Resolving Disputes Over Life And Disability Insurance Denials

In some cases, an insurance company will attempt to cancel a life insurance or disability insurance policy without a valid reason. Technically called “rescission,” this policy cancellation may have a widespread effect on your and your family’s well-being.

At Mansell & Engel in Oklahoma City, we understand what is at stake for you and those you love. Our priority is to help you successfully navigate this complex legal process and obtain the full coverage and benefits you deserve.

A Century Of Experience Combating Insurance Company Tactics

With more than 100 years of combined experience, our lawyers know how the courts work. We know how the law works. Most importantly, we know how the insurance companies work. Our knowledge is an invaluable benefit as we fight unfair coverage denials and other types of “bad faith.”

Denied claims are often based on an insurance carrier’s assertion that:

• The policyholder provided inaccurate information on the application
• The policyholder died in circumstances that were not covered by the policy
• The death occurred before the policy was put into effect
• The policyholder’s claim was never received

An Inaccurate Application Doesn’t Automatically Mean Your Family Loses Out

In Oklahoma, life insurance disputes often arise during the first two years after someone has purchased a policy. After two years, it is very difficult for an insurance company to get out of paying the promised benefits to the beneficiaries. During that two-year window, however, the company has the opportunity to challenge the application. It will typically go back through the health information the person provided and look for a way to claim he or she lied or left out important facts.

For instance, the company may see that the deceased person was taking medication for high blood pressure. It may then assert that the person failed to include “high blood pressure” as a health condition on the life insurance application, and therefore the application was invalid. The company will then use this excuse to avoid paying any money to the person’s beneficiaries.

Companies often contend that if there is inaccurate health information on an application, they automatically have the right to deny the claim and rescind the policy. This is not true.

Oklahoma law requires the insurance company to prove that the deceased person intentionally provided deceptive or inaccurate information. This means that it isn’t enough for the insurance company to show that a person failed to report a certain health condition – it must also have evidence that the person meant to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions On Life Insurance Claim Denials

Life insurance is supposed to be there when it is needed – but claims can be unfairly denied. Below are answers to common questions we hear about the problem:

What legal options do I have if my life or disability insurance claim is denied?

A denial does not mean you are out of options. You may have several legal paths to challenge the decision:

• File an internal appeal directly with the insurance company. This gives you a chance to submit additional evidence and request a reconsideration.
• Request an external review by a third party if the insurance is governed by federal regulations such as ERISA.
• If your appeal is denied or the insurer acted in bad faith, file a lawsuit in state or federal court.

Our insurance attorneys will assess your denial letter and explain your legal options.

What evidence do I need to support my life or disability insurance appeal?

To strengthen your appeal, you should collect key documentation, which may include:

• The full insurance policy and any relevant riders
• Medical records and doctors’ notes
• Proof of employment and income (for disability claims)
• Death certificate and cause of death report (for life insurance claims)
• Communications from the insurer, including the denial letter
• Expert opinions, if available

We help gather, organize and present this evidence clearly so your case is as strong as possible.

How long does it take to resolve a life insurance denial case in Oklahoma?

The period it takes to resolve a life insurance denial case in Oklahoma depends on several factors, including the complexity of the claim, the reason for the denial and whether legal action becomes necessary.

• Simple appeals: If the denial was due to missing paperwork, minor errors or easily corrected information, it may be resolved within 30 to 90 days through an internal appeal process with the insurance company.
• More involved claims: If the insurer disputes the cause of death, challenges policy terms or questions the validity of the claim, the process may take several months, especially if additional documentation or professional review is required.
• Litigation: If the insurance company refuses to reverse the denial and a lawsuit is filed, the case can take six months to over a year to resolve.

Although we cannot guarantee how long each case will take, we will not stop fighting until we have done everything we can to recover the benefits you are rightfully owed.

Set Your Mind At Rest – Turn The Burden Over To Us Today

For a free case evaluation that is honest, confidential and thorough, call Mansell & Engel at 405-212-5921 or contact our attorneys online. Our mission is to provide you with peace of mind while obtaining the full benefits you and your family deserve.