Life Insurance Lawyer Austin TX
"Life Insurance Lawyers for Austin, TX – The Lassen Law Firm" In Austin, the vibrant capital of Texas, celebrated for its live music scene, thriving arts culture, and iconic landmarks, navigating life insurance claims can still be a frustrating and overwhelming experience—especially when benefits are unfairly delayed or denied. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are committed to helping families and individuals in Austin secure the financial protection they deserve. Whether you’re near the bustling Downtown district, the serene Lady Bird Lake, or anywhere across Travis County, we provide trusted legal expertise and personalized care every step of the way. Our experienced and trusted Texas life insurance lawyers are here to help.
With a nationwide reputation for recovering hundreds of millions in life insurance claims, The Lassen Law Firm delivers compassionate representation, relentless advocacy, and trusted results for Austin residents seeking justice in insurance disputes.
2025 Austin Denied Life Insurance Claims
- Zander Life misrepresentation $152,000.00
- Securian Financial interpleader claim $434,000.00
- AIG Life alcohol exclusion $39,000.00
- Primerica beneficiary dispute $90,000.00
- MassMutual Life heroin exclusion $230,000.00
- Austin Texas denied life insurance claim $105,000.00
Questions About Life Insurance Claims in Austin
If the insured in Austin misstated their income on a life insurance application, can the insurer deny a claim?
Only if the misstatement was material to the policy’s issuance. Minor exaggerations about income typically do not justify a claim denial unless the policy value was based on the inaccurate information.
After a divorce in Austin, can a former spouse still claim life insurance benefits?
Typically, no. Texas law automatically revokes an ex-spouse’s beneficiary designation unless reaffirmed after the divorce. However, if the policy is governed by ERISA (common with employer plans), federal law may override this automatic revocation if no update was made.
What happens if a Dallas-based employer failed to submit life insurance paperwork for an Austin resident?
The employee’s family may be able to sue the employer for negligence or breach of fiduciary duty. Courts sometimes enforce coverage even if paperwork was not properly submitted.
Can death while participating in an unsanctioned extreme sport in Austin lead to claim denial?
Yes, if the activity falls under an explicit exclusion. Extreme sports like BASE jumping, drag racing, or cliff diving may trigger exclusions if they are clearly defined in the policy.
If the insured went missing abroad and no body was recovered, can a life insurance claim still be made in Austin?
Yes, but it’s challenging. Texas law generally requires circumstantial evidence of death, with the legal presumption of death arising after seven years. However, insurers may accept earlier evidence under certain circumstances.
What if an Austin life insurance company delays a claim while "investigating" a natural death?
Prolonged investigations without reasonable cause can constitute bad faith. If documentation has been provided and delays persist, legal action can force payment and possibly recover extra compensation for bad faith.
Can a death ruled as a drug overdose be grounds for denying life insurance in Austin?
Sometimes. Many policies exclude deaths caused by illegal drug use. However, if the drug was prescribed or the death was accidental, the exclusion may not apply.
If two named beneficiaries disagree in Austin, how is it resolved?
The insurer will likely file an interpleader lawsuit in Travis County court, allowing a judge to resolve the dispute while holding the policy proceeds in trust with the court.
Can a life insurance payout be denied in Austin based on alleged misstatements discovered years after death?
Not unless the policy is within its contestability period (usually two years). After that window, insurers generally can’t deny based on application errors unless outright fraud is proven.
What happens if an employer in Austin canceled group life coverage without telling the employee?
Beneficiaries may still recover the payout, and the employer could be held liable for failure to notify the employee of the cancellation or failure to advise about conversion options.
Can a suicide automatically void life insurance in Austin if it happens outside the suicide exclusion period?
No. Once the two-year suicide exclusion expires, suicide is treated like any other cause of death under the policy, unless a separate exclusion applies.
What if the insured signed a beneficiary change under suspicious circumstances in Austin?
Beneficiary changes made under undue influence, mental impairment, or lack of awareness can be contested. Courts may invalidate the change and restore the prior beneficiary based on medical records and witness testimony.
Can a vague “criminal activity” exclusion be used to deny a life insurance claim in Austin?
Not easily. Texas courts interpret vague policy language against the insurer. If the exclusion is not clearly defined, it may not apply in a given case.
What if the insured had multiple life insurance policies and the Austin insurer denies claiming the wrong cause of death?
Insurers sometimes mislabel causes of death to avoid payout. Cross-examining medical records, autopsy reports, and third-party opinions can clarify the true cause of death and ensure the rightful claim is paid.
Does ERISA protect beneficiaries in Austin, or make it harder to win disputes?
ERISA both protects benefits and makes disputes more difficult by imposing strict procedural rules and appeal deadlines. Acting quickly is essential to ensure the claim is upheld.
Can forgery of a life insurance application void a policy in Austin?
Yes, but the insurer must prove the forgery was material and directly affected their underwriting risk, not just that an error existed.
What if the policy was canceled for non-payment right before death but the insured was on automatic draft?
Insurers may incorrectly cancel policies even when premiums are being withdrawn. If auto-draft was in place, we can argue the policy remained active and push for payment.
Can a life insurance company in Austin refuse to pay because of an experimental surgery?
Possibly. Some policies exclude deaths caused by experimental procedures, but if the surgery was medically accepted and performed by licensed physicians, it could be contested in court.
What if the death in Austin was ruled an accident but the insurer claims it was natural causes?
Insurers sometimes mislabel deaths to deny accidental death benefits. Police reports, medical examiner findings, and expert opinions can clarify the true cause of death and force the insurer to pay.
How long does an Austin beneficiary have to file suit after a life insurance claim is denied?
In Texas, breach of contract lawsuits must generally be filed within four years. However, ERISA policies often have much shorter deadlines, sometimes only 180 days to appeal, making immediate legal consultation critical.