If you are here, it may be because someone you love has passed away, and now you’re facing a problem you never expected. You filed a life insurance claim, thinking the policy would protect your family. But instead of getting the money, you received a letter saying the insurance company is denying the claim. They’re saying the policy is being “contested.” This can be confusing, scary, and deeply upsetting. You may feel lost, wondering what to do next. At times like this, it’s important to know that you are not alone. Many people go through this, and there is help available.
Understanding what contestability means in life insurance
Life insurance policies in New Jersey, like in many other states, have a “contestability period.” This is usually the first two years after the policy starts. If the person who passed away dies within that time, the insurance company can look closely at the application to see if anything was wrong, missing, or false. This could include mistakes about health conditions, smoking, income, or even personal habits. If the company finds something it believes wasn’t true, they might say the policy is not valid and refuse to pay the death benefit.
Even small mistakes can lead to a denial. The insurance company may say that the person left something out or gave wrong information on purpose. But that’s not always fair. Sometimes, people make honest mistakes. They may forget something or not understand a question. Other times, the insurance agent may have filled out the form wrong. That’s why contestability is such a big problem. It gives the insurance company a reason to avoid paying, even when the policy was meant to protect your family.
Why life insurance companies deny claims during contestability
Most people believe that once they buy life insurance and pay their premiums, the benefit will be paid when the person dies. But during the contestability period, insurance companies have the right to investigate the original application. They may go through medical records, talk to doctors, and compare answers on the form with facts they find. If anything doesn’t match up, they may call it a “misrepresentation.”
Sometimes, the denial is based on something small. Maybe the person forgot to mention a trip to the doctor five years ago or didn’t list a past medication. The company might claim that if they had known this, they would not have issued the policy. Or they might say they would have charged more. This can feel unfair, especially when the mistake had nothing to do with the cause of death. But companies do it to avoid large payouts. It’s a way they try to protect their own money.
This is where legal help becomes important. It’s not always clear what counts as a mistake or if the denial is valid. Just because a company says something was left out does not always mean the policy should be canceled. There are laws in New Jersey that protect people in these situations. You have the right to challenge the decision.
Fighting back against unfair denials
Challenging a contestability denial is not easy, but it is possible. You have to gather documents, study the insurance application, review medical records, and compare all the facts. You may need to show that the mistake was minor or had nothing to do with the reason for the death. Sometimes, it helps to bring in people who knew the person who passed away or worked with the insurance agent.
It’s also important to understand the law. In New Jersey, insurance companies have to follow rules about how they investigate claims. They cannot deny a claim without proof. They must show that the person gave false information and that the company relied on that information to issue the policy. If they cannot prove that, they may be required to pay.
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
That’s why people who are facing a contestability denial should take the situation seriously. It’s not just about filling out another form or waiting for another letter. It’s about protecting your rights and making sure the insurance company does what it promised to do. You paid into that policy for a reason. Your loved one trusted that it would be there for you.
The emotional toll of dealing with denials
Losing someone you love is already hard enough. When an insurance company adds stress by denying a claim, it can feel like being hurt all over again. Many people feel shocked, angry, or helpless. They might feel like the company is accusing their loved one of lying, even when they believe everything was done honestly. These feelings are normal.
But you don’t have to carry that burden alone. There are people who understand how life insurance companies work and can help you push back. Getting help means you don’t have to guess what to do next or try to fight the denial on your own. It can also give you peace of mind, knowing that someone is standing with you and working to get the benefit your family needs.
Settlements & Verdicts
Real success is possible
Many people have been able to reverse denials and receive the life insurance benefit they were promised. It takes time, knowledge, and strong support, but success is possible. We’ve seen cases where the insurance company gave up its denial after pressure was applied. In other cases, families have gone to court and won. The key is to act quickly and keep good records. It also helps to have someone on your side who knows what steps to take.
If you’re dealing with a denial now, you may feel unsure if your case can succeed. But don’t give up hope. Every case is different, and small facts can make a big difference. Even if the company seems confident, their reasons may not hold up under close review.
What to do if you’ve received a denial letter
If you’ve already received a denial letter, don’t panic. Start by reading the letter carefully and saving a copy. Look for the reason the company gave for the denial. They might say something about contestability or a misrepresentation. Next, find the original life insurance application and any medical records you can get. Keep a list of any questions or facts you remember. These steps will help you prepare for the next move.
The most important thing is to talk to someone who understands the process. Trying to handle this alone can be overwhelming. And waiting too long can make things harder. There are time limits for how long you have to respond to a denial. Acting early gives you the best chance of turning things around.
We are ready to support your case
We understand how painful it is to lose a loved one and then face a battle with an insurance company. You paid into the policy expecting protection, not a fight. If your claim has been denied because of contestability, it’s not the end of the road. You have options, and you have rights. This firm has helped many families in New Jersey push back against unfair denials and win the benefits they were promised.
If you are reading this and wondering what your next step should be, now is the time to reach out. Trief & Olk is ready to hear your story, review your case, and stand by your side. Let us help you get the justice your family deserves.
