Sioux Falls SD Life Insurance Lawyer
Christian Lassen, Esq. | Quoted in The Wall Street Journal | 25 Years Experience
In Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s largest city known for its natural beauty and community values, families facing life insurance disputes are often met with resistance from powerful insurers. At The Lassen Law Firm, we help residents throughout Sioux Falls resolve denied, delayed, and disputed life insurance claims, including those involving accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
Attorney Christian Lassen, Esq. has over 25 years of experience focused exclusively on life insurance law. With hundreds of millions recovered across all 50 states, our firm is proud to advocate for families across Sioux Falls who need trusted legal guidance and real results.
Why Sioux Falls Residents Trust The Lassen Law Firm
We Only Handle Life Insurance
Our practice is 100% dedicated to life insurance disputes — nothing else.
Nationwide Reach
We serve all 50 states and handle both private and employer-sponsored life insurance claims in South Dakota.
Work With a Senior Attorney
You work directly with Christian Lassen, not with junior lawyers or legal assistants.
Recent Case Results for Midwestern Clients
$725,000 in life insurance benefits recovered after an employer failed to provide COBRA conversion paperwork during a layoff. The family lived in the Sioux Falls metro area.
$670,000 payout from an AD&D policy denied on the basis of "hazardous activity" after a hunting accident. We successfully challenged the exclusion under South Dakota contract law.
$590,000 in death benefits secured for a spouse whose claim was denied due to alleged misrepresentation of past tobacco use. We proved the insurer relied on incorrect underwriting information.
Types of Life Insurance Disputes We Handle
Accidental Death Denials
We contest exclusions involving drug or alcohol use, reckless behavior, or claims labeled as self-inflicted.
Policy Lapse Disputes
We evaluate whether the insurance company sent proper notices and followed the required procedures under South Dakota law.
Misrepresentation Allegations
We challenge denials based on health or lifestyle statements, especially if they were immaterial or misinterpreted.
Beneficiary Conflicts
We represent rightful beneficiaries when a dispute arises over changes, divorce decrees, or contested wills.
ERISA and Group Coverage Denials
We handle complex cases involving employer-provided life insurance governed by federal ERISA regulations.
Areas We Serve in and Around Sioux Falls
Our firm serves clients throughout the Sioux Falls area, including:
Downtown
Whittier
East Sioux Falls
West Sioux Falls
Brandon
Tea
Harrisburg
Renner
Crooks
Dell Rapids
Whether the policy was issued by a private carrier or provided through a South Dakota-based employer, we’re ready to fight for your rights.
What We Provide
Detailed claim reviews
Direct communication with insurers
Aggressive appeals and litigation when necessary
No fee unless we win your case
Contact Us Today
Call The Lassen Law Firm at 800-330-2274 to speak directly with attorney Christian Lassen. Every case starts with a free, confidential consultation.
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.