Life Insurance Claim Delayed Attorney | Payment Taking Too Long?

If your life insurance claim has been delayed for weeks or months, you are not being unreasonable.

You are being stalled.

Insurance companies often delay payment hoping families will wait quietly, accept excuses, or eventually give up.

If your claim has not been paid — and you are getting vague explanations — it may be time to speak with an attorney.

Call 1-888-510-2212 for a free consultation with our life insurance attorney now.

How Long Is Too Long?

While insurers are allowed reasonable time to investigate, red flags include:

  • No decision after 60–90 days

  • Repeated requests for the same documents

  • “Ongoing investigation” with no timeline

  • Silence from the adjuster

  • Blame shifting between employer and insurer

  • Approval language without payment

At some point, delay stops being administrative — and starts becoming strategic.

Why Life Insurance Companies Delay Claims

Delay is often used to:

  • Reduce pressure to pay

  • Search for a denial basis

  • Wait for deadlines to pass

  • Discourage beneficiaries

  • Avoid paying interest or penalties

Families are told to “be patient.”

The company is often buying time.

Employer Group Life Insurance Delays (ERISA Cases)

If the policy was provided through an employer, federal ERISA rules likely apply.

Common ERISA delay tactics include:

  • Missing enrollment disputes

  • Payroll deduction issues

  • Claim file incompleteness

  • “Administrative review” extensions

ERISA cases are procedural.
Missed appeal steps can permanently harm your rights.

Early legal review matters.

When Delay Becomes Bad Faith

A delay may cross into bad faith when the insurer:

  • Fails to complete a timely investigation

  • Ignores clear coverage evidence

  • Requests irrelevant documentation

  • Delays payment after approval

  • Withholds benefit payments without explanation

Bad faith exposure can increase the pressure on insurers to resolve claims.

What a Delayed Claim Attorney Does

Depending on your situation, we may:

  • Demand the full claim file

  • Assess compliance with policy timelines

  • Identify improper investigation practices

  • Issue formal legal demands

  • File structured administrative appeals

  • Pursue litigation when necessary

Insurance companies expect many families to wait.

We do not.

Acting Early Protects Your Position

Delay often runs out:

  • Appeal deadlines

  • Evidence preservation windows

  • Leverage

The sooner your case is reviewed, the more options remain available.

Call 1-888-510-2212 for a free consultation with our life insurance attorney now.

Free Case Evaluation

If your life insurance claim has been delayed:

  • We review your policy and correspondence

  • Identify applicable deadlines

  • Assess whether the delay is improper

  • Explain your next steps clearly

No obligation. No pressure.

Just answers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a life insurance company delay payment?

Insurers must investigate within a reasonable time. Extended, unexplained delays may violate policy obligations or governing law.

Is delay the same as denial?

No — but delay can be just as damaging. Some insurers delay instead of denying to avoid triggering appeal rights or legal action.

Should I keep calling the insurance company?

Repeated calls often do not accelerate payment and may create recorded statements. Strategic review is typically more effective.

Can I sue for delay?

In some cases, yes. Depending on the policy and governing law, improper delay may lead to penalties or additional remedies.

Is the free case evaluation really free?

Yes. We assess your delayed claim, deadlines, and options with no obligation.

Don’t Let Delay Turn Into Lost Rights

If your life insurance claim is stalled, clarity matters.

Call 1-888-510-2212 for a free consultation with our life insurance attorney now.