Life Insurance Lawyer San Antonio TX
"Life Insurance Lawyers for San Antonio, TX – The Lassen Law Firm" In San Antonio, a city admired for its rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks like the Alamo, 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 San Antonio secure the financial protection they deserve. Whether you’re near the bustling Downtown district, the serene River Walk, or anywhere across Bexar 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 proven nationwide track record of recovering hundreds of millions in life insurance claims, The Lassen Law Firm delivers compassionate representation, relentless advocacy, and trusted results for San Antonio residents seeking justice in insurance disputes.
2025 San Antonio Denied Life Insurance Claims
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American Income Life denied claim $675,000.00
- Indiana Farm Bureau interpleader claim $134,000.00
- Aviva Life prescription drug exclusion $29,000.00
- Reliance Standard beneficiary dispute $591,000.00
Questions About Life Insurance Claims in San Antonio
Can a San Antonio life insurance claim be denied if the insured failed to disclose a prior heart condition?
Yes, if the omission is discovered during the contestability period and the insurer proves it was material. However, if the heart condition was minor, well-managed, or unrelated to the cause of death, the denial may be successfully contested.
Does Texas law revoke an ex-spouse’s beneficiary rights on a San Antonio life insurance policy after divorce?
Yes, under Texas law, divorce automatically revokes an ex-spouse’s beneficiary designation unless reaffirmed after divorce. However, ERISA-governed employer policies may still uphold the original designation if no formal change was made.
What happens if multiple people claim the same life insurance benefit in San Antonio?
If multiple claims are made, the insurer may file an interpleader action in Harris County, depositing the funds with the court. A judge will decide who is entitled to the proceeds, protecting the insurer from liability.
Can a life insurance policy lapse in San Antonio if the insured missed a payment during a medical emergency?
Not necessarily. If the insurer failed to properly notify the insured of the missed payment and grace period under Texas law, the policy may remain in effect despite the missed premium, and the claim may still be enforced.
Can a San Antonio life insurance claim be denied if the death occurred during a felony?
Yes, if the policy includes a felony exclusion clause and the death occurred during the commission of a felony. However, insurers must prove a direct connection between the criminal act and the death to apply the exclusion.
How are foreign deaths handled by life insurance companies in San Antonio?
Foreign death claims often require embassy-certified death certificates, consular reports, and certified translations. Legal assistance can help ensure the proper documentation is submitted, and unjustified delays can be legally challenged.
Can suicide lead to a denied life insurance claim in San Antonio?
Yes, but only if the suicide occurs within the suicide exclusion period—typically the first two years from the policy’s start date. After this period, suicide is generally covered, unless the policy explicitly states otherwise.
What happens if a forged beneficiary form is discovered in a San Antonio case?
If a beneficiary change is found to be forged, courts can invalidate the change and restore the previous, legitimate beneficiary. Handwriting experts, witness testimony, and other evidence often support these claims.
Does a will override a life insurance beneficiary designation in San Antonio?
No, life insurance proceeds must go to the most recent valid beneficiary designation on file with the insurer. A will only controls the distribution of life insurance benefits if the estate is named as the beneficiary.
How does ERISA impact employer-provided life insurance in San Antonio?
ERISA governs most employer-provided life insurance policies, preempting Texas law. This means ERISA sets the rules for beneficiary designations, appeals, and filing deadlines for these policies, overriding state law in most cases.
Can high-risk activities like rock climbing lead to denied life insurance claims in San Antonio?
Yes, if the policy specifically excludes high-risk activities and the death resulted from such an activity. However, if the exclusion is vague or not adequately disclosed, the denial can often be successfully contested in court.
Can a life insurance claim in San Antonio be denied for a minor mistake on the application?
Only if the error was material and intentional. Minor or innocent errors that did not affect underwriting decisions typically don’t justify denial under Texas law.
What happens if the San Antonio insurer delays the claim by citing "missing paperwork"?
If you have provided all necessary documents and the insurer continues to delay without valid reason, this 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 be contested in San Antonio?
Yes. If the insured was mentally impaired, under duress, or lacked capacity when the change occurred, the prior beneficiary can contest the change in court, with supporting evidence from medical records and witnesses.
Can a San Antonio life insurance policy be canceled shortly before death for alleged fraud?
It can be attempted, but Texas courts require clear proof of material and intentional fraud. Courts scrutinize last-minute rescissions closely, and many are overturned if the evidence is weak or the insurer acted unfairly.
Can experimental treatments be a valid reason to deny a San Antonio life insurance claim?
Yes, if the policy explicitly excludes deaths resulting from experimental treatments. However, many treatments considered "experimental" by insurers are widely accepted and legally considered standard practice, allowing for challenges to such exclusions.
Can an employer in San Antonio be held responsible for life insurance claim problems?
Yes, if the employer mishandled the enrollment process, failed to submit necessary paperwork, or did not inform the insured about conversion rights after leaving employment, they may be liable for the lost benefits.
What if a death certificate says “undetermined” and the San Antonio insurer denies the claim?
A claim may be delayed if the cause of death is undetermined, but this doesn’t automatically justify denial. With the proper medical evidence, such as autopsy reports, expert testimony, and other documentation, the claim can often be pushed through.
Can a life insurance beneficiary be disqualified in San Antonio under Texas’s slayer statute?
Yes, if a beneficiary unlawfully and intentionally caused the insured’s death, they are disqualified from receiving the proceeds under Texas’s slayer statute, even without a criminal conviction.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a denied life insurance claim in San Antonio?
Texas law generally allows four years to file a breach of contract lawsuit. However, ERISA-governed policies may impose much shorter internal deadlines for appeals—sometimes as little as 180 days—so immediate legal action is recommended.