What Is Double Indemnity?

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is difficult enough without having to navigate the complex world of insurance claims. If your loved one had a life insurance policy that included a double indemnity provision, you may be entitled to additional compensation in the event of accidental death. 

However, insurance companies may deny these claims even when they appear to be valid. It is important to understand how double indemnity works, the reasons your claim may be denied, and what to do if you suspect bad faith practices.

How Does Double Indemnity Work?

Double indemnity is a provision in a life insurance policy that provides additional compensation in the event of an accidental death. The amount of compensation is usually twice the value of the policy, hence the name. These provisions are often included in life insurance policies as an added benefit for policyholders.

What Qualifies as an Accidental Death?

For a double indemnity claim to be paid, the death of the insured must be the result of an accidental injury. Multiple situations can cause an accidental death, including the following:

• Car accidents
• Electrocutions
• Medical malpractice
• Drowning accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Exposure to toxic substances
• Choking or suffocation accidents
• Defective machinery accidents
• Physical assaults and acts of violence

When Will an Insurance Company Deny a Double Indemnity Claim?

Double indemnity claims are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and insurance companies will generally deny them if the cause of death was not accidental. Here are some reasons why a claim may be denied:

• The cause of death was not accidental
• The policy was not in force at the time of death
• The death was caused by a medical condition
• The death was caused by self-inflicted injuries
• The policyholder did not disclose a pre-existing medical condition
• The policyholder engaged in risky behavior that contributed to the death
• The policyholder was engaged in criminal activity at the time of death
• The policy was not in effect at the time of the policyholder’s death

It is important to keep in mind that insurance companies are for-profit organizations and may try to limit their liability. Sometimes, the denial may be a mistake or a result of a misinterpretation of the policy language. However, insurance companies may also act in bad faith by intentionally denying valid claims.

Was Your Double Indemnity Claim Wrongfully Denied? Speak to a Wrongful Death Attorney

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences. During this time, the wrongful denial of a double indemnity claim can add to the emotional distress and financial burden you and your family are already facing. If you believe that your double indemnity claim has been unjustly rejected, it’s crucial to speak with a Utah wrongful death attorney who can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

An attorney who understands the complex world of insurance claims can provide you with personalized legal representation to help you recover the maximum compensation possible. Your lawyer can represent your family’s best interests during negotiations with the insurance company and provide sufficient evidence showing that the insurer made a mistake or acted in bad faith.

Contact a Utah wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to discuss your loved one’s case and develop a strong strategy for insurance negotiations. Your lawyer will carefully review all available evidence and identify your family’s optimal path to recovery.