Filing a life insurance claim with an insurer is not always as straightforward as we would like. There are many issues that could result in a delay in processing your claim or even an outright denial. You may even be told the policy doesn’t exist, it has lapsed, or you are not named as a beneficiary. It is critical in such cases that you contact a knowledgeable life insurance attorney.
If an insurance company denies your claim, you and your dependents could be left without a critical asset at the time you need it most. In such cases, you may have no choice but other than an appeal of the insurer’s decision (in the case of group policies) or filing suit. In either case, you need the help of an experienced life insurance attorney.
Taking on an insurance company is incredibly difficult and complicated. The attorney you choose must have the knowledge, resources, and experience to take legal action against them and achieve a favorable outcome.
The three qualities you should look for while choosing a life insurance lawyer are:
1. Experience
There is no substitute for experience, especially when it comes to life insurance disputes. Life insurance, is a highly regulated industry and the regulations and laws affecting it are complex. Even the process of claim payouts is governed by statute. So, it’s essential to hire a life insurance attorney who is experienced in handling life insurance issues, especially relating to claims denial.
Insurance companies have the resources to hire prominent law firms to represent them. The attorney you choose must be capable of litigating against those insurance companies. He or she must be knowledgeable and resourceful in order to build the strongest possible case on your behalf. They must prosecute and defend your rights and interests aggressively, and be prepared to fight it out in court if necessary to achieve the most favorable outcome.
2. Expertise in Dispute Resolution
Not every life insurance dispute goes to trial. All courts encourage alternative dispute resolution, and the great majority of cases are settled out of court, through mediation or other alternative dispute resolution processes. Insurance companies don’t like to spend money if they don’t have to, and protracted litigation costs a lot of money. The right approach could result in reaching an out-of-court settlement through negotiation or mediation, saving time and money.
It’s important for you to choose a life insurance attorney who is experienced in alternative dispute resolution processes such as mediation.
Your attorney must also have trial experience. If your alternative dispute resolution efforts fail, litigation is your only alternative. Your attorney should be capable of representing you in court and make the most persuasive and compelling arguments. That means he or she must understand life insurance better than his opposing counsel and better than the judge.
3. Background in Life Insurance
Being knowledgeable about how life insurance works are critical to representing clients with life insurance problems. An attorney who is well versed in life insurance laws and regulations has a distinct advantage over one who does not.
An attorney who has experience in life insurance sales has inside knowledge that can be incredibly helpful in building the strongest possible case against insurance providers.
An attorney who has worked in the life insurance industry and is familiar with the practices of insurance companies can more effectively represent clients with life insurance issues, including delayed or denied claims, lapsed policies, incorrectly processed beneficiary changes, and hundreds of other issues that come up in these cases.
Such an attorney can provide you with the most effective counsel, guidance, and support you need to resolve the dispute and obtain the best recovery possible.
Life Insurance Mediation and Litigation Services in California
Benjamin Blakeman has more than 40 years of experience as a life insurance attorney, including 11-plus years as a certified mediator. He understands the life insurance industry from the inside and can provide you expert legal advice on life insurance, annuities, and financial elder abuse.
Whether it is mediation or litigation, Blakeman Law is an experienced effective and dedicated life insurance law firm ready to fight for you. To schedule a consultation, call us at 1-888-270-0051 or complete our online contact form.