According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accidents are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Will your loved ones be financially protected should you succumb to an untimely death due to an accident? Accidental death and dismemberment insurance (AD&D) may be purchased in addition to traditional life insurance or offered by your employer as a supplemental life insurance benefit your family extra financial security in the event of unexpected misfortune.
Taking out AD&D insurance is an excellent way to protect those closest to you. It offers many policyholders peace of mind. However, AD&D insurance is complex and even a sudden and unexpected death may not qualify. Let’s look at what or may or may not qualify as accidental death and your recourse if the insurer denies your AD&D claim.
What Qualifies as an “Accidental Death” According to Most Insurers
As the name states, an AD&D benefit specifically covers deaths that occur by accidental means and/or methods. While requirements vary among insurance companies, generally an accidental death not caused by war or as a result of engaging in illegal activities meets the requirements for a policy pay-out.
On the other hand, death that occurs on account of natural causes ordinarily is not be covered even if death occurs suddenly; i.e., a heart attack or stroke absent an external triggering cause. Also, death by suicide or due to attempted suicide is generally not covered. Some policies also exclude death that results from a drunk driving accident or use of illegal narcotics/substances.
Your Recourse if the Insurer Denies Your AD&D Claim
If you or anyone you know has been denied benefits for an AD&D claim, an experienced benefits attorney can help you navigate an appeal or file a lawsuit challenging the denial. The attorneys at DeBofsky Law have helped 100s of clients with denial cases. Contact us for a confidential consultation.
