LIFE INSURANCE CLAIM DENIAL
HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN?
When a loved one dies, unfortunately, no two life insurance companies are alike in the way they handle claims. You would think it would be pretty straight forward, but the reality is that some insurance companies look for ways to deny death benefits to beneficiaries if they can. Fraud is about the only real reason an insurance company should have for denying a claim.
However, things do happen. What if you failed to designate a proper beneficiary? Even though the choice might be obvious to everyone else, the insurance company could see this as a way to avoid or delay paying benefits to your loved ones.
What if your autopsy report was confused with that of a drug user? The insurance company might have a reason to deny the claim based on incorrect information they received.
Most life insurance companies look into claims for death benefits if the insured dies within two years of applying for a policy. Be prepared
These are just a few examples of what can go wrong in a time of sorrow when all you need is to grieve and move forward. A well-trained life insurance claim attorney could help take some of the stress out of the situation and help you navigate through the process of security your benefits. Life insurance claim attorneys are experienced and have seen the same situations before and can repeat their procedures to successfully battle the insurance company for you.
Here are a few things you can do to help things go smoothly:
You and your beneficiary should make sure you understand the policy. This is especially true if there is more than one beneficiary.
The cause of death should be very clear on the death certificate. This is extremely important in cases of accidental death. Documentation from the attending physician is very important too.
One of the first things an insurance company might do is ask the beneficiary to meet with their field representative especially if the insured dies within two years of the policy being issued. Make sure you have your life insurance claim attorney with you during this meeting, or at least a trusted family member. Remember, the field representative is there to do a job – to uncover anything that smells of fraud so the insurance company can deny the claim. Be prepared to answer questions about the insured’s medical history, work history, personal life and the cause of death. They may ask for a medical investigation and a financial investigation.
Keep good records of all conversations with insurance company employees. You should get copies of all documentation produced during these meetings by the insurance company.
If the insurance company does deny your claim, you will receive written notice. You can use this information to file an appeal. Make sure at this point that you have a life insurance claim attorney if you have not already secured one.
Tags: Physician Disability Insurance, Employement Benefits Attorney
Physician Disability Insurance Employement Benefits Attorney
