Denied or Disputed Claim in Washington, D.C.?

If an insurer denied, delayed, or challenged your life insurance claim in the District of Columbia, you may still have legal options. Life insurance is meant to provide financial support after a loss, but insurers sometimes reject valid claims, stall the process, or dispute who should receive the benefits.

Our D.C. life insurance lawyers help individuals and families across Washington, D.C. fight unfair denials and pursue the full policy payout. Whether you’re facing issues with a private policy or an employer-sponsored plan under ERISA, we’re here to support you.

Life Insurance Disputes We Handle in Washington, D.C.

We represent beneficiaries in a wide range of claim issues, including:

• Denials for alleged misstatements on the policy application (e.g., health history, tobacco use)
• Lapsed policy disputes, including missed premiums or grace period confusion
• Delayed payments, where the insurer takes months without resolution
• Beneficiary disputes, such as conflicting claims from a former spouse or family member
• Challenges to last-minute beneficiary changes
• Undue influence or incapacity claims
• Suicide or exclusion clause disputes
• Homicide investigations, where D.C.’s Slayer Rule may be applied
• ERISA claims involving employer-provided group policies

Even if the insurer has already denied your claim, we can review it to see if you still have a path to recovery.

How Life Insurance Law Works in the District of Columbia

The type of policy determines whether local D.C. law or federal ERISA law applies to a life insurance claim in the District of Columbia.

• Private life insurance policies (those purchased directly by individuals) fall under D.C. law.
• Group life insurance policies (through employers) are typically governed by ERISA, a federal law with strict deadlines and unique procedures.

Important legal considerations include:

• Contestability Period: Most life insurance policies can only be challenged for misstatements within the first two years.
• Prompt Pay Requirements: Insurers must act in good faith and promptly pay claims after receiving all required documentation.
• ERISA Time Limits: You may have only 60 to 180 days to appeal a denial under ERISA.

We understand the legal differences between policy types and can help you navigate the proper process.

What Compensation May Be Available?

If your claim is resolved successfully, you may be entitled to:

• The full face value of the life insurance policy
• Interest on delayed payments
• Legal fees (in some local cases)
• Potential bad faith damages (if the insurer violated applicable standards)

We will assess your policy, the denial or delay, and determine what your claim may be worth.

Why Choose Our D.C. Life Insurance Lawyers?

• No legal fees unless we recover benefits for you
• Free consultation to review your claim, denial letter, or dispute
• Experience handling both state and ERISA-governed life insurance policies
• Licensed and familiar with the unique legal procedures in Washington, D.C.
• Compassionate and responsive legal support during difficult times

We’ve helped hundreds of families and beneficiaries fight back against insurance companies—and we’re ready to help you too.

What to Do If Your D.C. Life Insurance Claim Was Denied

1. Preserve all documentation, including denial letters, the policy, and correspondence with the insurer.
2. Avoid filing an appeal alone, especially if the claim is governed by ERISA.
3. Do not provide additional statements or documents without legal advice.
4. Contact a District of Columbia life insurance lawyer to protect your rights.

Time is critical—particularly under ERISA, where appeal deadlines are strict.