Dealing with the loss of a beloved family member is difficult enough without having to fight with the life insurance carrier for payments due to you. The attorneys at the law office of Smyth & Cioffi, LLP are committed to helping surviving family members get the benefit of insurance premiums they have paid into faithfully over the years. We are committed to providing clients with comprehensive advice and counsel regarding any of the following issues that may come up during a life insurance investigation:
1. Consolidate your documents upfront. Missing information is one of the most common reasons why life insurance claims are delayed or denied. Before you file your claim, call your carrier to ask for a checklist of items that they need to reimburse your claim. Be sure to keep the originals safe, but you should probably provide copies of the following documents to your insurance carrier: the life insurance policy, the death certificate, Social Security Administration filings, IRS tax documents and beneficiary information. Once the filing is complete, you should expect payment within 30 days.
2. Consider how you want the proceeds distributed. Inform your policyholder if you want the policy to disburse among beneficiaries in a way that's different from how it is outlined in the policy. Ask yourself whether you would prefer a lump sum, a time-bound income or an interest-income choice.
3. Follow the company's claim procedure to ensure timely payment. If you follow the procedure, the company should have no reason to delay or deny your claim. If there are delays, you will have preserved a basis for reimbursement for the undue delay.
4. Talk to a lawyer at Smyth & Cioffi to obtain assistance with life insurance claim delays or denials. A life insurance carrier is likely to have agents and attorneys who go over your policy with a fine-tooth comb so that they can reduce the company's payout to you. The attorneys at Smyth & Cioffi work closely with clients to ensure they are appropriately compensated.
During more than two decades in personal injury and insurance law practice, the attorneys at the law office of Smyth & Cioffi have demonstrated a track record of litigation success. We take on some of the toughest cases and we see them through to the point of settlement, litigation or appeal. Our lawyers know the law and are committed to getting just results. Put our experience to work for you when you call or email us today. The initial consultation is free and there is no legal fee until you collect a settlement or money judgment.
