A husband and father of two was recently killed in a fatal car accident on his way home from work. The man hit a patch of ice and fishtailed into oncoming traffic. Two years prior to his death, the man obtained an accidental death life insurance policy with the hope of protecting his wife and kids should the unthinkable happen. Upon hearing of her husband’s tragic death, the wife filed a claim for accidental death benefits only to be denied by the life insurance company.
While the insurance company eventually paid out benefits, the wife had to fight for over a year to receive the money she was entitled to. The insurer deployed a series of delay tactics in attempts to dissuade the wife from continuing her pursuit of benefits. The insurer repeatedly told the wife it did not have all of the husband’s medical records, even though the wife had sent all of said records. Further, it also alleged that the husband’s death certificate was missing. The insurer’s handling (or lack thereof) of the wife’s claim was not unique as life insurance companies frequently deny claims and delay payments on valid accidental death claims. Typically, insurers are required to pay benefits within 30 days, but they will often draw out the process, hoping claimants will eventually give up and go away.
If you have been denied on an accidental death benefit claim, you should consult an experienced life insurance denial attorney who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.