Life Insurance Lawyer Virginia

Denied Life Insurance Claim in Virginia? You’re Not Alone.

Families in Virginia are sometimes shocked when a life insurance provider denies a claim they believed was straightforward. If you're facing a denied life insurance policy in Virginia, The Lassen Law Firm can step in to challenge the denial and work to recover the benefits you’re owed.

In Virginia, beneficiary disputes often arise when life insurance policies are changed without clear documentation or when ex-spouses and family members assert conflicting claims. If you're facing a life insurance beneficiary dispute in Virginia, The Lassen Law Firm can help you navigate the legal challenges and fight for the payout you deserve.

In Virginia, life insurance companies frequently file an interpleader action in Virginia when conflicting beneficiary claims arise, asking the court to determine the rightful recipient of the policy proceeds.

Trusted Life Insurance Lawyers Virginia: The Lassen Law Firm

Navigating life insurance claims in Virginia can be complicated, particularly when faced with denied benefits or bad faith insurance practices. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are committed to helping individuals and families across the Old Dominion State recover the payouts they deserve. Whether you’re in Richmond, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake VA, Arlington, Alexandria, Newport News, or anywhere else in Virginia, we bring trusted legal expertise and personalized attention to every case.

As nationally recognized life insurance attorneys, we’ve successfully handled cases across all 50 states, and recovered hundreds of millions in policies for our clients. At The Lassen Law Firm, we combine legal experience, dedicated advocacy, and compassionate care to ensure justice for every client we serve. Call now for a free consultation to see if we can help you recover your life insurance benefits. No obligation.

Unlike other firms, The Lassen Law Firm exclusively handles denied life insurance claims. With 24 years of experience in this niche, we are recognized as top experts in the field. Our lawyers have earned prestigious awards, including membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and a 10.0 rating on AVVO. No other firm offers the same level of dedication and expertise in denied life insurance cases.

Life Insurance Claim Denied in Virginia? We’re Ready to Protect Your Rights

Life insurance should provide financial protection during life’s most difficult moments. But in Virginia, too many families are confronted with denied claims, unexplained delays, or partial payments when they attempt to collect the benefits they were promised. If your life insurance claim has been denied, our Virginia life insurance attorneys are prepared to fight for your full benefits and enforce your rights under Virginia law.

Insurance companies are required to process life insurance claims fairly, promptly, and in good faith. When insurers wrongfully deny valid claims, delay payment without cause, or misinterpret policy language, beneficiaries have the right to challenge those actions. We offer free consultations and do not charge legal fees unless we successfully recover for you.

Contestability Periods and Life Insurance Denials in Virginia

Most life insurance policies issued in Virginia include a two-year contestability period. During this period, insurers are permitted to review claims and deny payment if they uncover material misrepresentations made on the application. After two years, an insurer’s ability to challenge a claim is significantly restricted unless there is proof of intentional fraud.

Under Virginia law, only material misstatements — falsehoods that would have affected the insurer’s decision to issue or price the policy — are grounds for rescission. Honest mistakes, small omissions, or unrelated errors typically do not justify claim denial.

If your claim has been denied based on contestability arguments, it’s critical to have a Virginia life insurance attorney review the denial to determine whether the insurer acted within the law.

Common Reasons Life Insurance Claims Are Denied in Virginia

Although each case is unique, insurers often rely on similar tactics when denying claims in Virginia. Common reasons include:

Alleged Misrepresentations: Claims that the insured failed to disclose important medical history, medications, or participation in hazardous activities.
Policy Lapses Due to Nonpayment: Insurers may assert a lapse, but Virginia law requires proper notice and adherence to grace periods before terminating coverage.
Exclusions for Certain Causes of Death: Deaths related to suicide (within exclusion periods), criminal behavior, or dangerous hobbies may trigger policy exclusions.
Beneficiary Disputes: Challenges involving multiple claimants, outdated beneficiary designations, or family conflicts can delay payment.
Group Life Insurance Errors: Mistakes made by employers during group enrollment can deprive families of expected benefits.
Delays Due to Death Investigations: Insurers may delay claims during investigations, but unreasonable delays may violate Virginia’s insurance laws.

Even if the insurer provides an elaborate explanation, many denials do not withstand legal scrutiny and can be successfully challenged.

Important Steps to Take After a Life Insurance Denial in Virginia

Taking the right steps after a denial can make a major difference in protecting your claim. You should:

Request and retain a complete copy of the life insurance policy, application, and any amendments.
Carefully review the denial letter and document the insurer’s stated reasons.
Preserve all written and electronic communications with the insurer.
Avoid providing additional documents or statements without legal advice.
Contact a Virginia life insurance lawyer immediately to evaluate your case and develop a strategy for challenging the denial.

Virginia law also provides beneficiaries with remedies when insurers act in bad faith or violate fair claims practices.

How Our Virginia Life Insurance Attorneys Fight Denied Claims

When you work with us, you gain a legal team committed to protecting life insurance beneficiaries. We will:

Thoroughly review your insurance policy, application documents, and the insurer’s denial justification.
Identify any legal violations, bad faith actions, or improper interpretations of policy language.
Challenge wrongful contestability rescissions, policy lapse defenses, and exclusions.
Handle all communication and negotiations with the insurer on your behalf.
Prepare administrative appeals when necessary for group life policies governed by ERISA.
Litigate wrongful denials in Virginia courts when insurers refuse to pay valid claims.
Pursue additional damages where insurers have engaged in bad faith practices under Virginia law.

Our focus is on recovering the full life insurance benefits your family deserves — and holding insurers fully accountable when they fail to honor their obligations.

Virginia Denied Life Insurance Claims: Answers to Common Questions

What Should I Do If I Was Served With a Life Insurance Interpleader Lawsuit in Virginia?

If you've been served with a life insurance interpleader in Virginia, you need legal representation immediately. Interpleader lawsuits involve competing claims, and a Virginia life insurance attorney can defend your position in court.

How Should I Handle a Life Insurance Beneficiary Dispute in Virginia?

Our Virginia life insurance law firm handles complex beneficiary disputes involving ex-spouses, children, siblings, and others. We litigate aggressively when necessary to protect your right to the life insurance payout.

Why Might an Accidental Death & Dismemberment Claim Be Denied in Virginia?

Virginia AD&D claims are often denied when insurers argue the death resulted from a medical event or alcohol use. We challenge these denials by presenting medical evidence and interpreting the policy in your favor.

Can a Policy Lapse Lead to a Denied Life Insurance Claim in Virginia?

Yes, but many lapses can be challenged. If the insurer failed to provide proper notice or mishandled grace periods, we may be able to reinstate the policy and recover benefits.

Can a Life Insurance Claim Be Denied for Misrepresentation in Virginia?

Yes, but only if the alleged misrepresentation was material and intentional. Our Virginia attorneys frequently prove that minor inaccuracies don’t justify a denial.

Can an Alcohol Exclusion Justify a Denied Life Insurance Claim in Virginia?

Some Virginia policies include alcohol exclusions, but insurers often misapply them. We analyze whether alcohol actually caused the death and whether the exclusion lawfully applies.

What Should I Do About a Denied ERISA Life Insurance Claim in Virginia?

If your ERISA life insurance claim was denied in Virginia, you only have one appeal opportunity. We prepare detailed, legally sound appeals to give you the best chance of success.

How Do I Respond to a Contestability Period Denial in Virginia?

Contestability denials must be based on material misstatements. We frequently challenge denials where alleged inaccuracies had no impact on coverage or cause of death.

What If My Denial Letter Says the Claim Was Denied Due to Virginia State Law?

Insurers sometimes misinterpret Virginia statutes. We carefully review the legal basis cited and challenge denials that misapply state insurance law.

Which Life Insurance Companies in Virginia Are Known for Denying Claims?

Genworth Financial, Markel Corporation, and Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance are often mentioned in Virginia denied claims. We take action against all insurers who wrongfully deny benefits.

Does Virginia Revoke Ex-Spouse Beneficiaries After Divorce?

Yes. Virginia law automatically removes an ex-spouse as a beneficiary unless the designation is reaffirmed after divorce. We litigate beneficiary disputes arising from this rule.

Is Virginia a Community Property State for Life Insurance Purposes?

No. Virginia is not a community property state. However, if premiums were paid with marital funds, a spouse might still have a financial interest.

Can a Will Override a Life Insurance Policy in Virginia?

No. In Virginia, the policy’s named beneficiary controls over any conflicting instructions in a will unless fraud or coercion is proven.

How Much Does a Virginia Life Insurance Attorney Cost?

We work on contingency. That means you pay nothing unless we win and recover life insurance proceeds for you.

Can a Claim Be Denied in Virginia if the Death Occurred Outside the U.S.?

Yes, but many foreign death denials are challengeable. We frequently contest denials where policies failed to properly exclude international deaths.

What Happens If a Beneficiary Change Occurred Shortly Before Death in Virginia?

Late beneficiary changes can be contested if there's evidence of undue influence or mental incapacity. We pursue legal action to protect rightful beneficiaries.

What Can I Do If My Virginia Life Insurance Claim Is Being Delayed?

Virginia law requires prompt claim processing. Unexplained delays can amount to bad faith, and we pursue penalties and extra damages where appropriate.

Can an Insurer Deny a Virginia AD&D Claim by Calling the Death Natural?

Yes, but we challenge these denials by gathering evidence showing the death qualifies as accidental under the terms of the policy.

What Happens If a Virginia Insurance Agent Made a Mistake on the Application?

Agent errors shouldn’t bar your claim. We fight for full payment when mistakes by Virginia insurance agents lead to wrongful denials.

What Qualifies as Bad Faith in a Virginia Life Insurance Denial?

Bad faith includes unfair denials, failure to properly investigate, or misrepresenting coverage. We pursue additional damages for clients harmed by bad faith.

Can You Appeal a Life Insurance Denial in Virginia During the Contestability Period?

Yes. We regularly appeal contestability denials by proving that alleged misstatements were immaterial or unrelated to the insured’s death.

Are ERISA Life Insurance Claims More Complicated in Virginia?

They are, because ERISA follows strict federal procedures. We specialize in ERISA appeals and federal litigation in Virginia.

What Happens If a Virginia Policy Has No Named Beneficiary?

If no beneficiary is listed, the benefit typically goes to the insured’s estate or next of kin under Virginia’s default rules.

Can a Suspicious Beneficiary Change Be Reversed in Virginia?

Yes. Virginia courts can invalidate beneficiary changes if they were made under fraud, undue influence, or mental incapacity.

Do Virginia Insurers Need to Give Notice Before Canceling a Policy for Non-Payment?

Yes. Virginia law requires insurers to provide proper written notice before canceling coverage. Lack of notice can keep the policy enforceable.

What Happens With Union or Group Life Insurance Policies in Virginia?

Group policies, including union-provided ones, often have ERISA protections. We challenge group life insurance denials across Virginia.

Can Multiple People Claim the Same Life Insurance Policy in Virginia?

Yes. In these cases, insurers often file interpleader lawsuits in Virginia courts. We represent clients to secure their rightful share of the payout.

What If the Insured in Virginia Was Missing and Later Declared Legally Dead?

Once a Virginia court declares a person legally deceased, the life insurance claim can proceed. We help families complete the necessary court and insurance filings.

How Long Do I Have to Appeal a Denied Life Insurance Claim in Virginia?

ERISA appeals generally require filing within 180 days. Private policy deadlines vary under Virginia law. We act quickly to protect your rights.

Can a Verbal Promise Override a Virginia Life Insurance Policy?

No. Only written designations are legally binding. However, we sometimes pursue equitable remedies if fraud or broken promises can be proven.

Are Life Insurance Proceeds in Virginia Protected From Creditors?

If a named beneficiary exists, proceeds are generally protected. If the estate receives the payout, creditors may claim it under Virginia probate rules.

Can Unclear Language in a Virginia Life Insurance Policy Lead to Denial?

Yes, but ambiguous policy wording must be interpreted in favor of the insured. We use this rule to challenge unclear or unfair denials.

Can a Lapsed Policy Still Be Challenged in Virginia?

Yes. If the insurer mishandled lapse notices or the insured sought reinstatement, we can often fight for benefits even after an alleged lapse.

What If the Insurer in Virginia Claims the Policy Was Canceled for Non-Payment?

We verify whether the insurer followed all legal notice requirements. Improper cancellation procedures can make the policy still enforceable.

Can a Child Receive Life Insurance Benefits in Virginia?

Yes, but a minor’s proceeds usually require a guardian or custodial account under Virginia law. We help families structure these arrangements.

Can a Life Insurance Claim Be Denied for Alleged Fraud in Virginia?

Yes, but fraud must be proven with evidence. We challenge vague, speculative, or unsupported fraud denials in Virginia.

Can a Life Insurance Dispute Be Resolved Out of Court in Virginia?

Yes. Many cases settle through negotiation or mediation. We aim for a quick, fair settlement but prepare every case for trial if necessary.

What Happens If a Beneficiary Change Form Was Filled Out but Not Submitted in Virginia?

Unprocessed forms may not be legally valid. We investigate and, when necessary, pursue equitable remedies to enforce the insured’s intent.

Are Older Virginia Life Insurance Policies Still Enforceable?

Yes. As long as they were in force at the time of death, older policies remain valid. We help beneficiaries recover proceeds from longstanding policies.

How Do I Prove I’m the Rightful Life Insurance Beneficiary in Virginia?

We collect policy documents, court records, and witness statements to build a strong case. Our Virginia attorneys guide you through the recovery process.

What Can I Do If I Was Unfairly Excluded From a Virginia Life Insurance Policy?

If exclusion resulted from fraud, coercion, or mistake, we petition Virginia courts to set aside improper beneficiary designations and secure your rightful payout.

2025 Virginia Denied Life Insurance Claims: settlements & verdicts

Below are examples of Virginia life insurance claims successfully resolved.

Nationwide’s denial related to COVID-19 death was overturned, resulting in a favorable settlement of $210,000 by clarifying the insurer's pandemic coverage obligations.
The SGLI claim involving the Army's refusal to pay the beneficiary was successfully contested, recovering a significant $400,000 payout after legal intervention.
Franklin Life’s denial due to undisclosed heart conditions was reversed, awarding beneficiaries $397,000 by demonstrating that misrepresentation was not intentional.
A denied life insurance claim from a Virginia mass shooting was successfully contested, securing $540,000 after addressing ambiguities in criminal act exclusions.
A FEGLI policy denial was overturned through rigorous advocacy, securing $289,000 by highlighting procedural errors by the insurer.
Oxford Life’s denial citing sickness exclusion was favorably resolved, recovering $33,000 through clarification of ambiguous policy language.
A policy lapse denial was successfully challenged, recovering $57,000 after demonstrating inadequate notice by the insurer.
Ameriprise’s denial of a coronavirus-related claim was overturned, resulting in a $108,000 settlement by proving misinterpretation of pandemic clauses.
Great Southern’s beneficiary dispute was successfully resolved, clearly determining rightful beneficiaries.
Christian Fidelity’s denial involving missed premium payments was reversed, securing a $59,000 recovery by proving procedural notification errors.
Western United’s denial involving suicide versus accidental death was successfully contested, securing $120,000 by clarifying ambiguities in policy terms.
United Republic's denial based on a sickness exclusion was overturned, awarding beneficiaries $101,100 through litigation clarifying policy terms.
A substantial denied Virginia life insurance claim totaling $750,000 was favorably resolved through detailed legal action.
Kentucky Central’s denial due to a policy lapse was successfully contested, recovering $55,000 by highlighting administrative oversights.
Colonial Penn’s interpleader lawsuit was resolved favorably for beneficiaries, awarding $113,000 clearly identifying the rightful claimant.
A denial due to incorrect age listed on the application was resolved successfully for $20,000 by demonstrating clerical errors.
AFLAC Life’s denial involving self-inflicted injury versus accidental death was successfully appealed, securing a $98,000 recovery.
An SGLI Navy claim regarding beneficiary disputes was resolved, recovering a $400,000 payout after clarifying rightful entitlement.
Midland National’s denial due to missed payments was overturned, recovering $37,000 after proving insurer procedural failures.
Bestow Life’s denial due to power of attorney changes was successfully contested, resulting in a favorable $144,000 settlement.
A delayed Virginia life insurance claim was resolved favorably, recovering $320,000 by demonstrating insurer negligence.
Our Life Covered’s denial due to missed premium payments was overturned, securing a $10,000 recovery after clarifying administrative errors.
First National Life’s denial involving high blood alcohol content was contested successfully, recovering $88,000 by demonstrating alcohol was not the direct cause of death.
Colorado Bankers' policy lapse denial was overturned, recovering $71,000 by proving inadequate notification procedures.
Mass Mutual’s denial citing undisclosed medical history was successfully contested, resulting in a favorable $421,000 payout.
An ERISA-governed life insurance denial was overturned with a robust legal brief, recovering $169,000 through advocacy demonstrating insurer procedural violations.
Amalgamated Life’s sickness exclusion denial was successfully contested, recovering $205,000 by clarifying ambiguous policy language.
Globe Life’s denial involving autoerotic asphyxiation death was overturned, recovering $114,000 by proving accidental death policy ambiguities.
A substantial Virginia denied life insurance claim totaling $2,200,000 was successfully litigated, highlighting extensive insurer procedural errors.
An SGLI dispute between a sister and ex-wife beneficiary was resolved favorably, recovering $400,000 through clear beneficiary documentation.
The Hartford’s felony exclusion denial was contested and successfully resolved, resulting in a $217,000 settlement.
Another significant Virginia denied life insurance claim totaling $945,000 was favorably resolved through diligent litigation.
A FEGLI appeal was won through successful legal advocacy, securing $153,000 by demonstrating insurer procedural mistakes.
Banner Life’s interpleader lawsuit was favorably resolved, awarding $275,000 clearly identifying the rightful beneficiaries.
A Virginia divorce-related life insurance denial totaling $518,000 was successfully resolved, clarifying post-divorce beneficiary rights.
Transamerica’s denial under alcohol exclusions was successfully challenged, securing $314,000 by demonstrating the exclusion did not directly apply.
AARP’s denial claiming the policy was not in force was successfully contested, recovering $107,000 by demonstrating insurer errors.
Liberty Life’s denial during the contestable period was resolved favorably, recovering $217,000 by proving insurer mistakes.
A Virginia bad faith life insurance claim denial was resolved favorably, securing a substantial settlement of $741,000 through demonstrating insurer misconduct.
Prudential’s accidental death AD&D claim denial was successfully contested, resulting in a $427,300 recovery by clarifying ambiguities in accidental death provisions.

Every denied claim is unique. In Virginia, we know how to maximize your chance of recovering the full life insurance payout.

Legal References – Virginia

Virginia Contestability Clause Law: Under Va. Code § 38.2-3107, life insurance policies issued in Virginia become incontestable after being in force during the lifetime of the insured for two years from the policy's date, except for nonpayment of premiums. During this contestability period, insurers may deny claims based on material misrepresentations made in the application.
Automatic Revocation of Ex-Spouse Beneficiaries: According to Va. Code § 20-111.1, a divorce or annulment automatically revokes a former spouse's designation as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy, unless the policyholder reaffirms the designation after the divorce or the policy explicitly states otherwise. However, this statute does not apply to life insurance policies governed by federal law, such as those under the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Act (FEGLIA). In Hillman v. Maretta, the U.S. Supreme Court held that FEGLIA preempts Virginia's statute, meaning that the named beneficiary on a federal life insurance policy will receive the proceeds, regardless of state law.
Equitable Distribution Laws: Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means that life insurance proceeds are distributed according to the policy's beneficiary designation, and a surviving spouse is not automatically entitled to the death benefit unless named as a beneficiary or granted rights through a court order or marital agreement.
ERISA & Group Policies: Employer-provided life insurance policies governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) may preempt Virginia's state laws in cases involving contested beneficiaries, including disputes with former spouses. In such cases, the beneficiary designation on the policy typically determines who receives the proceeds, regardless of state laws.

For more information on insurance regulations and consumer protections in Virginia, you can visit the Virginia State Corporation Commission's Bureau of Insurance. Additionally, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers nationwide insurance resources.

The Lassen Law Firm is a national practice focused exclusively on life insurance litigation. Founded by Christian Lassen, Esq., the firm has recovered hundreds of millions for clients in all 50 states. All website content is written or reviewed by Mr. Lassen personally to ensure accuracy and authority.