have to sue after a life insurance denial in Mount Pleasant?
South Carolina allows three years from the date of denial to file a breach of contract lawsuit. ERISA policies may have shorter appeal and legal deadlines, so consulting an attorney immediately after denial is essential.

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.