Accidental Death Insurance

What is an Accidental Death Insurance policy?

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance policies provide a financial benefit when an insured either dies or is seriously injured due to a covered accident. People typically purchase these policies in tandem with life insurance policies. It is rather uncommon for a person to purchase an accidental death insurance policy as a stand-alone product.

In fact, people most commonly obtain accidental death insurance as part of their employment benefits. Along with other types of insurance such as health insurance and life insurance, an employee may also be provided with or purchase an accidental death or AD&D policy.

AD&D policies cost much less than life insurance policies. This is because AD&D policies (1) only provide a death benefit when there is a covered accident; and (2) often contain numerous restrictions that preclude coverage even when there has been an accident.

Consequently, it may be the case that when an dies from natural causes, a life insurance death benefit and not an accidental death insurance benefit will be payable. If, however, the insured dies from a covered accident, both death benefits are payable.

What Types of Accidents are Covered?

Some common accidents that can trigger a recovery under an accidental death policy are:

• Transportation accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Falls
• Drownings
• Choking
• Fires
• Exposure to dangerous chemicals
• Weapons
• Falling objects
• Lightning strike

This is not a complete list.  Potentially any unforeseen or unexpected event can qualify as an accident.

What are Some Common Exclusions?

Each Accidental Death policy is written differently, but some common exclusions found in accidental death insurance policies are for death or injury resulting from:

• Sickness or illness
• Suicide
• Drug or alcohol overdose
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol
• War or military combat
• High-risk activities like sky diving, scuba diving, or car racing
• Criminal activity

It is extremely important to have an attorney experienced in Accidental Death claims to review an insurance company denial. In many instances, the denial may be flawed or incorrect from a factual or legal standpoint. In fact, some denials that may appear legitimate at first glance can be reversed.

Why are Accidental Death Insurance Claims Denied?

Accidental death insurance claims are often denied either because (a) the insurer contests that an “accident” has caused the death or serious injury; or (b) the insurer asserts that an exclusion to coverage applies.

We have considerable experience representing persons in Accidental Death Insurance cases.

You can visit our webpages for Accidental Death Insurance – New York and Accidental Death Insurance – New Jersey for more information about state-specific laws that apply in these cases.

Please contact Accidental Death Insurance Lawyer Eric Dinnocenzo at (212) 933-1675 for a free consultation to discuss if you have a claim.