When a Life Insurance Company Refuses to Pay, We Fight for the Benefits Your Family Was Promised.
A life insurance policy is purchased for one reason—to provide financial security when a loved one dies.
When an insurance company delays payment, denies a claim, rescinds a policy, or questions the validity of coverage, grieving families are often left facing financial hardship at the worst possible time.
At J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo, P.A., we represent beneficiaries throughout Florida in life insurance claims, denied life insurance claims, ERISA life insurance disputes, beneficiary disputes, and other complex insurance litigation.
Our practice focuses on substantial and high-value life insurance claims, including policies worth hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars. Insurance companies devote significant resources to investigating large claims. We devote our experience and resources to making sure they honor the promises made in those policies.
If your life insurance claim has been denied, delayed, or placed under investigation, contact us before accepting the insurance company's decision.
Why Choose Attorney J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo?
Former Insurance Claims Adjuster
Before becoming a lawyer, Attorney J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo worked as an insurance claims adjuster.
That experience provides valuable insight into:
- How insurers investigate claims
- Why adjusters request certain documents
- Internal claim evaluation procedures
- Common reasons insurance companies deny claims
- Litigation strategies used to defend claim denials
Today, he uses that knowledge to represent policyholders and beneficiaries—not insurance companies.
Personalized Representation
Unlike many large firms, your case is not handed off to inexperienced associates or case managers. Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo personally oversees every significant aspect of your case from beginning to end.
Trial-Ready Advocacy
Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to take difficult cases to court. If negotiations fail, we are fully prepared to litigate your claim.
We Handle Every Type of Florida Life Insurance Dispute
Our firm represents clients in matters involving:
- Denied life insurance claims
- Delayed payment of life insurance proceeds
- Employer-sponsored ERISA life insurance claims
- ERISA administrative appeals
- Individual life insurance policies
- Group life insurance policies
- Whole life insurance
- Universal life insurance
- Term life insurance
- Million-dollar and multi-million-dollar life insurance claims
- Contestability investigations
- Material misrepresentation allegations
- Policy rescissions
- Beneficiary disputes
- Competing beneficiary claims
- Interpleader lawsuits
- Accidental death benefit disputes
- Bad faith insurance practices
- Failure to pay policy proceeds
Whether your claim is worth $250,000 or several million dollars, we are prepared to aggressively protect your interests.
Common Reasons Life Insurance Claims Are Denied
Insurance companies often deny claims based upon allegations such as:
Material Misrepresentation
The insurer claims incorrect or incomplete information was provided during the application process.
Contestability Period Investigations
Claims arising within the policy's contestability period frequently receive heightened scrutiny.
Policy Lapse
The insurer alleges premiums were not properly paid or that the policy terminated before death.
Beneficiary Disputes
Former spouses, children, trusts, business partners, or family members may all claim entitlement to the policy proceeds.
Policy Exclusions
The insurer relies upon exclusions such as suicide provisions or alleged fraud.
Accidental Death Disputes
The insurance company argues the death does not qualify for accidental death benefits.
A denial does not necessarily mean the insurance company is correct. Many denied claims can be successfully challenged with experienced legal representation.
We Build Cases Designed to Win
Every life insurance dispute requires careful preparation.
Our firm conducts a thorough investigation by reviewing:
- The complete insurance policy
- Policy applications
- Underwriting records
- Medical records
- Beneficiary designations
- Correspondence with the insurance company
- Claim investigation materials
- Applicable Florida law
- Applicable ERISA law, when appropriate
Our goal is to identify weaknesses in the insurance company's position and develop the strongest possible strategy for recovering the policy benefits.
ERISA Life Insurance Claims
Many employer-sponsored life insurance policies are governed by the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
ERISA claims involve unique procedural rules, strict deadlines, and specialized legal standards. In many cases, the administrative appeal is the beneficiary's best opportunity to submit evidence supporting the claim.
If your employer-sponsored life insurance claim has been denied, it is critical to speak with an attorney as early as possible.
Beneficiary Disputes and Interpleader Lawsuits
Not every life insurance case involves a denial.
Sometimes multiple individuals claim entitlement to the same policy proceeds.
These disputes often involve:
- Divorce
- Changed beneficiary designations
- Alleged undue influence
- Trusts
- Estates
- Adult children
- Blended families
Insurance companies frequently respond by filing an interpleader lawsuit and asking the court to determine who should receive the proceeds.
Our firm represents beneficiaries throughout these complex proceedings.
Why Early Legal Representation Matters
Many beneficiaries unknowingly damage their cases by providing unnecessary recorded statements, incomplete information, or documents requested by the insurance company without first obtaining legal advice.
Having an attorney involved early can:
- Protect your legal rights
- Ensure important deadlines are met
- Prevent costly mistakes
- Preserve critical evidence
- Improve your negotiating position
- Increase the likelihood of recovering the full policy benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a life insurance company deny my claim?
Yes—but only if it has a valid legal or contractual basis. Many denials are successfully challenged.
How long does a life insurance company have to pay?
The answer depends on the policy, the circumstances of the claim, and Florida law. Unreasonable delays may give rise to additional legal remedies.
Should I hire a lawyer before appealing a denied claim?
In many cases, yes. This is especially true for ERISA claims, where the administrative appeal is often your only opportunity to submit additional evidence.
How much is my life insurance case worth?
Generally, beneficiaries seek recovery of the entire death benefit, along with any additional damages or interest available under applicable law.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation
If your life insurance claim has been denied, delayed, underpaid, or challenged, do not assume the insurance company's decision is final.
Attorney J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo has the experience, insurance industry insight, and litigation background to stand up to insurance companies and fight for the benefits your loved one intended you to receive.
Whether your claim involves a private policy, an employer-sponsored ERISA plan, or a multi-million-dollar life insurance dispute, our firm is ready to help.
Call today to schedule a confidential consultation.
Direct: (786) 272-5841
Main Office: (305) 461-1095
Toll-Free: 1-866-71-CLAIM
Text: (305) 929-8935
Email: jp@yourattorneys.com
The insurance company has experienced lawyers protecting its interests. Make sure you have an experienced advocate protecting yours.
