Rapid City Life Insurance Lawyer
In Rapid City, the "Gateway to the Black Hills" and home to breathtaking landscapes and rich American heritage, families dealing with life insurance disputes often find themselves up against powerful insurance companies that delay or deny rightful benefits. At The Lassen Law Firm, we help Rapid City residents resolve denied, delayed, or disputed life insurance claims, including complex accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) cases.
Attorney Christian Lassen, Esq. brings over 25 years of exclusive experience in life insurance law. With hundreds of millions recovered nationwide, our firm proudly represents clients across South Dakota in their fight for the benefits they are owed.
Why Rapid City Families Choose The Lassen Law Firm
Exclusive Focus on Life Insurance Law
We do not practice personal injury or general law. We only handle life insurance claims.
Nationwide Legal Support
Serving all 50 states, we assist clients with private and employer-provided life insurance claims throughout South Dakota.
Work Directly with Christian Lassen
No junior attorneys. No call centers. You work directly with a national authority in life insurance litigation.
Proven Results for South Dakota Clients
$690,000 settlement against a major insurer that denied an AD&D claim involving a fall during a hiking trip near Black Elk Peak. The insurer alleged intoxication, which we proved was unfounded.
$610,000 payout for a Rapid City widow after a group life policy was terminated without proper notice while her husband was on short-term disability.
$540,000 recovered in a lapse dispute where the insurer claimed the policyholder failed to pay premiums. We proved timely payment was made and secured full benefits.
Types of Life Insurance Disputes We Handle in Rapid City
AD&D Claim Denials
We handle denials involving alleged misconduct, intoxication, or exclusions tied to outdoor activities common in South Dakota.
Lapse Disputes
We challenge improper lapses where insurance companies failed to provide grace period notices as required under state law.
Health Misrepresentation Accusations
We push back against denials based on minor or irrelevant application discrepancies.
Beneficiary Challenges
We represent spouses, children, or other intended beneficiaries when the payout is contested due to policy changes, divorce, or conflicting paperwork.
ERISA Group Policy Denials
We appeal and litigate employer-based life insurance denials governed by federal law.
Areas We Serve Around Rapid City
We proudly assist clients throughout Pennington County and surrounding areas, including:
Downtown Rapid City
Blackhawk
Box Elder
Summerset
Rapid Valley
Piedmont
Ellsworth AFB
Hill City
Keystone
Custer
Whether the policy was issued by a private carrier or an employer in South Dakota, we are ready to advocate on your behalf.
What We Offer
Free, no-obligation consultations
Direct access to a senior attorney
Aggressive litigation when needed
No fees unless we win
Get the Benefits Your Loved One Intended
Call The Lassen Law Firm at 800-330-2274 to speak directly with attorney Christian Lassen today.
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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“They rejected our claim, saying the treatment my wife was undergoing wasn’t FDA-approved. The Lassen team got expert testimony and proved the procedure wasn’t the cause of death. That made all the difference.”- Anthony J.
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.