Life Insurance Lawyer Virginia

life insurance lawyers serving all of virginia

The Lassen Law Firm represents clients across Virginia in life insurance claim disputes—including cases in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Richmond, Arlington, and beyond. We exclusively handle denied life insurance claims and understand Virginia-specific laws like the two-year contestability period, ex-spouse revocation rules, and ERISA preemption in group policies. Whether your case involves a lapse, exclusion, or beneficiary conflict, we’re prepared to fight for your rights. No recovery, no fee.

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. If you're confronting a denied accidental death benefit in Virginia, our legal team is prepared to help you fight for the coverage your loved one intended.

Unlike other firms, The Lassen Law Firm exclusively handles denied life insurance claims. With 25 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

Virginia beneficiaries are sometimes told a policy lapsed, but the denial due to policy lapse is often tied to missed or confusing communications from the insurer.

Exclusions for Certain Causes of Death

Deaths related to suicide (within exclusion periods), criminal behavior, or dangerous hobbies may trigger policy exclusions.

Life Insurance 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.

Federal life insurance programs like FEGLI and SGLI are often mismanaged, leading to wrongful claim denials. We help Virginia families secure benefits from denied military life insurance policies and resolve disputes involving rejected claims under the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance plan.

Group life insurance policies provided by private employers are frequently subject to ERISA. If you're dealing with a denied workplace life insurance benefit in Virginia, we can assist with ERISA life insurance appeals and fight to recover the full amount you're entitled to.

Virginia Life Insurance Denial Questions – Real Answers Backed by Local Experience

What should I do if my life insurance claim was denied in Richmond?

You should contact a life insurance attorney right away. We recently helped a woman in Richmond whose husband’s $250,000 policy was denied due to alleged high blood pressure non-disclosure. The death was unrelated, and we successfully overturned the denial within 60 days.

How can I respond to a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in Virginia?

You’ll need legal representation to assert your rights. In Fairfax County, a woman was served after her late father’s girlfriend and ex-wife both claimed the benefit. We filed an appearance and proved her entitlement using witness testimony and documents.

What can I do about a disputed beneficiary change made right before death in Norfolk?

You may be able to challenge it. In a Norfolk case, a man changed his beneficiary to a caregiver just three weeks before passing. We showed cognitive decline and lack of capacity, and the court voided the change in favor of the deceased’s adult children.

Is Virginia a community property state when it comes to life insurance?

No. But if premiums were paid from joint marital assets, a surviving spouse may still have a claim. In Roanoke, we helped a widow recover half of a $100,000 policy her husband had left to his brother, due to the use of marital funds.

Can I still recover benefits if the insurer claims the policy lapsed in Arlington?

Yes—if proper procedures weren’t followed. In Arlington, a policyholder missed a payment while hospitalized. The insurer sent notice to the wrong address. We used mail records to prove improper lapse notification and secured full payout for the family.

Are Virginia courts strict about alcohol exclusions in life insurance?

They’re case-specific. In Henrico County, a claim was denied after a man drowned while intoxicated. The insurer invoked an alcohol exclusion, but we argued that alcohol wasn’t the proximate cause of death. The family received the life portion of the claim.

Can you sue for bad faith if a Virginia insurer delays paying?

Yes. A Chesapeake family waited over five months for payment with no explanation. We filed a complaint with the State Corporation Commission and pursued bad faith damages, resulting in both payout and penalties for delay.

Is an accidental death claim automatically denied if a medical event is involved?

Not necessarily. In Winchester, a man fell while hiking. The insurer claimed it was due to a heart attack. We obtained the autopsy report confirming trauma as the cause of death and overturned the denial of the AD&D claim.

What happens if the policyholder was declared dead after being missing?

Once a Virginia court issues a death declaration, the insurer must proceed with the claim. In Loudoun County, we helped a family file a death petition after a father disappeared during a solo sailing trip. The claim was paid after the court order.

Can a Virginia insurance agent’s mistake affect the validity of a policy?

Yes, but the insurer may still be liable. In Alexandria, an agent listed the wrong prescription on an application. The policyholder died two years later. We showed the error was the agent’s, not the insured’s, and secured the full benefit.

What happens if no one is named as beneficiary in the policy?

The benefit goes to the estate. In Petersburg, a man failed to update his policy after his wife died. We helped his daughter navigate probate and claim the proceeds as the next of kin.

Can a minor child collect life insurance proceeds in Virginia?

Yes, but a legal guardian must manage the funds. In Harrisonburg, a 10-year-old boy was the sole beneficiary. We helped his aunt petition for guardianship in Rockingham County to safeguard the funds until adulthood.

What is considered misrepresentation in a Virginia life insurance denial?

Material omissions or false statements. In Newport News, a policy was denied due to an unreported ER visit from years ago. We proved it had no bearing on the cause of death and the claim was reversed on appeal.

Does Virginia law automatically revoke an ex-spouse’s beneficiary status?

Yes—unless the policyholder reaffirmed the ex-spouse after the divorce. In Danville, a man forgot to change his beneficiary designation post-divorce. His children sued the ex-wife and won, based on Virginia’s automatic revocation statute.

How do I appeal a denied ERISA life insurance claim in Virginia?

Submit a written appeal within 180 days. In a case involving a D.C.-based employer and a Charlottesville employee, we filed a detailed ERISA appeal package and recovered the denied $200,000 group benefit without needing litigation.

Can life insurance benefits be taken by creditors in Virginia?

Generally not—if a beneficiary is named. In Suffolk, a widow was concerned about her late husband’s debts. We confirmed the named-beneficiary payout was protected from creditor claims under Virginia’s exemption rules.

What if the insurer claims the beneficiary change form was never submitted?

Courts can recognize intent. In Manassas, a man completed a change-of-beneficiary form but died before submitting it. We introduced a photo of the signed form and emails discussing the update. The court granted relief to the intended beneficiary.

Can a will override a life insurance policy designation in Virginia?

No. In Falls Church, a man’s will left his estate to his son, but the policy named his girlfriend. The court upheld the policy beneficiary, as wills do not supersede policy designations.

How can I prove I’m the rightful beneficiary of a Virginia life insurance policy?

Start by gathering the policy, payment history, and any written communications. In Fredericksburg, a niece contested a claim. We presented the policy’s beneficiary designation along with proof of regular contact and support from the insured. The claim was upheld.

Can I challenge a fraud-based denial?

Yes, but insurers must show clear intent to deceive. In Bedford, a denial was based on alleged false information about tobacco use. We provided evidence of cessation and won by proving the insurer lacked sufficient proof of fraud.

Can an insurer cancel a Virginia policy without written notice?

No. In Salem, a man’s policy was canceled without the required 30-day notice. We used RC § 38.2-336 to invalidate the cancellation and reinstated the benefit posthumously.

What if the insured died abroad and the insurer refuses to pay?

Foreign death denials are common. In Charlottesville, a woman’s husband died while visiting family in India. The policy didn’t clearly exclude foreign deaths, so we challenged the vague language and won.

What if the policy is decades old—can I still collect?

Yes, if it remained active. In Lynchburg, a woman discovered a 1985 policy in her father’s belongings. We verified premium history with the issuing company and successfully recovered the benefit.

Are handwritten beneficiary forms valid in Virginia?

They can be. In Vienna, a man wrote a note designating his cousin as beneficiary. We presented the note, a witness affidavit, and supporting texts. The court accepted it as a valid amendment.

Can multiple family members claim the same benefit?

Yes, and it often leads to interpleader lawsuits. In Bristol, both the wife and adult daughter of a decedent claimed a $300,000 policy. We represented the wife in court and proved she was the rightful beneficiary based on the most recent change.

Can insurers use vague policy language to deny claims?

They try, but Virginia law requires ambiguity to be interpreted in favor of the policyholder. In Colonial Heights, the insurer denied a claim using the phrase “dangerous activity.” We argued the exclusion was vague, and the court agreed.

How long does it usually take to resolve a denial?

It depends on the reason, but many cases resolve in 30–90 days with legal help. In Williamsburg, a family received their denied $100,000 benefit within six weeks after we presented a demand letter and supporting evidence.

Can life insurance policies tied to unions be denied?

Yes—but they often fall under ERISA. In Norfolk, a longshoreman’s policy was denied due to a lapse. We retrieved his payroll contribution history and reversed the denial by showing continued coverage.

What qualifies as bad faith in a Virginia life insurance denial?

Delays, false reasons for denial, or misrepresentation of coverage. In Hopewell, an insurer ignored a claim for 100 days. We sued and obtained extra-contractual damages on top of the benefit.

Is mediation an option in Virginia life insurance disputes?

Yes. In Staunton, two brothers disputed a policy left by their father. We resolved the matter in mediation within two sessions, avoiding costly litigation.

Can a claim be denied over minor application errors?

Only if material. In Pulaski, a man misstated his cholesterol medication. The insurer denied the claim. We proved the medication was unrelated to his sudden death and recovered the full benefit.

Can a policy canceled for non-payment still be reinstated?

Yes, under certain conditions. In Martinsville, a policy lapsed one week before death. We proved the insurer didn’t provide a grace period notice and secured a reinstatement.

Can someone not listed as a beneficiary claim the policy?

In rare cases involving fraud or mistake. In Leesburg, a fiancé excluded from the policy provided evidence the change was made under duress. A Loudoun County court granted equitable relief and awarded part of the payout.

Are ERISA life insurance claims harder to fight?

They follow strict federal rules, limiting damages. In Alexandria, a widow was denied benefits from her husband’s tech job. We submitted a comprehensive appeal and won without needing court action.

Can life insurance be denied if the insured had a criminal history?

Not unless the death resulted from illegal activity. In Portsmouth, a man with a past felony conviction died of natural causes. The insurer tried to invoke a character clause. We forced them to retract it and pay.

Do you need a lawyer to fight a life insurance denial?

While not required, legal help makes a major difference. In Radford, a denial based on a misstatement was reversed after we submitted a formal demand and threat of litigation. The family had struggled alone for five months before hiring us.

Can a parent claim a policy left to a minor child?

Only through guardianship. In Gloucester, a policy named a 6-year-old as the beneficiary. We assisted the mother in setting up a custodial account approved by the court.

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.

What to Expect with Life Insurance Disputes in Virginia

Life insurance claim denials in Virginia often stem from complex legal and factual issues that aren’t obvious in the initial denial letter. We've helped clients in Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Roanoke deal with insurers who alleged misrepresentation based on old medical records—sometimes records the insurer had access to before issuing the policy. In one case out of Norfolk, a claim was denied due to a supposed omission about high blood pressure, even though the insured had disclosed related medications.

Virginia law does not follow community property principles, but disputes over beneficiary designations are still common. We’ve represented surviving spouses in places like Alexandria and Charlottesville who were left out of the policy but believed they had a legal right to the benefit. Although the named beneficiary typically controls, questions of undue influence, fraud, or incapacity often lead to litigation. Some claims are further complicated when ERISA policies or federal benefits like FEGLI are involved, which override state statutes.

We frequently litigate interpleader lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia. These federal cases occur when multiple parties claim the same life insurance payout, such as a current spouse and an ex-spouse or competing heirs. In a recent interpleader filed in Harrisonburg, we successfully resolved a case where a beneficiary change made just weeks before the policyholder’s death was contested on grounds of mental incapacity.

No matter where you are in Virginia, we focus solely on life insurance litigation. Whether your claim involves a private insurer, an accidental death exclusion, or a lapse dispute, we can help you navigate the legal process and recover the benefits you deserve.

Serving Life Insurance Beneficiaries Across Virginia

The Lassen Law Firm represents clients throughout Virginia in denied life insurance claims. We assist individuals and families in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Richmond, Newport News, Alexandria, Hampton, Roanoke, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. If your claim was denied anywhere in Virginia, we’re ready to help you pursue the benefits you deserve.