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Wisconsin Life Insurance Attorney

Wisconsin Life Insurance Lawyer

Life Insurance Lawyers Serving All 72 Wisconsin Counties

Christian Lassen, Esq. | 25 Years Experience | Hundreds of Millions Recovered

If your life insurance claim was denied in Wisconsin, you're not alone and you're not without options. At The Lassen Law Firm, we focus exclusively on life insurance litigation and have helped families throughout Wisconsin recover millions in wrongfully denied death benefits. Whether your case involves a policy lapse, misrepresentation allegation, or a contested beneficiary change, we have the experience to challenge the denial and pursue the full payout.

Led by nationally recognized life insurance attorney Christian Lassen, quoted by The Wall Street Journal and rated 10.0 by AVVO, our firm serves clients in every region of Wisconsin. We handle denied life insurance claims in all 72 counties, and we never charge a fee unless we recover for you.

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

In Wisconsin, beneficiaries are sometimes denied life insurance payouts due to alleged misstatements or lapses the insurer claims void the policy. If you're dealing with a denied life insurance claim in Wisconsin, The Lassen Law Firm can step in to contest the denial and work to recover the compensation you deserve.

Beneficiary disputes in Wisconsin often arise when policyholders fail to update designations after major life changes like divorce or remarriage. If you're involved in a life insurance beneficiary dispute in Wisconsin, The Lassen Law Firm can help you assert your claim and fight for the payout you deserve.

When multiple individuals claim the same life insurance benefit in Wisconsin, insurers frequently file an interpleader lawsuit in Wisconsin to have the court resolve the dispute and decide who is legally entitled to the proceeds.

Life insurance claims in Wisconsin can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with denied benefits or bad faith insurance practices. At The Lassen Law Firm, we are dedicated to assisting individuals and families across the Badger State recover the payouts they deserve. We provide expert legal representation and personalized support.

With a nationwide presence, our experienced life insurance attorneys have successfully recovered hundreds of millions in policies for our clients. At The Lassen Law Firm, we bring legal expertise, relentless dedication, and compassionate advocacy to fight for 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 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 Wisconsin? We’re Here to Fight for the Benefits You Deserve

Life insurance provides critical support to families during times of loss. Yet in Wisconsin, many beneficiaries are blindsided by wrongful claim denials, prolonged delays, or unfairly reduced payments. If your life insurance claim has been denied, you don't have to navigate the situation alone. Our Wisconsin life insurance attorneys are ready to step in, protect your rights, and fight for the benefits you are owed. Families in Wisconsin facing a denied accidental death and dismemberment claim can rely on our experience to dispute the denial and fight for full policy benefits.

Insurance companies operating in Wisconsin must follow strict laws requiring them to process claims fairly, promptly, and in good faith. When insurers violate these obligations, beneficiaries have the right to challenge wrongful denials — and in some cases, pursue additional damages. We offer free consultations and do not charge any fees unless we win your case.

Understanding Contestability Periods and Life Insurance Denials in Wisconsin

Most life insurance policies in Wisconsin include a two-year contestability period. During this time, insurers may deny claims if they uncover material misrepresentations made during the policy application process. After the two-year period ends, insurers generally cannot deny a claim based on application errors unless they can prove intentional fraud.

Importantly, only material misstatements — inaccuracies that would have impacted the insurer’s decision to issue or price the policy — can justify rescission. Minor errors, unrelated omissions, or innocent mistakes are not sufficient reasons to deny benefits under Wisconsin law.

If your claim was denied based on contestability arguments, a Wisconsin life insurance attorney can review the situation and challenge the insurer's decision.

Common Reasons Life Insurance Claims Are Denied in Wisconsin

Although every case is different, insurers often rely on familiar justifications when denying life insurance claims. In Wisconsin, frequent denial reasons include:

Alleged Misrepresentations on the Policy Application

Claims that the insured failed to disclose a health condition, tobacco use, or high-risk activities.

Policy Lapse Due to Nonpayment

In Wisconsin, many claims are denied due to alleged missed payments, but the insurance denial based on lapse is frequently rooted in notification failures or misapplied payments.

Exclusions for Specific Causes of Death

Deaths connected to suicide (within the exclusion window), illegal acts, or hazardous hobbies may trigger exclusions based on the policy terms.

Life Claim Beneficiary Disputes

Conflicts between family members, claims involving outdated beneficiary designations, or allegations of undue influence can delay payment.

Employer Errors in Group Life Insurance

Mistakes during enrollment or policy maintenance can wrongly deprive families of expected coverage.

Delays Associated with Death Investigations

While some delay may be necessary for investigation, unreasonable or extended delays violate Wisconsin insurance regulations.

Even if the insurer provides a detailed explanation, many denials can — and should — be legally challenged.

Steps to Take After Receiving a Life Insurance Denial in Wisconsin

Taking decisive action early can make a significant difference. You should:

  • Request and preserve a full copy of the life insurance policy, the original application, and any amendments.
  • Review the denial letter carefully and document the insurer’s stated reasons.
  • Save all correspondence with the insurance company, including letters, emails, and phone notes.
  • Avoid submitting new documents or statements without consulting a life insurance attorney.

Contact a Wisconsin life insurance lawyer immediately to evaluate your options and protect your rights.

Wisconsin law also allows beneficiaries to pursue extra damages if insurers act in bad faith or engage in unfair claim practices.

How Our Wisconsin Life Insurance Attorneys Handle Wrongful Denials

When you choose our firm, you gain a team focused exclusively on advocating for life insurance beneficiaries. We will:

  • Analyze your policy, the denial letter, and all related claim documents.
  • Identify unfair claims practices, misinterpretations, or violations of Wisconsin insurance law.
  • Challenge wrongful contestability rescissions, lapse defenses, and exclusions.
  • Manage all communications and negotiations with the insurance company.
  • Prepare administrative appeals for employer-provided group life insurance policies if needed under ERISA.
  • File lawsuits in Wisconsin courts when insurers refuse to pay valid claims.
  • Pursue additional damages where insurers act in bad faith in violation of Wisconsin law.

Our mission is to recover the full life insurance proceeds your family deserves — and to hold insurance companies accountable when they act unfairly or illegally.

Federal life insurance claims under programs like SGLI and FEGLI can be denied due to paperwork errors, unclear beneficiary designations, or missed administrative steps. We help Wisconsin families dispute denied military insurance benefits and recover wrongfully withheld benefits from the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance program.

If your policy was provided through your employer, it may be governed by ERISA regulations. Our team assists Wisconsin clients in recovering denied workplace life insurance benefits and navigating the federal appeals process with confidence.

Wisconsin Denied Life Insurance Claims: Answers to Common Questions

What Should I Do If My Life Insurance Claim Was Denied in Wisconsin?

If your life insurance claim was denied in Wisconsin, you should contact a Wisconsin life insurance attorney immediately. Deadlines are strict, and professional legal help can prevent you from losing your right to recover benefits.

What If I Was Served With a Life Insurance Interpleader Lawsuit in Wisconsin?

If you're served with an interpleader lawsuit in Wisconsin, the insurer is asking the court to decide who receives the payout. You need a skilled Wisconsin life insurance lawyer to protect your interests and defend your claim.

Can I Get Help With a Life Insurance Beneficiary Dispute in Wisconsin?

Yes. Our Wisconsin life insurance attorneys handle disputes involving ex-spouses, children, and last-minute beneficiary changes. We work to establish your rightful claim under Wisconsin law.

Why Would a Wisconsin Accidental Death Life Insurance Claim Be Denied?

AD&D claims in Wisconsin are often denied when insurers allege the death was due to illness, alcohol, or natural causes. We challenge these denials with expert evidence supporting accidental causation.

Can Policy Lapse Be a Reason for Denying a Life Insurance Claim in Wisconsin?

Yes, but many lapse-related denials are improper. If the insurer failed to provide the required notices or a grace period applied, we may be able to recover the full benefit.

Is Misrepresentation on a Life Insurance Application Grounds for Denial in Wisconsin?

Only if the misrepresentation was material and intentional. Our Wisconsin attorneys frequently overturn denials where misstatements were irrelevant to the cause of death or policy approval.

Can Alcohol Exclusions Be Used to Deny Life Insurance Claims in Wisconsin?

Yes, but insurers often misuse alcohol exclusions. If alcohol wasn’t the direct cause of death or if the exclusion was vague, we fight to reverse the denial.

What Should I Do About a Bad Faith ERISA Life Insurance Denial in Wisconsin?

ERISA policies allow only one appeal. Our Wisconsin life insurance lawyers prepare complete and persuasive administrative appeals that position your case for success at trial if necessary.

How Should I Handle a Contestability Period Claim Denial in Wisconsin?

During the first two years of a policy, claims may be denied for misstatements. We show that many errors are immaterial and fight to have these denials overturned under Wisconsin law.

What If My Claim Denial Cites Wisconsin State Law?

Insurers sometimes misinterpret Wisconsin statutes when denying claims. We carefully examine the legal basis and challenge improper or unsupported denials.

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

Companies like Northwestern Mutual, Thrivent Financial, and Rural Mutual Insurance are frequently associated with denied claims in Wisconsin. We hold all insurers accountable.

Does Wisconsin Law Revoke an Ex-Spouse’s Beneficiary Rights After Divorce?

Yes. Divorce in Wisconsin revokes an ex-spouse's designation unless the policyholder reaffirms it afterward. We handle disputes involving this automatic revocation rule.

Is Wisconsin a Community Property State, and How Does That Affect Life Insurance?

Yes, Wisconsin is a community property state. If premiums were paid with marital assets, a surviving spouse may have rights to part of the benefit even if not named.

Can a Will Override the Named Beneficiary on a Wisconsin Life Insurance Policy?

No. In Wisconsin, the life insurance beneficiary designation controls over any will unless there is proof of fraud, mistake, or undue influence.

How Much Does a Wisconsin Life Insurance Lawyer Cost?

Our Wisconsin life insurance attorneys work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront and owe nothing unless we recover benefits for you.

Can a Life Insurance Claim in Wisconsin Be Denied for Death Occurring Overseas?

Yes, but many foreign death denials are improper. We review the policy language carefully and contest exclusions that don’t clearly apply.

What Happens If a Beneficiary Change Was Made Right Before Death in Wisconsin?

Late-stage beneficiary changes can be challenged if there’s evidence of mental incapacity, coercion, or fraud. We thoroughly investigate and litigate these disputes.

What If My Wisconsin Life Insurance Claim Has Been Delayed for Months?

Excessive delays can be considered bad faith under Wisconsin law. We demand prompt claim resolution and pursue penalties when delays are unjustified.

Can an Insurer Deny a Wisconsin AD&D Claim by Labeling the Death Natural Causes?

Yes, but we contest such denials by gathering medical evidence to prove the death was accidental under the policy’s terms.

What If the Insurance Agent Filled Out the Life Insurance Application Incorrectly in Wisconsin?

If an agent made an error, the insurer may still be liable. We challenge denials based on agent mistakes and pursue full payment.

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

Bad faith in Wisconsin includes denying a claim without proper investigation, misinterpreting policy terms, or delaying payment without cause. We seek additional damages when bad faith is proven.

Can a Denied Wisconsin Life Insurance Claim During the Contestability Period Be Appealed?

Yes. Even if the claim falls within the contestability window, we appeal denials based on immaterial or unrelated misstatements.

Are ERISA-Governed Group Life Policies Harder to Win in Wisconsin?

Yes. ERISA policies impose strict limitations, but we have extensive experience navigating ERISA appeals and litigation in Wisconsin.

What Happens in Wisconsin if No Life Insurance Beneficiary Was Named?

If no beneficiary was named, the benefit typically passes to the estate. We assist families through the probate process to recover the funds.

Can I Dispute a Suspicious Beneficiary Change in Wisconsin?

Yes. If the change was made under duress, fraud, or without legal capacity, we can challenge the new designation through Wisconsin courts.

Does Wisconsin Require Insurers to Provide Notice Before Canceling a Life Insurance Policy?

Yes. Wisconsin law mandates proper notice before cancellation for non-payment. We dispute wrongful cancellations based on lack of notice.

How Are Life Insurance Policies From Unions or Associations Handled in Wisconsin?

Union and group policies may be governed by ERISA or contract law. We review these plans carefully and challenge improper denials.

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

Yes. In such cases, the insurer may file an interpleader. We represent claimants in court to secure their rightful share of the benefit.

What If the Insured Was Missing Before Being Declared Dead in Wisconsin?

Once a Wisconsin court issues a death declaration, the life insurance claim can proceed. We help families navigate the legal and claims process.

What Is the Time Limit to Appeal a Life Insurance Claim Denial in Wisconsin?

ERISA appeals must usually be filed within 180 days. Private policy appeals may have different deadlines under Wisconsin law. We act promptly to preserve your rights.

Can a Verbal Promise About Life Insurance Be Enforced in Wisconsin?

No. Only written beneficiary designations control under Wisconsin law. However, we may pursue equitable remedies if fraud or unjust enrichment occurred.

Are Life Insurance Proceeds Subject to Creditors in Wisconsin?

If a living beneficiary is named, the proceeds are generally protected. If the proceeds go to the estate, creditors may have claims.

Can Vague Policy Language Be Used to Deny a Life Insurance Claim in Wisconsin?

No. Wisconsin courts require that ambiguities in insurance policies be interpreted in favor of the insured or beneficiary.

Can a Lapsed Policy Be Reinstated and Still Pay Out in Wisconsin?

Yes. If proper notice wasn’t given or reinstatement was attempted, we often successfully argue that the policy remained in force.

What If the Insurer Says the Wisconsin Life Insurance Policy Was Canceled for Non-Payment?

We review the insurer’s compliance with Wisconsin’s cancellation rules. Many denials based on non-payment are challengeable.

Can a Child in Wisconsin Receive Life Insurance Benefits Directly?

Not directly. If a child is named as a beneficiary, Wisconsin law requires a guardian or trust to manage the funds until adulthood.

What Should I Do If My Wisconsin Life Insurance Claim Was Denied Due to Fraud Allegations?

Fraud must be proven with credible evidence. We fight back against denials based on vague, unsupported fraud accusations.

Can a Disputed Life Insurance Claim Be Settled in Wisconsin Without a Trial?

Yes. Many life insurance disputes in Wisconsin are resolved through settlement negotiations. We work toward a favorable resolution while preparing for court if necessary.

What If a New Beneficiary Form Was Filled Out But Never Submitted in Wisconsin?

Only properly submitted forms are valid. We investigate and may pursue equitable remedies if the insured’s clear intent is documented.

Are Older Wisconsin Life Insurance Policies Still Valid?

Yes. As long as the policy remained active or was fully paid up, older life insurance policies in Wisconsin are enforceable.

How Can I Prove I'm the Rightful Beneficiary of a Wisconsin Life Insurance Policy?

We compile policy documents, correspondence, and witness statements to build a compelling case for your rightful claim.

What If I Believe I Was Wrongfully Excluded From a Wisconsin Life Insurance Policy?

If you were excluded through fraud, coercion, or mistake, we can ask a Wisconsin court to set aside the wrongful designation and recover the benefit for you.

 

Contact us for a free consultation.

 

Written & Reviewed by Christian Lassen, Esq., Nationally recognized life insurance lawyer: 25 years experience, hundreds of millions recovered.  Quoted in The Wall Street Journal ( May 17, 2025).

Last reviewed: June 14, 2025 | Contact 800-330-2274

 

Why The Lassen Law Firm Is Different

  • Proven National Results
    Representing clients coast to coast and recovering hundreds of millions in denied life insurance claims, we secure justice and peace of mind for families everywhere.
  • Recognized Expertise
    Perfect 10.0 Avvo rating endorsed by over 1,700 attorneys; life member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum; ranked among the top 1 percent of lawyers nationally for life insurance litigation.
  • Client-First Advocacy
    No upfront fees: our contingency fee guarantee aligns our interests with yours; we provide personalized, compassionate representation from your initial consultation through resolution.
  • Media & Community Leadership
    Quoted in The Wall Street Journal and featured in leading legal publications; frequent speaker at national conferences; dedicated to charitable efforts supporting pediatric cancer care.