When your life insurance claim is denied or partially paid, it can be as frustrating as it is overwhelming. Are you out of luck and out of benefits? Not necessarily. A life insurance attorney can help you attempt to recover the benefits you are rightfully owed. Understandably, though, you might first wonder what hiring a lawyer will cost you before you want to call one.
How Life Insurance Attorneys Charge Their Clients
Life insurance attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they are paid only when they successfully recover benefits for you. This payment is a percentage of the benefits recovered, which is agreed upon before any work begins. Typically, contingency fees range from 25% to 40%, depending on the complexity of the case and the attorney's experience. However, if no benefits are recovered, you won’t be responsible for attorney fees.
Additionally, life insurance attorneys often cover case costs upfront, such as filing fees or expert witness fees. If the case is successful, such costs are reimbursed from the recovered benefits. If unsuccessful, clients generally won’t be responsible for these expenses.
Expertise Matters in Life Insurance Denials
When an insurance company denies a life insurance claim, they often cite reasons such as missing paperwork, policy exclusions, or late premium payments. A knowledgeable attorney can navigate these issues and understand the tactics insurers use to avoid paying.
At Dabdoub Law Firm, we specialize in life insurance and disability claims, offering a focused approach to every case. In fact, our firm has won major cases, like a recent one at the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Our client’s spouse, a doctor, paid for $500,000 in life insurance through NCHMD, Inc., but due to missing paperwork, only partial benefits were issued after their passing. Our firm successfully argued that the employer, acting as a fiduciary, was responsible for the failure and secured equitable relief for our client, amounting to $350,000. This case is a landmark for insurance claimants, reinforcing the fiduciary obligations of employers.
Common Reasons for Life Insurance Claim Denials
- Non-payment of premiums: Insurance companies may claim a policy lapsed due to non-payment, even if the situation was beyond the insured's control.
- Misrepresentation on the application: If an insurer alleges that there was inaccurate information provided at the time of application, they may deny the claim.
- Employer paperwork errors: As seen in our NCHMD case, an employer’s failure to submit proper paperwork can result in benefits not being properly administered.
When faced with these types of denials, you should always work with an experienced attorney who understands the legal nuances involved.
Why Choose Dabdoub Law Firm?
At Dabdoub Law Firm, we have a proven track record of helping clients recover life insurance and disability benefits. Our attorneys exclusively handle ERISA claims, focusing on federal laws that govern insurance disputes.
Our level of legal specialization means:
- We have dealt with every major life insurance and disability insurance company.
- We have a thorough understanding of the complexities involved in life insurance denials.
- We have recovered millions of dollars in benefits for our clients, including equitable relief in cases where insurers have breached their fiduciary duties.
No Fees Unless You Win – Call Now
Because we work on a contingency basis here at Dabdoub Law Firm, you pay nothing unless we successfully recover benefits for you. Our firm absorbs all upfront costs, allowing you to pursue your case without financial risk. Whether you are dealing with a denied claim, a delayed payout, or incorrect information from an employer or insurance company, our team is here to help.
We offer comprehensive support at every stage of a life insurance or disability claim:
- Submitting life insurance claims: Ensuring all documentation is complete and correctly filed with the insurance company.
- Appealing life insurance denials: Building a strong case for why the denial was unjustified and working through administrative or legal appeals.
- Filing lawsuits: Pursuing litigation when insurance companies refuse to honor claims despite clear evidence of coverage.
- Negotiating lump-sum settlements: Advocating for maximum payouts when insurance companies attempt to offer settlements that are below the policy’s value.
If your life insurance claim has been denied or delayed, it’s important to act quickly. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to recover the full amount of benefits you are entitled to. Our firm offers free consultations, and we only get paid if you win, so it is simple to get the legal help you need.
Call (800) 969-0488 to speak with an experienced life insurance attorney today. We represent clients nationwide.