Florida Life Insurance Claims Attorney
When you make a claim with a life insurance company it is usually because you recently lost a family member or loved one. If you are a beneficiary of the policy, it means that the insured wanted the proceeds of the policy to help provide for you in their absence. Recovering from the loss of a loved one is difficult enough when a life insurance claim is paid in full and without delay. If the life insurance company denies the claim or unreasonably delays the payout, it makes the grieving process even worse.
Unfortunately, people often do not know what steps to take when filing a death benefits claim with a life insurance company, much less who to contact for help if they need it. If you find yourself in a position where you need to file a life insurance claim, you may find the following information helpful.
What Should I Do When I Have to Make a Life Insurance Claim?
If you are making a life insurance claim, there is a good chance that you are also dealing with the administration of the estate of someone close to you who recently died. It can be an extremely stressful time that is accompanied by heightened emotions. To help you get through the process, consider taking the following steps:
- Locate the decedent’s life insurance policy. As soon as possible after the loss of your loved one, locate the original copies of any active life insurance policies. A life insurance policy might be kept with other estate planning documents, such as a Last Will and Testament, or in a safety deposit box.
- Request a certified death certificate. A beneficiary is typically required to prove that the insured is, in fact, deceased. To do that you will likely need to request an official, certified copy of the decedent’s death certificate from the state health department or other similar agency.
- Be prepared to prove your identity. Before the proceeds of a life insurance policy can be paid out to the named beneficiary (or beneficiaries) the insurance company must confirm the beneficiary’s identity.
- Contact the insurance company. Contact the life insurance company and inform them of the death of the insured. Ask them what process you need to follow to get the proceeds of the policy paid out to you.
- Address any questions. Every insurance company has its own process for paying out life insurance claims. If the company has questions or concerns, try and address them in a timely manner.
Do I Need a Florida Life Insurance Claim Attorney?
If the life insurance proceeds are paid out to you, in full, shortly after the death of the insured there is no need for you to contact an attorney. If, however, the life insurance company denies the claim for any reason, you should consult with a Florida life insurance claim attorney. A life insurance claim attorney can review the terms of the insured’s policy and contact the life insurance company to try and get the claim paid. If it becomes apparent that the life insurance company will not pay the claim, your attorney will represent you in the ensuing lawsuit.
Will I Need to File a Lawsuit?
Most of the time, initial disputes or denials of a life insurance claim are ultimately resolved without the need for litigation. If, however, the life insurance company refuses to distribute the proceeds within a reasonable amount of time your attorney will file a lawsuit to ensure that your interests are protected.
How Much Will a Florida Life Insurance Claim Attorney Cost?
Do not permit worries about the cost of hiring an attorney stop you from pursuing a claiming the proceeds of a loved one’s life insurance policy that are meant for you. You will not be required to pay your attorney anything upfront because a Florida life insurance claim attorney will only receive a fee if you receive the proceeds of the life insurance policy.
Where Can I Get Help with My Life Insurance Claim?
If you have a Florida life insurance claim and the insurance company is refusing to pay your claim in full, we can help. Call us at 407-500-1000 or submit our online form today. One of our experienced Florida life insurance claims attorneys will explain your rights to you and discuss your legal options at no cost.