Top Questions to Ask a Life Insurance Lawyer

When you’re dealing with a life insurance claim denial or a dispute, having an experienced lawyer on your side can make all the difference. But before you hire an attorney, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they have the expertise and approach that best suits your needs. Here are some of the most important questions to ask a life insurance lawyer and why they matter.

1. What Experience Do You Have With Life Insurance Cases?

Not all attorneys handle life insurance disputes on a regular basis. Some may primarily focus on other areas of law, such as personal injury or real estate.
Why this matters:

• A lawyer with a track record of successfully resolving life insurance claims could have a better understanding of policy language, state and federal regulations, and the strategies insurers use to deny claims.
  Follow-up questions:
• How many life insurance claims have you handled?
• What is your success rate in these types of cases?

2. How Do You Handle Denied Claims?

Denied claims are a common reason people seek a life insurance attorney. You may want to know how the lawyer approaches these situations and what their process is for appealing a denial.
Why this matters:

• Different lawyers may have different methods, such as gathering additional evidence, contacting the insurance company directly, or filing a formal appeal. Knowing their approach can help you understand what to expect.
  Follow-up questions:
• Have you worked with this particular insurance company before?
• What steps do you take to overturn a denial?

3. Do You Charge a Contingency Fee or an Hourly Rate?

It’s important to understand how your attorney will be compensated. Some life insurance lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. Others may charge hourly rates or flat fees.
Why this matters:

• Understanding the fee structure helps you budget for the case and avoid unexpected costs.
  Follow-up questions:
• If you work on contingency, what percentage will you take if we win?
• Are there any upfront costs or other expenses I should know about?
• Do I still have to pay any money to you if I lose the case?

Our life insurance lawyers work on a contingency fee and waive all fees and costs if there is no recovery.

4. How Long Does the Appeals Process Typically Take?

Life insurance appeals can vary in length depending on the complexity of the case, the insurer’s response time, and whether additional documentation is needed.
Why this matters:

• While no lawyer can guarantee a timeline, experienced attorneys can provide an estimate based on similar cases. This helps set realistic expectations.
  Follow-up questions:
• What factors might delay the process?
• Do you anticipate any challenges that could prolong the appeal?

5. Will You Handle My Case Personally, or Will it Be Assigned to Another Attorney or Staff Member?

In larger law firms, cases are often handled by junior attorneys or paralegals under the supervision of a senior lawyer.
Why this matters:

• Knowing who will be working on your case can help ensure you have direct access to the person handling your claim and can maintain consistent communication.
  Follow-up questions:
• How often will we have updates on the case?
• Who should I contact if I have questions during the process?

6. How Familiar Are You With the Insurer Involved in My Case?

Some attorneys have dealt with certain insurance companies repeatedly and may have insight into their claims processes, typical defenses, and how they handle appeals.
Why this matters:

• An attorney who knows the insurer’s tactics may be able to anticipate their arguments and better counter them.
  Follow-up questions:
• Have you worked with this insurance company before?
• What strategies have you found effective in cases against them?

7. Can You Help If the Case Needs to Go to Court?

While many life insurance disputes are resolved through appeals or negotiation, some cases end up in litigation.
Why this matters:

• If your case needs to go to court, you may want an attorney who is experienced in life insurance lawsuits and knows how to present a compelling case to a judge or jury.
  Follow-up questions:
• How often do life insurance cases go to court?
• What is your experience with life insurance litigation?

8. How Will You Keep Me Informed Throughout the Case?

Clear communication is key when working with an attorney. You should know how often you’ll receive updates and what method the lawyer prefers for communication—email, phone calls, or in-person meetings.
Why this matters:

• Regular updates can help you stay informed and confident about the progress of your case.
  Follow-up questions:
• How frequently will I receive case updates?
• What is the best way to reach you if I have questions?

9. Do You Handle Cases Involving Beneficiary Disputes or Interpleader Actions?

If multiple people are claiming the same life insurance proceeds, the insurer may file an interpleader lawsuit, asking a court to determine who the rightful beneficiary is.
Why this matters:

• Not all life insurance attorneys handle beneficiary disputes or interpleader cases. Knowing your lawyer has experience with these situations can help ensure they could be able to help resolve complex disputes.
  Follow-up questions:
• How do you approach cases with conflicting beneficiary claims?
• Have you represented clients in interpleader actions before?

10. Can You Provide References or Case Examples?

A reputable life insurance attorney should be willing to provide examples of cases they’ve handled or references from past clients.
Why this matters:

• References and examples help you gauge the attorney’s experience and how they’ve successfully resolved life insurance disputes in the past.
  Follow-up questions:
• Can I speak to a past client about their experience?
• Do you have any case studies or testimonials I can review?

Conclusion: Asking the Right Questions

Hiring a life insurance attorney is an important decision. By asking these questions, you could gain a clearer understanding of the lawyer’s experience, approach, and ability to handle your case. This information can help you choose an attorney who is well-equipped to fight for your rights and secure the benefits you deserve.

If you’re looking for assistance with a life insurance claim, contact the Law Offices of Jason Turchin. Call us at 800-337-7755 or chat with us live to learn more about how we can help.