Life Insurance Lawyer Richmond Va
"Life Insurance Lawyers for Richmond, VA – The Lassen Law Firm" In Richmond, a city steeped in rich history, vibrant culture, and Southern charm, navigating life insurance claims can still be a stressful and overwhelming process—especially when benefits are unfairly delayed or denied. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping families and individuals in Richmond secure the financial protection they deserve. Whether you’re near the historic Downtown, the serene James River Park System, or anywhere across Henrico County and beyond, we provide trusted legal expertise and personalized care every step of the way. Our experienced and trusted Virginia life insurance lawyers are here to help.
With a nationwide record of recovering hundreds of millions in life insurance claims, The Lassen Law Firm delivers compassionate advocacy, relentless representation, and trusted results for Richmond residents seeking justice in insurance disputes.
2025 Richmond Va Denied Life Insurance Claims
- MassMutual misreprentation health $200,000.00
- US Financial Life coronavirus death denied $104,000.00
- John Hancock interpleader claim $56,000.00
- OM Financial Life COVID death claim $45,000.00
- Members Life dangerous activity exclusion $64,000.00
- Ozark National refusal to pay the valid claim $55,000.00
- Richmond Virginia denied ADD claim $68,000.00
- Genworth sickness exclusion settled $20,000.00
- Denied Richmond Virginia life insurance claim $565,000.00
- Liberty Financial beneficiary dispute $117,000.00
- SGLI Army would not pay the spouse $400,00.00
- Transamerica competing beneficiaries $144,000.00
- Lifemap various exclusions alleged by company $280,000.00
- Pavonia Life long two year delay of payment $327,000.00
- FG Life material misrepresentation won $15,000.00
- National Teachers Association terrorism exclusion $30,000.00
- Denied life insurance claim in Virginia settled $303,900.00
- Modern Woodmen lapsed the policy on insured $102,000.00
- Polish National claim of fraud on application $202,500.00
- SGLI Navy paperwork not processed for change $400,00.00
- John Alden refusal to rightly pay the benefits $34,000.00
- Old American extremely long delay of payment $149,000.00
- Monarch Life allegation of fraud on application $529,000.00
- Peoples Benefit Life chronic illness exclusion $21,000.00
- HCC Life denied claim misrepresentation alleged $454,000.00
- New Life contestable period issue resolved $59,000.00
Questions About Life Insurance Claims in Richmond
Can a Richmond life insurance claim be denied if the insured didn’t disclose they were a smoker years ago?
Only if the omission was material and intentional. If the insurer can't prove that smoking history would have changed underwriting or that it related to the death, denial can often be successfully contested.
After a divorce in Richmond, is an ex-spouse automatically removed as a life insurance beneficiary?
Yes. Virginia law revokes an ex-spouse’s beneficiary status unless the insured reaffirmed the designation after the divorce. However, ERISA plans may still honor an ex-spouse if no formal update was made.
What happens if there’s no living beneficiary for a Richmond life insurance policy?
The proceeds generally pass into the insured’s estate and are distributed through probate based on Virginia’s intestacy laws.
Can a death during bungee jumping or skydiving lead to denial of a life insurance claim in Richmond?
Possibly, if the policy clearly excludes deaths from hazardous activities. If the exclusion is vague, Virginia courts often favor the beneficiary.
How are life insurance claims handled in Richmond if the insured died outside the United States?
Insurers typically require foreign death certificates, authenticated translations, and possibly U.S. embassy or consular verification to approve the claim.
What if a Richmond beneficiary suspects forgery on a late beneficiary change?
Handwriting experts, medical testimony regarding capacity, and witness affidavits can prove forgery or undue influence, allowing courts to restore the original beneficiary.
Can an insurer delay paying a Richmond life insurance claim indefinitely because of a pending autopsy?
Only to a point. Once sufficient proof of death is available, the insurer must move forward or risk bad faith penalties under Virginia law.
Does minor illegal behavior at the time of death—like trespassing—void a Richmond life insurance claim?
Not usually. Unless the illegal act was directly responsible for the death and clearly excluded by the policy, beneficiaries can usually still recover.
Example Case: Richmond family fought insurer’s “illness defense” and won accidental death payout
An insurer blamed a heart condition for a fatal car crash. After legal intervention and expert testimony, the crash—not illness—was proven to be the cause, forcing full payment.
Can typos or administrative mistakes void a Richmond life insurance policy?
No. Minor errors that don’t materially affect underwriting cannot be used to deny claims under Virginia law.
How does ERISA complicate employer-based life insurance claims for Richmond residents?
ERISA sets rigid internal appeal deadlines, often within 180 days of denial, and limits lawsuits to the administrative record—making it essential to act quickly and carefully after a denial.
What happens if a Richmond employer deducted premiums but failed to process the life insurance enrollment?
The employer may be held legally responsible for the lost coverage, and beneficiaries can recover damages through a lawsuit for breach of duty or negligent misrepresentation.
How long should a Richmond insurer take to pay after proof of death is submitted?
Virginia law expects insurers to pay valid claims within a reasonable time, usually within 60 days. Unreasonable delays could result in legal penalties.
Can intoxication at the time of death lead to denial of a Richmond life insurance claim?
Potentially, but the insurer must prove that intoxication directly caused the death and that the policy explicitly excluded such deaths.
Common Mistake: Richmond beneficiaries lose out by accepting vague insurer denials without a fight
Many families wrongly believe vague excuses like "contestability concerns" mean a claim is hopeless. In truth, these denials are often reversible with legal help.
Can death during an unauthorized motocross event near Richmond void a life insurance claim?
Only if the policy contains a clear exclusion for participation in motorized sports or racing. If exclusions are poorly written, beneficiaries often prevail.
Can death during participation in an experimental drug trial affect a Richmond life insurance payout?
Maybe. If the death was caused by experimental treatment and the policy excludes such procedures, denial could happen. Otherwise, many claims can still be won.
Can a Richmond beneficiary accused of wrongdoing collect if not criminally charged?
No. Virginia’s slayer statute can bar a beneficiary who unlawfully and intentionally caused the insured’s death—even if there’s no criminal conviction.
How are "undetermined" causes of death handled in Richmond life insurance cases?
While it may delay the claim, "undetermined" causes do not automatically void coverage. Additional evidence can still establish cause and enforce payment.
How long do Richmond families have to file a lawsuit after life insurance denial?
Virginia allows five years for breach of contract claims. However, ERISA-governed life insurance policies often impose internal deadlines requiring lawsuits within one year of final denial.
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.