Life Insurance Lawyer Nashville TN

"Life Insurance Lawyers for Nashville, TN – The Lassen Law Firm" In Nashville, the "Music City," celebrated for its rich musical heritage, vibrant arts scene, and thriving cultural diversity, navigating life insurance claims can still be a frustrating and challenging process—especially when benefits are unfairly delayed or denied. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping families and individuals in Nashville secure the financial protection they deserve. Whether you’re near the lively Downtown district, the iconic Grand Ole Opry, or anywhere across Davidson County, we provide trusted legal expertise and personalized support every step of the way. Our experienced and trusted Tennessee life insurance lawyers are here to help.

With a 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 Nashville residents seeking justice in insurance disputes.

2025 Nashville Tn Denied Life Insurance Claims

  • Zurich Life misrepresentation claim $173,000.00

  • Indiana Farm Bureau interpleader claim $124,000.00
  • Aviva Life prescription drug exclusion $39,000.00
  • Reliance Standard beneficiary dispute $492,000.00
  • Metropolitan Life felony exclusion $200,000.00
  • Physicians Mutual Life dispute $404,000.00
  • Bank of America claim of fraud on application $364,000.00
  • American Equity foreign death won by us $545,000.00
  • FEGLI claim resolved by our firm $420,000.00
  • Birla Sun competing beneficiaries resolved $209,000.00
  • Navy Mutual claimed didn't get beneficiary change form $400,000.00
  • Lincoln Financial claim of health condition not disclosed $308,000.00
  • Berkshire life fraud claim with respect to application $201,500.00

Questions About Life Insurance Claims in Nashville

Can a Nashville life insurance claim be denied if the insured didn’t disclose prior treatment for a serious illness?

Yes, especially if the omission occurred during the contestability period and the insurer believes it was intentional and material. However, if the condition was minor or unrelated to the cause of death, the denial may be successfully challenged.

Does divorce automatically remove an ex-spouse as a life insurance beneficiary in Nashville?

Yes, Tennessee law automatically revokes an ex-spouse's beneficiary rights unless the insured reaffirmed the designation after divorce. However, if the policy is governed by ERISA, federal law may override state law and keep the ex-spouse as the beneficiary unless a formal change is made.

What happens when multiple people claim the life insurance benefit in Nashville?

If there is a dispute over the rightful beneficiary, the insurer may file an interpleader lawsuit in Davidson County, allowing a judge to decide who is entitled to the payout while the insurer avoids liability for a mistaken payout.

Can a Nashville life insurance policy lapse if the insured missed a premium during a medical crisis?

It depends. If the insurer failed to send the proper lapse notice or didn’t comply with the grace period requirements under Tennessee law, the policy may remain in force and the death benefit may still be recoverable.

Can a claim be denied in Nashville if the insured died while committing a felony?

Yes, if the policy contains a criminal activity exclusion and the death directly resulted from the commission of the felony. However, if the death was unrelated to the crime, the exclusion may not apply, and the claim may be successfully contested.

What happens if the insured died abroad and the Nashville insurer delays the claim over documents?

Claims involving foreign deaths often face delays, but proper embassy certifications, consular reports, and verified translations can resolve the issue. If the documentation meets U.S. insurer standards, the insurer must process the claim.

Can suicide result in a denied life insurance claim in Nashville?

Yes, but only if the death occurred within the suicide exclusion period, usually the first two years after policy issuance. After that period, suicide is typically covered unless there is another policy-specific exclusion.

Can a forged beneficiary change form be contested in Nashville?

Yes, a forged beneficiary designation can be contested. Courts will review evidence, including handwriting analysis, witness testimony, and prior beneficiary records, to determine whether the change should be invalidated and the original beneficiary reinstated.

Does a will override a life insurance beneficiary designation in Nashville?

No. Life insurance proceeds are paid to the named beneficiary on the policy, not according to the terms of the will, unless the estate is named as the beneficiary. The will has no effect unless it directly names the estate as the beneficiary.

Does ERISA affect how life insurance claims are handled in Nashville?

Yes, ERISA governs most employer-provided life insurance policies, preempting Tennessee state laws. This means that claims, beneficiary disputes, and appeals are subject to federal ERISA rules, which may differ from state law in several ways.

Can engaging in high-risk activities like skydiving lead to a denied claim in Nashville?

Yes, if the policy excludes extreme sports or high-risk activities like skydiving, rock climbing, or private aviation and the insured’s death is directly related to such an activity. However, exclusions must be clear, and vague or poorly worded exclusions may be challenged in court.

Can a minor mistake on the application cause a denied claim in Nashville?

Only if the mistake was intentional and material to the underwriting process. Innocent errors that did not affect the insurer’s risk assessment typically do not justify a denial.

What can be done if the Nashville insurer delays a claim due to "missing paperwork"?

Once all required documents are submitted, the insurer must act on the claim. If they continue to delay unjustifiably, legal action can be taken for bad faith denial, which may lead to the insurer being compelled to pay the claim and recover damages.

Can a last-minute beneficiary change made before death be challenged in Nashville?

Yes, especially if the insured was mentally impaired, under duress, or lacked the capacity to make the change. Courts will evaluate medical records and witness testimony to determine whether the change truly reflects the insured's intent.

Can a Nashville insurer cancel a life insurance policy shortly before death due to alleged fraud?

The insurer must prove that the fraud was intentional and material to the underwriting decision. Last-minute cancellations are closely scrutinized, and many can be reversed if the fraud allegations are weak or speculative.

Can experimental medical treatments cause life insurance denial in Nashville?

Yes, if the policy specifically excludes coverage for deaths resulting from experimental treatments. However, exclusions must be clearly defined, and some non-standard treatments may still be considered part of accepted care.

Can an employer be responsible if a life insurance claim is denied in Nashville?

Yes, if the employer mishandled enrollment, failed to submit beneficiary changes, or didn’t inform the insured of conversion options after employment termination, the employer may share responsibility for the denied claim. Legal action may be necessary to recover the benefits.

What if the death was ruled "undetermined" in Nashville and the insurer refuses to pay?

An "undetermined" cause of death doesn’t automatically justify a denial. With sufficient medical records, autopsy reports, and expert testimony, the insurer may be required to pay the claim once a cause is established.

Can a beneficiary be disqualified in Nashville under Tennessee’s slayer statute?

Yes, under Tennessee’s slayer statute, a beneficiary who is found to have unlawfully and intentionally caused the insured’s death is barred from receiving the life insurance benefits, even without a criminal conviction.

How long do I have to sue after a denied life insurance claim in Nashville?

In Tennessee, you generally have six years to file a breach of contract lawsuit after a life insurance claim is denied. However, for ERISA-governed policies, the deadlines for filing appeals and lawsuits are often much shorter, sometimes less than a year, so prompt legal action is crucial.

​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.