Claiming on life insurance can be a hard and emotional process with some people facing unexpected hurdles to access payouts. With the possibility of denials, delays, and confusing paperwork alongside the need to process a recent death, it can be a difficult time. So, what help is there out there for you, and what can it do?
Reading this article will help you discover several ways a life insurance lawyer can work with you to get you the claim you deserve. By the end, you should have not only a comprehension of what their role is but how to find the perfect one for you.
1. The Role of a Life Insurance Lawyer
A life insurance lawyer focuses on the legal aspects of a life insurance claim, usually to help you get a better outcome. They can represent you when it comes to disputes with insurance companies, helping you get what you deserve. By having a focus on insurance law, they can also help you navigate complex policy terms and other difficult areas of the process.
Lawyers vs. Insurance Agents
While you might want to interact with your insurance agent yourself, there are many times when this may not work out the way you expect. For example, lawyers will always advocate for you and keep both your rights and your needs in mind. An agent will instead always follow company rules and protect the insurance broker’s interests.
2. When You Might Need One
If you are having trouble with an insurance claim, life insurance lawyers can address such difficulties. They can either appeal or dispute any results you get when necessary.
Denied Claims and Delayed Payouts
Life insurance attorneys can investigate the reasons you may get a claim denial. They can compare them to the legal requirements of the broker to offer you a reasonable service and raise complaints if necessary.
Another issue a lawyer can handle is that of delayed life insurance payouts. They often push for timely settlements, and even address potential policy breaches, which might come out of delays. This takes a lot of the stress off your hands and means you may get your payout faster.
Navigating Complicated Claims
When a claim is especially complex, they can handle the overlapping terms and find you the best outcome. The life insurance attorney can then either negotiate for you to improve your standing, or make it clear how the insurance company is in the wrong.
3. How to Choose the Right One for You
You will want to find a lawyer with a strong understanding of the intricacies of life insurance and a proactive attitude. To do this, research your options online and search for high-quality professionals who match your needs.
Look for a Successful Track Record
When you find an attorney you might like, start by searching online for them. You may find news stories or reviews that speak to their strengths. You may even discover publications they have written, which can offer insight into their working style.
What to Ask During Consultation
When you get a chance to talk to the attorney, try to understand their approach to settling claims. Work out how much time they would be able to put aside for you, and work out the kind of timeline they can work on.
Of course, you should also ask how likely they believe you are to succeed in any claim. This, alongside how long it will take and their fee structure, allows you to make an informed decision about the use of that legal expert.
4. What to Expect From Their Process
You are likely to have an initial consultation, in which the attorney will provide a comprehensive review of your claim. They can offer you more information on your legal rights, as well as the challenges you will likely face moving forward. They should be open and honest at this stage, building trust with you so they can do the best job possible.
The Next Steps
If you accept their service, they will need several pieces of documentation from you, as well as any evidence you can provide. They are likely to also start communicating with the insurance provider to get more information.
If necessary, they will negotiate on your behalf. They will only take the steps you agree to. If you believe the situation merits continuing to a court case, they can then advise you on what you should expect next.
5. Debunking Life Insurance Lawyer Myths
There are several myths, usually picked up from popular media, which you should ensure you dismiss before contacting a lawyer. They will help get you in the right mindset to pursue a legal case.
Only Big Claims Need a Lawyer
Sometimes, smaller claims can be as complicated, if not more so, than larger ones. Some life insurance companies hope beneficiaries will not pursue them as they are “not worth it”. So, do not let them take advantage of this situation.
A Lawyer Is Only Good for a Court Case
The work a lawyer does goes well beyond representing you in court. They can also play a very important role in:
- Handling complicated paperwork
- Offering emotional support
- Engaging in mediation and negotiation
- Ensuring your rights are upheld at every step
- Bringing peace of mind to a beneficiary
All Lawyers are Expensive and Out of Reach
Most lawyers will offer you a free initial consultation. Going through this can give you a much better idea of how long such a process will take and how much it will cost.
It is also important to understand some attorneys can work on a contingency basis. In such a case, they will only get paid if you receive a payout, though this means they are not likely to take on uncertain cases.
Finding the Right Life Insurance Lawyer
While they have an essential job, the perfect life insurance lawyer might not always be easy to find. So, why not let us help you skip this difficult process?
The DiGeorge Life Insurance Law Firm can give you the help you need during a difficult time. Our legal experts are ready to discuss your situation and determine what you need to do next. When you want us to begin, send us a message and we can start advising you on your next steps today.
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