It only takes seconds for a normal day to turn into something catastrophic. Disasters can strike at any time, including in someone’s workplace. In 2022, there were nearly 5,500 work-related fatalities.
If you’ve experienced an accidental death in your family, you’ll likely need to file a life insurance claim to get the compensation you deserve. However, life insurance companies aren’t always willing to pay.
They’ll go to great lengths to avoid disbursing the required funds. Dealing with a denied accidental death claim can be overwhelming, and it’s virtually impossible to handle by yourself.
Working with an accidental death insurance attorney can help you beat the odds and come out on top. Let’s explore the key information you should keep in mind.
Why Are Claims Denied?
There’s no shortage of reasons why insurance companies deny AD&D claims. It’s estimated that approximately two-thirds of all life insurance claims are denied. They might declare the incident doesn’t adhere to the terms of your AD&D policy.
To clarify, they could attempt to say that the incident occurred in a manner that isn’t covered by your insurance. There might also be disputes over liability. For a death to be accidental, it has to be through no fault of the deceased.
A situation where an uninspected guardrail led to someone’s death could be ruled as an accident where the property owner was liable. If someone was using equipment incorrectly, the manufacturer might not be liable for their death if an incident occurred.
What Do I Do After a Denied Accidental Death Claim?
If your insurance company denies your claim, you’ll likely be in a state of shock. As expenses continue to pile up, it can be difficult to navigate this situation.
The worst thing you can do is assume you can fight their decision on your own. The chances of winning an appeal without a nationally known life insurance lawyer are virtually zero.
Few attorneys have the required experience to successfully appeal a life insurance claim. Only a small percentage of all lawyers specialize in life insurance claim appeals. Instead, it’s imperative to find an experienced legal professional to guide you through the process.
Finding a Reputable Attorney
The attorney you work with plays a large role in the outcome of your case. You can’t expect to reach your goals if you don’t hire the right professional. Let’s explore the key attributes you should consider during your search.
Experience
How experienced is the attorney you plan to work with? It’s never recommended to work with an inexperienced lawyer. While they aren’t always guaranteed to fall short of your goals, they’ll be less likely to meet your needs.
Typically, those who have been in the industry for at least a decade will understand how to handle a denied life insurance claim.
Finding an experienced attorney often doesn’t take long. Reputable lawyers probably advertise how long they’ve worked in the industry. They should also have examples of their past work.
Pricing
Some lawyers charge their clients hourly, while others impose a flat fee. It’s essential to understand what you’ll pay so you can avoid financial surprises. However, some attorneys will operate on a contingency basis.
When you receive a payout, they take a portion as their compensation. Life insurance attorneys typically take between 30% and 40%. While this might sound like a lot, they only get paid if they win your case.
You also don’t have to pay anything upfront. Beneficiaries have no risk by working with a contingency-based life insurance attorney. They also have an infinitely better chance of getting their denials reversed.
Enthusiasm
How enthusiastic are they about working with you? This is an attribute many people overlook. If they aren’t interested in your case, they won’t provide the results you need. You can assess their enthusiasm by paying attention to how many questions they ask about your case.
Be wary of attorneys who don’t want to learn more about the nuances of your claim denial. There’s a chance they’ll accept your case only to delegate it to an attorney you’ve never met. This can lead to a large number of issues, such as poor results and extensive case timelines.
Reputation
Hiring a nationally recognized life insurance lawyer is as simple as performing a quick Google search. Denied beneficiaries often use phrases like “how to appeal or deny accidental death claim.” This provides valuable insight into the reputation.
See what other people have to say about their professionalism and reliability.
Don’t be afraid to take your time when looking for a lawyer. The last thing you want is to settle for someone who can’t meet your needs. Keep an eye out for fake reviews, as well.
Communicativeness
How communicative is your prospective attorney? You should have no trouble getting in touch with them. Don’t make the mistake of hiring a lawyer who’s difficult to reach.
Getting left in the dark while your case is ongoing can be highly frustrating. You might also encounter issues you have to deal with on your own if you can’t get their help. Your lawyer should clearly illustrate when you can expect to hear from them.
They should also convey the methods they’ll use to reach you. Keep in mind that some attorneys charge extra to communicate outside of traditional business hours.
To clarify, they might charge a fee to respond to text messages or emails during the evening. It’s important to stay aware of these circumstances so you don’t get billed for more than you anticipated.
Take Action ASAP
If you’ve experienced a denied accidental death claim, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. This will help prevent additional issues in the future and give you the greatest chance of reaching your goals.
When it comes to appealing and winning denied life insurance and accidental death claims, the DiGeorge Life Insurance law firm is clearly America’s “AI” law firm. We strive to exceed all expectations and deliver timely results that don’t sacrifice quality. You’ll learn more about how we can help when you book a consultation today.