Hollywood Life Insurance Lawyer

Hollywood Life Insurance Attorneys

Be sure to consult with a Hollywood life insurance lawyer if you have any legal issues or concerns regarding your life insurance policy. The professional team of attorneys at The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A., can assist you with claim delays, denials, and other disputes.

Importance of Life Insurance Policies

Approximately 70 percent of families in the United States own a life insurance policy to financially protect themselves or their loved ones in the event a family member passes away unexpectedly. These policies can provide families and dependents with the benefits and finances needed to adjust to life after their loved one’s death, including the costs of burial and funeral arrangements.

Based on the most recent data, over nine million individual life insurance policies are purchased every year in the U.S. Of the more than 130 million active individual insurance policies currently in force, only 2 percent of them were paid out in 2023. There are several reasons why so many viable life insurance policies may go unpaid.

Most life insurance disputes in Hollywood are handled in Florida state courts, specifically in the 17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, which serves Broward County (where Hollywood is located). These courts deal with cases involving state law, such as contract disputes or beneficiary disagreements, especially if both the insurance company and the policyholder/beneficiary are Florida residents and the amount in controversy is below a certain threshold.

Why Do I Need a Life Insurance Lawyer?

Taking out a life insurance policy on yourself or a loved one can be an incredibly helpful precaution that many families choose to utilize. Common disputes that come up in life insurance claims include a misrepresented claim application, policy exclusions or limitations, allegations of fraud, and more. While you’re not obligated to work with a life insurance attorney, it can be very beneficial to do so to ensure you can receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

By working with an insurance attorney, you can have a legal professional answer all of your questions, provide advice and guide you throughout the claims process, and assist you in the application and/or appeals process. As your legal representation in all meetings or interactions with your insurance provider, your attorney is there to investigate the legitimacy of any disputes or denials of your claim and negotiate so you receive the settlement you’re owed.

Types of Life Insurance Coverage in Hollywood, FL

Laws surrounding life insurance policies and claims in Hollywood don’t differ from the rest of the state. While there are no city-specific regulations, there are likely to be some considerations and factors that influence life insurance policies in Hollywood and throughout Broward County.

This is why it’s important to work with an insurance attorney who’s experienced with handling claims and disputes in the Hollywood area so there are minimal surprises or delays in your case.

These are the main forms of life insurance coverage you’re likely to encounter in Hollywood, FL:

• Universal life insurance. This is permanent coverage offering flexible premium options, which the policyholder is able to increase or decrease based on their individual needs.
• Variable life insurance. This permanent coverage allows a person to invest the money from the cash value of their coverage into multiple markets, in addition to the death benefits having guaranteed minimums.
• Whole life insurance. As long as the premium is continually paid, whole life insurance remains permanently active and includes a separate cash value or tax-deferred saving portion.
• Term life insurance. Some of the most affordable offered policies are term life and they generally only last for a handful of years.
• Final expenses insurance. Also called burial insurance, this type of insurance coverage provides a small benefit to beneficiaries in order to pay end-of-life expenses such as funeral or burial costs.

FAQs

Q: What Are Reasons a Life Insurance Claim Can Be Denied?

A: There are multiple reasons why a life insurance claim may be denied. Many insurance claims are outright denied because there was a lapse in policy. This typically means the policy’s monthly premium has not been paid and therefore, there is a lapse in the policy and the insurance provider is no longer obligated to pay out on the claim. Other common reasons for a claim denial include policy exclusions, disputes over cause of death, allegations of fraud, and more.

Q: What Is Bad Faith Life Insurance in Hollywood, Florida?

A: Bad faith life insurance refers to when a provider acts unethically or unreasonably to delay or deny the beneficiaries of a policy their benefits. Insurance companies are well within their rights to investigate a claim, but the investigation cannot be conducted in an unreasonable manner to deliberately delay the claim. If you suspect your provider of bad faith, be sure to speak with an insurance attorney about holding them liable.

Q: What Should I Do If My Life Insurance Claim Is Delayed?

A: If your life insurance claim was delayed, there are still numerous options for you. It’s recommended that you consult with an insurance disputes attorney if your initial claim has been denied or disputed as these professionals have a deep understanding of insurance processes.

If your claim has been denied, your insurance provider should send you an explanatory letter in the mail. Finding out the reason and contacting your insurance attorney are usually the first steps after a claim denial.

Q: Am I Able to Change a Beneficiary on My Life Insurance?

A: Yes, you can change the beneficiaries of a life insurance policy as the policyholder or insured individual, meaning you can designate a new beneficiary or remove a previous one. Generally, only the insured can change their life insurance policy, but some power of attorney documents may also allow agents of the policyholder to make alterations. Making changes may cause the claim to be scrutinized. It’s recommended that you consult with an attorney before modifying your policy.

Qualified, Skilled Life Insurance Lawyers

At The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A., we are dedicated to providing each of our clients with the legal representation and counsel they deserve. In addition to life insurance matters, we’re also equipped to handle legal issues concerning car insurance, property damage, personal injury, and hurricane or fire insurance. Reach out to our team today to schedule an initial meeting with a kind and educated insurance law attorney.