Widow Alleges Breached Contract In Life Insurance Lawsuit

Life insurance is a common way for Florida residents to assure the continued security of family members in the event of one’s death. A woman in Perryville has filed a lawsuit against Life Insurance Co. of North America, alleging breach of contract and claiming she is entitled to more benefits than were paid to her after the death of her husband.

According to the lawsuit, her husband died on Aug. 8 by self-inflicted hanging. The death was ruled a suicide by the county coroner, and the life insurance company paid the woman $114,000 in benefits.

The lawsuit alleges that the insurance company breached its contract by refusal to pay accidental death benefits. The plaintiff submitted proof from her husband’s physicians that he had suffered from depression and paranoia prior to his death. She is reportedly seeking a judgment in an amount that is fair and reasonable, including attorney’s fees and costs.

An attorney may be able to assist clients who wish to file a denied life insurance claim. Life insurance companies are required to abide by the terms of their contracts. An attorney may be able to assist clients by carefully reviewing the policy and other related documents and advising clients of their legal rights.

There are many reasons why an insurance company may deny a life insurance claim. For example, the company may claim that there was a misrepresentation by the applicant on the initial application or that the policy was not in effect during the time period when the death occurred. An attorney may be able to help clients argue that their claim was denied unfairly whether there was a total denial of benefits paid or if the insurance company paid less in benefits than what the beneficiary was legally entitled to receive.

Source: St. Louis Record, “Widow alleges she is entitled to more benefits under Life Insurance Co. of America plan”, Angelica Saylo Pilo, 09/11/2018