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
-
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
Q1: Can a San Antonio life insurance claim be denied if the insured failed
to disclose a heart condition?
Yes, if the insurer proves the omission was intentional and material to
underwriting. But if the heart condition was minor, well-managed, or unrelated
to the death, the denial could be successfully contested.
Q2: Does Texas law revoke an ex-spouse’s beneficiary rights on a
San Antonio life insurance policy after divorce?
Yes. Divorce generally revokes an ex-spouse’s beneficiary designation
in Texas unless reaffirmed afterward. However, if the policy is governed
by ERISA (common with employer plans), federal law may still uphold the
original designation.
Q3: What happens if multiple people claim the same life insurance benefit
in San Antonio?
The insurer may file an interpleader lawsuit in Bexar County, asking the
court to decide who should receive the proceeds, while the insurer deposits
the funds with the court to avoid liability.
Q4: Can a San Antonio life insurance policy lapse if the insured missed
a payment while critically ill?
Possibly, but only if the insurer strictly followed Texas’s required
notice procedures and grace periods. If proper notices were not sent,
the lapse may be invalid, and the claim could still be enforced.
Q5: Can a San Antonio life insurance claim be denied if the death occurred
during a felony?
Yes, if the policy includes a felony exclusion and the felony directly
caused the insured’s death. However, insurers often overreach, and
these exclusions can be contested if causation is unclear.
Q6: How are foreign deaths handled by life insurance companies in San Antonio?
Claims involving deaths abroad require embassy-certified documents, translated
death certificates, and sometimes sworn affidavits. With the right documentation,
insurers must process these claims, and unjustified delays can be legally
challenged.
Q7: Can suicide result in a life insurance denial in San Antonio?
Only if it occurs within the policy’s suicide exclusion period, typically
the first two years. If it happens after that, suicide is usually covered
under Texas law unless specifically excluded otherwise.
Q8: What happens if a forged beneficiary designation surfaces in a San
Antonio case?
Forged changes are invalid. Courts may rely on handwriting analysis, medical
records, and witness testimony to restore the prior legitimate beneficiary
and void any fraudulent designations.
Q9: Can a will override the life insurance beneficiary designation in San Antonio?
No. Life insurance benefits must be paid according to the most recent valid
beneficiary designation on the policy, not according to the insured’s
will—unless the estate itself was named.
Q10: How does ERISA impact employer-provided life insurance in San Antonio?
ERISA governs most group life insurance policies, preempting Texas law.
It controls how appeals are handled, who is entitled to benefits, and
what deadlines apply.
Q11: Can high-risk hobbies like rock climbing lead to denied life insurance
claims in San Antonio?
Yes, if the policy specifically excludes death from high-risk activities
and the death is directly linked. However, vague or overbroad exclusions
can be legally contested.
Q12: Can a small mistake on a life insurance application cause a denial
in San Antonio?
Only if the insurer proves the mistake was material and made intentionally.
Innocent or immaterial errors typically do not justify denial under Texas law.
Q13: What happens if a San Antonio insurer delays payment because of “missing
documents”?
If reasonable proof has already been submitted, further delays can constitute
bad faith. Legal action can force payment of the benefit and sometimes
recover additional damages.
Q14: Can a last-minute beneficiary change be challenged in San Antonio?
Yes. If the insured was mentally impaired, under pressure, or lacked understanding
at the time of the change, a court can invalidate the change and reinstate
the prior beneficiary.
Q15: Can a life insurance policy be rescinded for fraud near the time of
death in San Antonio?
It can be attempted, but Texas courts demand clear proof of material and
intentional fraud. Sudden rescissions close to death are often closely
scrutinized and can be overturned.
Q16: Can experimental medical treatments cause a San Antonio life insurance
claim denial?
Yes, if the policy clearly excludes deaths resulting from experimental
procedures. However, many treatments insurers label "experimental"
are standard practice, and exclusions can be fought in court.
Q17: Can an employer be held responsible for life insurance claim problems
in San Antonio?
Yes. If an employer mishandles enrollment, fails to process paperwork,
or neglects to notify about conversion options after employment ends,
they can be liable for lost benefits.
Q18: What if a death certificate says “undetermined” and the
San Antonio insurer denies the claim?
A death listed as “undetermined” can delay processing, but
it’s not a final denial. Additional medical records, autopsy reports,
and expert testimony can help prove cause and enforce the claim.
Q19: Can a beneficiary be barred from collecting life insurance benefits
in San Antonio under Texas’s slayer statute?
Yes. If a beneficiary intentionally and unlawfully caused the insured’s
death, they are disqualified from receiving the proceeds, even without
a criminal conviction.
Q20: How long do I have to sue after a denied life insurance claim in San Antonio?
In Texas, you generally have four years for breach of contract claims.
ERISA-governed plans may impose shorter internal deadlines—sometimes
requiring appeals within 180 days—so quick legal action is critical.