Life Insurance Lawyer Knoxville TN
"Life Insurance Lawyers for Knoxville, TN – The Lassen Law Firm" In Knoxville, a city renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and vibrant Southern hospitality, navigating life insurance claims can still be a daunting and stressful process—especially when benefits are unfairly delayed or denied. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are committed to helping families and individuals in Knoxville secure the financial protection they deserve. Whether you’re near the bustling Market Square, the serene Great Smoky Mountains, or anywhere across Knox County, we provide trusted legal expertise and personalized care every step of the way. Our experienced and trusted Tennessee 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 Knoxville residents seeking justice in insurance disputes.
2025 Knoxville Denied Life Insurance Claims
- Genworth coronavirus exclusion claim $186,000.00
- American General interpleader filed $154,000.00
- Transamerical accidental death $569,000.00
- UNUM AD&D beneficiary dispute $91,000.00
- Banner Life sickness exclusion $500,000.00
- Ameritas beneficiary dispute $303,000.00
Questions About Life Insurance Claims in Knoxville
Can a Knoxville life insurance claim be denied if the insured failed to disclose a prior stroke?
Yes, especially during the contestability period. However, if the stroke was minor, unrelated to the cause of death, or if the insurer would have issued the policy anyway, the denial may be contested.
Is an ex-spouse automatically removed as a beneficiary after divorce in Knoxville?
Yes, Tennessee law automatically revokes an ex-spouse's beneficiary status unless the insured reaffirmed it post-divorce. However, if the policy is an ERISA-governed employer plan, the ex-spouse may still receive the benefit unless a formal change was made.
What happens when multiple people claim the life insurance proceeds in Knoxville?
If multiple claims are made, the insurer may file an interpleader action in Knox County court. The court will decide who is the rightful beneficiary, and the insurer will be protected from liability for the incorrect payout.
Can a Knoxville life insurance policy lapse if the insured missed a payment during incapacitation?
Not necessarily. If the insurer failed to properly notify the insured of the missed payment or failed to follow Tennessee’s grace period rules, the lapse may be invalid, and the policy could still be enforced.
Can a life insurance claim in Knoxville be denied if the death happened during a felony?
Yes, many policies include a felony exclusion clause that could prevent a claim from being paid if the death occurred while committing a felony. However, if the felony was unrelated to the death, the exclusion may not apply.
What if the insured died overseas and the Knoxville insurer challenges the foreign death certificate?
With the right legal support, embassy-certified death certificates, consular reports, and verified translations can meet the insurer’s documentation requirements. Any undue delays can be challenged, and the claim can be moved forward.
Can suicide result in life insurance denial in Knoxville?
Suicide can result in a denial if it occurs within the suicide exclusion period—typically two years after the policy starts. After this period, suicide is generally covered unless another exclusion applies. Legal intervention may be needed if there is a dispute.
Can a forged beneficiary change affect a Knoxville life insurance claim?
Yes. If a beneficiary change was forged, it can be contested. Courts often rely on handwriting experts and witness testimony to restore the original beneficiary and invalidate the fraudulent change.
Does a will override a life insurance beneficiary designation in Knoxville?
No, the payout goes to the named beneficiary on the policy. A will does not control life insurance proceeds unless the estate is specifically named as the beneficiary.
How does ERISA impact life insurance disputes in Knoxville?
ERISA governs most employer-provided life insurance plans, preempting state laws. This means beneficiary disputes and appeals must be handled according to federal ERISA rules, which can override Tennessee state law.
Can participating in high-risk sports like skydiving cause a denied life insurance claim in Knoxville?
Yes, if the policy excludes high-risk activities and the death occurred during one of those activities. However, exclusions must be specific, and vague or poorly worded exclusions may be challenged in court.
Can a life insurance claim in Knoxville be denied for minor errors on the application?
Only if the insurer proves that the error was intentional and material to the underwriting decision. Innocent errors that did not affect underwriting usually are not valid grounds for denial.
What happens if the insurer delays paying a Knoxville life insurance claim due to "missing documents"?
If all necessary documents have been submitted and the insurer continues to delay the claim without justification, it may constitute bad faith. Legal action can be taken to force the insurer to process the claim and recover additional damages.
Can a last-minute beneficiary change made before death be challenged in Knoxville?
Yes, if the insured was mentally impaired, under duress, or lacked mental capacity when the change occurred, the previous beneficiary can contest the change using medical and witness evidence.
Can a Knoxville life insurance policy be canceled shortly before death for alleged fraud?
The insurer can attempt to cancel the policy, but Tennessee law requires proof of intentional and material fraud. Late-stage rescissions are scrutinized, and many are overturned if the fraud claim is weak or the insurer acted unfairly.
Can experimental medical treatments cause life insurance denial in Knoxville?
Yes, if the policy explicitly excludes coverage for deaths resulting from experimental treatments. However, the definition of "experimental" can be vague, and not all non-standard treatments are excluded legally.
Can an employer be liable for life insurance claim issues in Knoxville?
Yes, if the employer mishandled enrollment, failed to submit necessary forms, or didn’t inform the employee about conversion rights after job termination, they could be held liable for the denied claim.
Can an "undetermined" cause of death prevent a life insurance payout in Knoxville?
No, while it may cause delays, it doesn't justify automatic denial. Legal assistance can help clarify the cause of death through autopsy reports, medical records, and expert testimony to satisfy the insurer’s requirements.
Can a beneficiary in Knoxville be disqualified under Tennessee’s slayer statute?
Yes, if the beneficiary is found to have intentionally and unlawfully caused the insured’s death, they are barred from receiving life insurance benefits, even without a criminal conviction.
How long do I have to sue after a denied life insurance claim in Knoxville?
Tennessee law allows six years to file a lawsuit for breach of contract after a life insurance claim is denied. However, for ERISA-regulated policies, the appeal and lawsuit deadlines may be much shorter—sometimes less than a year—so it is important to take action quickly.
For more information on insurance regulations and consumer protections in Tennessee, you can visit the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. Additionally, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers nationwide insurance resources.