Life Insurance Lawyer Memphis TN
"Life Insurance Lawyers for Memphis, TN – The Lassen Law Firm" In Memphis, the "Home of the Blues" and the "Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll," renowned for its rich music history, cultural landmarks, and welcoming community, navigating life insurance claims can still be a challenging and frustrating process—especially when benefits are unfairly delayed or denied. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are committed to helping families and individuals in Memphis secure the financial peace of mind they deserve. Whether you’re near the iconic Beale Street, the serene Mississippi Riverfront, or anywhere across Shelby 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 track record of recovering hundreds of millions in life insurance claims, The Lassen Law Firm delivers compassionate advocacy, relentless representation, and trusted results for Memphis residents seeking justice in insurance disputes.
2025 Memphis Tennessee Denied Life Insurance Claims
- TIAA denied felony exclusion $253,000.00
- Citizen's life interpleader claim $175,000.00
- Sun National sickness excluscion $98,000.00
- CUNA beneficiary dispute $212,000.00
- USAA felony exclusion shooting $300,000.00
- Farm Bureau Life beneficiary dispute $392,000.00
Questions About Life Insurance Claims in Memphis
Can a Memphis life insurance claim be denied if the insured failed to disclose prior treatment for a serious illness?
Yes, especially if the omission is considered material and occurred during the contestability period. However, if the condition was minor, unrelated to the cause of death, or known to the insurer, the denial may be challenged.
Is an ex-spouse automatically removed as a beneficiary after divorce in Memphis?
Yes, Tennessee law automatically revokes an ex-spouse's beneficiary rights unless the insured reaffirms it after the divorce. However, for ERISA-governed employer plans, the ex-spouse may still collect unless the designation was formally changed.
What happens when multiple people claim the life insurance benefit in Memphis?
If there are competing claims, the insurer may file an interpleader action in Shelby County court. The court will decide who the rightful beneficiary is while the insurer avoids liability for making an incorrect payout.
Can a missed payment due to hospitalization cause a life insurance lapse in Memphis?
Not necessarily. If the insurer failed to properly notify the insured about the missed payment or didn’t comply with Tennessee’s grace period rules, the lapse may be invalid, and coverage may still be enforceable.
Can a Memphis life insurance claim be denied if the death happened during a felony?
Yes, if the policy contains a felony exclusion clause and the death occurred while committing a felony. However, if the felony was unrelated to the cause of death, the exclusion may not apply.
What happens if the insured died overseas and the Memphis insurer refuses to honor the foreign death certificate?
Foreign deaths often complicate claims, but with the right embassy certifications, consular reports, and certified translations, legal action can compel the insurer to recognize the documents and move forward with the claim.
Can suicide result in a life insurance denial in Memphis?
Suicide can lead to a denial if it occurs within the suicide exclusion period, typically two years from the policy’s issue date. After this period, suicide is typically covered unless another exclusion applies.
Can a forged beneficiary change form be contested in Memphis?
Yes, if the beneficiary change was forged or obtained through fraud or undue influence, courts can invalidate the change. Evidence like handwriting analysis and witness testimony can be crucial in such disputes.
Does a will override a life insurance beneficiary designation in Memphis?
No, the life insurance payout goes to the beneficiary listed on the policy, not the person named in the will—unless the estate is explicitly named as the beneficiary.
How does ERISA affect life insurance claims in Memphis?
ERISA governs most employer-provided life insurance policies, overriding Tennessee law. This means that disputes over beneficiary designations and appeals must be processed according to federal ERISA rules, not state law.
Can engaging in high-risk activities like drag racing cause a denied life insurance claim in Memphis?
Yes, if the policy specifically excludes high-risk activities and the death was related to such activities. However, vague exclusions or those not properly disclosed can be challenged in court.
Can an insurer deny a Memphis life insurance claim for minor errors on the application?
Only if the insurer can prove that the error was intentional and material to the underwriting decision. Innocent mistakes that did not affect the risk assessment typically do not justify a denial.
What if the insurer keeps delaying a Memphis life insurance claim due to "missing documents"?
If all reasonably required documents have been submitted, the insurer must act. Continued unjustified delays can result in a bad faith lawsuit, which can force the insurer to pay the claim and potentially award additional damages.
Can a last-minute beneficiary change made before death be challenged in Memphis?
Yes, if the insured was mentally incapacitated, under duress, or lacked mental capacity when the change occurred, the prior beneficiary may contest the change. Medical records and witness testimony are typically key in these cases.
Can a Memphis life insurance policy be canceled for alleged fraud shortly before death?
The insurer must prove the fraud was intentional and material. Courts closely scrutinize late-stage rescissions, and many are overturned if the insurer acted unfairly or without adequate evidence of fraud.
Can experimental medical treatment cause a Memphis life insurance denial?
Yes, if the policy explicitly excludes coverage for deaths resulting from experimental treatments. However, the definition of “experimental” can be vague, and many newer or non-traditional treatments may not fall under this category.
Can an employer be responsible if a Memphis life insurance claim is denied?
Yes. If the employer mishandled the enrollment process, failed to forward beneficiary changes, or didn’t inform the employee about conversion options after leaving employment, the employer could be held responsible for the denied claim.
Can an "undetermined" cause of death prevent a life insurance payout in Memphis?
Not permanently. While an "undetermined" cause of death may delay the claim, legal action can help establish a cause through autopsy reports, medical records, and expert testimony to satisfy the insurer’s requirements and force payment.
Can a beneficiary be disqualified in Memphis under Tennessee’s slayer statute?
Yes. Under Tennessee’s slayer statute, a beneficiary who unlawfully and intentionally caused the insured’s death is barred from receiving the benefits, even without a criminal conviction.
How long do I have to sue after a denied life insurance claim in Memphis?
In Tennessee, you typically have six years to file a lawsuit for breach of contract after a life insurance claim is denied. However, ERISA-governed policies often have much shorter deadlines for appeal and lawsuits, sometimes as short as 180 days. Prompt legal action is crucial to protect your rights.
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.