The Accidental Death Claims Process 

The accidental death claim process is relatively simple. Still, because of the need for an independent investigation, it can take months or years for a beneficiary to receive accidental death benefits. Navigating the accidental death claims process can be difficult. You need an attorney that has experience advocating for beneficiaries during their time of grief. Bartolic Law has years of experience getting successful outcomes with accidental death claims. 

The process to receive a claim typically goes as follows: 

1. The accidental death insurance policy beneficiary files a claim with the insurance policy. 
2. After the beneficiary files the claim, the insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to process the claim. 
3. In accidental death cases, insurance companies will typically investigate independently of the coroner’s report to determine the cause of death and rule it an accidental death. 
4. After the claim is investigated, the insurance company will finalize the claim and pay the benefit to the beneficiary. 

What Is an Accidental Death?

Accidental death is unforeseeable. An accidental death occurs only if someone dies because of an unapparent and unintentional cause. That definition may sound straightforward; however, insurance companies may not see it that way. Many causes of death are not considered accidental by insurance companies, and accidental death benefits will not be paid. Causes of death that some insurance companies may not pay include: 

• Suicide
• Drug overdose
• An act of war 
• If you work on an aircraft as a crew member or pilot
• An accident that happens because of driving under the influence of alcohol 
• Medical malpractice 

While insurance companies may frequently try to deny accidental death claims, Bartolic Law has experience getting the families of the deceased the death benefits that they need. Bartolic Law fiercely advocates for beneficiaries. Losing a loved one is hard enough; you should not have to fight an insurance company too. Call Bartolic Law today to get the best in the business in your corner. 

What Is Accidental Death Insurance?

Life insurance and accidental death insurance are different. Many people have a traditional life insurance policy and an accidental death insurance policy. It is possible to obtain accident death insurance as a supplemental or individual policy. Of course, its benefits are limited to covering only accidental deaths. “Accidental death” is usually defined in terms of the insurance policy.

Who Is Entitled to an Accidental Death Benefit?

The named beneficiary will receive the accidental death benefit just as a traditional life insurance policy. You can think of an accidental death benefit as a supplement. You will need to name a beneficiary for your accidental death policy, but you will likely have the same beneficiary. 

How Does ERISA Affect an Accidental Death Benefit?

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) applies to employer-provided insurance policies. If you purchase an accidental death policy through your employer, ERISA applies. Because of ERISA and the protection it provides, your accidental death benefits will be safeguarded for your loved ones. 

What Happens if an Accidental Death Claim Is Denied?

If the insurance company denies your accidental death claim, contact Bartolic Law. For years, Bartolic Law has assisted families in navigating collecting accidental death insurance benefits. Bartolic Law has experience going against insurance companies when they refuse to rightfully pay out your benefits. Contact Bartolic Law today.