If you are reading this, chances are you or someone you care about has received news that a claim or
benefit has been denied. The reason may have been something that sounds simple like incomplete paperwork, but the truth is, it doesn’t feel simple at all. It feels confusing, unfair, and deeply upsetting. You may be unsure of what to do next, wondering how something so small could keep you from getting what you deserve. You are not alone. Many people across New Jersey face the same issue, and it can feel overwhelming. But help is here. Our firm understands how frustrating it is to receive a denial that was not your fault and how stressful it can be to fix something you may not fully understand.
Why Denials Happen Even When You Think You Did Everything Right
Filing for benefits in New Jersey can be a long and confusing process. Whether it’s life insurance, a pension, or another kind of death benefit, these claims usually come during a difficult time—after losing a loved one. Families are grieving, emotions are high, and paperwork may feel like the last thing on your mind. When you try to fill out forms or send in documents, you might miss something without realizing it. A missing date, an unsigned page, or not attaching a required document can lead to a denial.
Insurance companies and benefit administrators often have strict rules. They may reject a claim even if just one part of the paperwork is missing or not clear. This feels unfair because the mistake is not always a big one, and it should not stop you from receiving what your loved one meant for you to have. Sadly, many people don’t even know they can fight back. They accept the denial and never receive the money or support that was meant for them.
The Emotional Toll of Being Denied
Getting denied after filing a claim can feel like a slap in the face. You may already be grieving, stressed about money, or trying to care for children or elderly parents. When a letter comes saying your paperwork was incomplete and your claim is denied, it adds a new layer of worry. Many people blame themselves or feel helpless. Others are angry but don’t know where to turn. It’s hard to keep going when the system feels cold and hard to understand.
Some families even give up because they think it’s too late to fix the mistake. Others try to fix the paperwork themselves, only to face more delays or new problems. What’s most painful is that often, the benefit was something your loved one worked hard for or paid for over many years. It was meant to help you, and now it feels out of reach.
Life insurance attorney since 1976
Life insurance attorney since 1976
Life Insurance Attorney since 2007
How These Mistakes Happen in the First Place
Most people are not trained to deal with legal forms and insurance claims. Forms are often filled with legal terms, small print, and confusing directions. Some forms are done online, while others must be printed and mailed. If just one small step is missed or misunderstood, it can lead to a denial. For example, the form might ask for an original death certificate, not a copy. Or it may need to be signed by someone with legal authority, like the executor of the estate. If these details are not followed perfectly, the claim may be turned down.
Also, different benefit plans have different rules. Life insurance is not the same as a retirement plan or union death benefit. Each one may require different documents, and sometimes you don’t even know what’s missing until it’s too late. In some cases, the person who passed away may not have updated their paperwork in years, leading to confusion about who the true beneficiary is. This adds another layer of stress and often leads to long delays.
We contacted Trief & Olk to help us with a life insurance issue and Shelly Friedland was the attorney assigned to our case. Before Shelly took our case she explained to us that the likelihood of our success without going to court was possible but not likely. Unfortunately we did not get the outcome we had hoped for but it was our decision to not move forward and have our case litigated. Shelly is very knowledgeable and was very straight-forward in her assessment of our case as we moved forward. She was very patient and thorough in answering our questions. She always responded in a timely manner and listened to our concerns. We would certainly recommend Shelly and would use her firm again in the future.”
- John Ramig
If there is any possibility of winning your life insurance case – this is the place to do it for you. They are efficient, honest and will achieve the best possible outcome.
Shelly Friedland worked on my case where a life insurance policy had lapsed and was even a few days beyond the grace period. Farmers had rejected my claim twice and was unwilling to take a second look. Shelly was able to get them to pay the entire claim without going to court, and the full amount was deposited in my account within a couple months. Highest recommendation.”
- Kathleen Brown
Trief & Olk is a superior law firm. Their attorneys and other legal professionals have a brilliant understanding of the law and the litigation process. They diligently perform their work in an efficient, strategic and cost-effective manner to ensure the best possible outcomes for their clients.
- Christopher Hughes
The Good News You Can Fight Back
The most important thing to know is that a denial is not the end. You do not have to accept it. If your claim was denied because of incomplete paperwork, you may still have a strong case. Many times, denials like this can be reversed. You can appeal the decision, explain what happened, and show that you are the rightful beneficiary. But it helps to have someone on your side who understands how to deal with these systems.
Some denials are not even legal. In New Jersey, laws protect beneficiaries and give you the right to appeal a decision. If the denial was not fair or did not follow the correct process, it may be possible to get the full benefit you were promised. You just need someone to help you take the right steps and gather the correct documents.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you have received a denial letter, keep it. Do not throw it away, even if it makes you angry or sad. That letter may explain why the benefit was denied and what you can do next. Look for any deadlines, because some appeals must be filed within a certain number of days. Try to gather any other papers related to the claim, including emails, letters, or copies of the forms you sent.
Don’t try to fix everything on your own. The process is complex and confusing on purpose. Having someone who knows the rules and can guide you can make all the difference. You do not need to keep guessing or worry about making another mistake. Help is available, and you have the right to get the money your loved one wanted you to have.
Settlements & Verdicts
$3 Million Policy
William Penn Life Insurance
$1.2 Million Policy
Primerica
$1.5 Million Policy
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
$1 Million Policy
Protective Life Insurance
$675,000 Settlement
Confidential Settlement
$4.3 Million Policy
State Farm, Primerica, Farmers, BrightHouse
Real Cases Where Denials Were Overturned
We have seen many cases where people in New Jersey were told they were denied benefits, only to later receive the full amount after fighting back. In one case, a woman was denied life insurance because she did not include a required form that she never even received. With legal help, the insurance company admitted the error and paid her the full benefit.
In another case, a man was told his mother’s pension claim was denied because her signature was missing. It turned out that the form had been signed but lost in the mailing process. Once this was proven, the denial was reversed, and he received the money she had worked for her entire life.
These stories show that denials are not always final. Mistakes happen, and sometimes the system is just not fair. But with the right help, those mistakes can be corrected.
You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone
We know this is a hard time. You may feel lost, hurt, or angry. You may have tried to fix things yourself and hit roadblock after roadblock. But you do not have to keep fighting alone. We are here to listen to your story, look at your documents, and help you find a path forward.
The law gives you the right to challenge a denial, and we can help you use that right. Even if you feel like you missed a step or made a mistake, we can help show that your claim still matters. Every case is different, and every family’s story is important. You should not have to suffer because of a missing paper or confusing rule.
Take the First Step Toward Getting What You Deserve
If your claim was denied because of incomplete paperwork, do not give up hope. The benefit you were promised is not lost forever. There are ways to fix the problem, and you do not have to do it alone. At
Trief & Olk, we have helped many families across New Jersey take action after a denial and get the results they deserve. We care about your story, and we are ready to help you take the next step.
Reach out to us today to talk about your case. Let us help you turn confusion into clarity, and worry into peace of mind. Your loved one wanted you to be taken care of. Let us help make sure that promise is honored.
