A few years ago, I got a phone call from a former client’s mother who told me that her husband of 56 years had passed. I of course offered my condolences.
She said that it had been about a year since his passing and for some unknown reason, the insurance company with whom they had a life insurance policy had refused to pay on the policy, even though they had never missed a premium payment.
I assumed that there was a misunderstanding, and I offered to look into the matter for free, as a courtesy to her family. After navigating through the administrative maze, I finally spoke with the adjuster in charge of the file.
Much to my surprise within a five minute conversation, it became abundantly clear to me that the death benefit was being denied for no reason what so ever!
I told the adjustor that if he did not have a check for the full benefit to this dear widow within 24 hours I would become his worst nightmare. Needless to say, my client was whole and I made the bastard pay.
I had no idea that this practice is common place.
This past Sunday, 60 Minutes ran a segment that exposed insurance companies for this despicable conduct.
25 of our country’s largest life insurance companies agreed to pay back $7.5 billion in death benefits.
Insurance audits stated there are still 35 more companies that are under investigation and have not settled!
According to audits, major life insurance companies are being or have been investigated for failing to pay death benefits out to beneficiaries. Many policies are worth millions; however, these companies are valuing them at $10,000 or less.
This practice has become systematic among many well-known U.S. insurance companies.
The state of Florida is the first state to require life insurance companies to search death files, ensuring that families will receive the policy’s death benefits.
My greatest concern is: will other states follow suit to protect the people rather than the big insurance guys?
Just when I thought that insurance companies cannot possibly treat people any worse than they do, it is revealed to me that they can and will take advantage EVERY SINGLE chance they have.
If you or a loved one has been made a victim, NEVER, EVER trust an insurance company to do the right thing. Call me, I will be there for you and I will Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For more than 34 years, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving “Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus, Dayton and neighboring communities.” You can reach Tim by email at misnylaw.com/ask-tim-a-question/ or call at 1 (800) 556-4769.
