The loss of a loved one is never
easy. Aside from the natural process of
grief, dealing with the paperwork and procedures that must be processed after a
death can be time consuming and onerous. While administering an estate can be
fairly straightforward, there are times when it’s best to have professional
help. When dealing with a complicated or disputed life insurance claim, a life
insurance claim lawyer who has experience dealing with insurance companies
should be involved.
Making
a Life Insurance Claim
Before making a claim, gather all the
necessary paperwork. You will need the original life insurance policy. Make
note of the policy number and make a complete copy of the policy in case you
are required to submit the original. There may be more than one life insurance
policy as the deceased may also have group coverage through his or her work,
union or other association. When dealing with an individual policy contact the
insurance agent or broker to obtain the correct claim forms. For a group policy
offered through a place of business it may be easier to contact Human
Resources.
Along with the completed claim forms,
the insurance company will require a certified copy of the death certificate
that includes the medical cause of death. The certificate of death should be
available from the funeral home who conducted final services for the deceased.
The certificate is also available on-line through Service
Ontario. There will be a fee for each copy
obtained but no limit to how many can be ordered.
When
to Involve a Lawyer
In some situations, processing the
claim will be uncomplicated and paid promptly. However, there are other times
when a claim is disputed by an insurance company and it would be financially
beneficial to have a lawyer working on your behalf. If the policy has been in
effect for less than five years, the process generally will take longer. If the
policy has been in effect less than two years, it’s likely the insurance
company will probe into the circumstances surrounding the death and this could
delay the claim. Insurance policies can also be disputed when:
- premiums were not paid on time
- the policy has lapsed
- the claim for payment is not made in a
timely fashion
- suspicious circumstances surround the
death
Claims can also be denied if the
insurance company doesn’t believe the client was fully honest when completing
the original application form. According to the
Toronto Star, in 2007 Karen Cheetham was refused
her claim for her husband’s life insurance because his original application
contained inaccurate information about his health, even though he died from a
cause that was unrelated to any of the incorrectly answered health questions.
Complicated or contentious claims should always be handled by a lawyer.
When looking for a life insurance claim
lawyer, look to a firm that has experience in personal injury law. These
lawyers have considerable experience dealing with insurance companies and
understand the system. For more information about disputes over insurance,
consult the Financial
Services Commission of Ontario.