Life Insurance Claims
If you have a life insurance claim or are a beneficiary under a life insurance policy and believe the policy owes you money, rightly pursuing the compensation you are entitled to is essential. The insurance process, however, can be complicated when approaching it on your own. Working with an experienced life insurance claims attorney can help you better protect your rights and your claim.
At Anspach Law Office, we understand the difficulty of facing challenges from insurers while walking through the grief of a life-changing loss. Our attorney is here to help ensure that the insurer treats your family’s claim fairly and that you and other beneficiaries receive the funds you need to continue on the path toward healing.
Who We Serve
Our firm stands with beneficiaries and families in many hard situations, such as when:
- You lose someone you love and the insurer denies or refuses to pay the life insurance benefits they put in place for you.
- Weeks or months pass while the insurer keeps requesting medical records and new forms without ever making a decision.
- An insurer claims your loved one left a medical condition or past treatment off the application and uses that alleged misstatement to avoid paying.
- An insurer points to how your loved one died, citing alleged suicide or another exclusion as a reason not to pay.
- You hear that the policy lapsed because of a missed premium, a job loss, medical leave, or a disability, even though you believed coverage was still in effect.
- Another person claims the proceeds, or a last-minute beneficiary change or plan record error puts your benefit in question.
In the midst of everything your family is facing, life insurance should make things easier. When it makes things more difficult, our team is here to help.
Common Complications in Life Insurance Claims
Some insurance companies choose to put up roadblocks that thwart the payment process, making it more difficult for beneficiaries to receive payment. Common areas of concern that can come up in life insurance disputes include:
- Changes made to the policy’s beneficiaries
- Outright denials of coverage for the situation at hand
- Life insurance policy exclusions, including the cause of death
- Issues related to accidental death and dismemberment policies
- Disputes over premiums paid by the insured party or by his or her employer
- Cancellation of the policy by the insurer
Any of these issues can be used to freeze a payout for months. Whatever concern is stalling your family from collecting on a life insurance policy, a trusted life insurance attorney can help.
Why Is the Claims Process So Difficult?
The path toward recovering on a life insurance policy after a loved one’s death is often riddled with complications. To make things even harder, there is frequently more than one policy to contend with, such as an individual policy and a separate plan through an employer. Each policy may come with its own rules, deadlines, and paperwork.
The funds in these policies are ultimately meant to help you on the journey toward healing, however, and they belong to you as the beneficiary. While the claims process can feel intimidating, a dedicated life insurance attorney has the understanding and skill necessary to help you work through these challenges successfully and efficiently.
Why Partner With Anspach Law Office?
Our firm is ready to take on the difficult conversations with insurers so you can focus on your family during this time. We support you with:
- A Willingness to Fight Back. When an insurer refuses to pay out a policy, our firm will challenge that decision and pursue the benefits your family is owed.
- Caring Counsel and Courtroom-Ready Advocacy. You work with an attorney who recognizes the emotional weight of your loss and is fully prepared to take the insurer to trial if needed.
- Representation From Claim to Verdict. We handle your life insurance dispute from the initial claim through litigation, so you work with the same attorney at every stage.
- Skilled Handling of Policy Disputes. When a claim involves multiple life insurance policies or other complications, our firm manages every connected issue under one roof.
- Focused Attention for Every Client. You receive dedicated attention from an attorney who treats you as an individual.
- Clear Guidance Without Legal Jargon. We explain the law and policy applications thoroughly, so you always understand your rights and options at every step.
You do not have to take on the problems of a stubborn insurer on your own. Let us guide you through this process.
Reach Out to a Dedicated Life Insurance Attorney Today
Life insurance is an important financial tool that warrants professional legal guidance when complications arise. If your insurer has denied, delayed, or questioned the claim your loved one left for you, you have rights, and you deserve an advocate who will fight for them.
When you have life insurance concerns or need help with a life insurance claim, our experienced Chicago life insurance team at Anspach Law Office is committed to employing our considerable experience in pursuit of a favorable resolution. Contact us today to discuss your situation.
FAQs About Life Insurance Claims in Illinois
How long do I have to file a life insurance claim in Illinois?
While it’s best to file as soon as possible, in many cases there is no specific time limit to file after the policyholder’s death. However, delaying the claim can sometimes create complications, so prompt action is recommended.
How long does it usually take for an insurer to pay a life insurance claim?
In straightforward cases in Illinois, insurers must pay claims within 30 to 60 days of receiving all necessary documentation. However, if the claim is complex or the insurer decides to investigate, the process can take longer.
The insurance company is investigating the claim. Should I be concerned?
An investigation is not automatically a cause for alarm, but it does mean the insurer is scrutinizing the claim. They may be verifying information from the application or investigating the cause of death, especially if the claim was made during the policy’s contestability period. Consider consulting an attorney during this period to protect your rights.
Can an insurance company delay payment indefinitely?
No. Insurance companies are legally required to act in good faith and process claims within a reasonable timeframe. If an insurer is causing unreasonable delays without a valid reason, you may have grounds for legal action.
Why should I hire an attorney if my life insurance claim seems straightforward?
Even simple claims can become complicated. An experienced attorney ensures your claim is filed correctly, communicates with the insurer on your behalf, and is prepared to fight back against any unfair delays or denials that may occur.