What If an Accidental Death Insurance Claim Is Denied?

In the aftermath of losing a loved one, dealing with insurance payouts is understandably overwhelming. For those who’ve received a denial for their loved one’s Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance claim, it can be almost too much to bear.

If your Accidental Death insurance claim has been denied, understand that you don’t have to fight the decision on your own. There are steps you can take to secure the insurance payout you deserve.

Let Share Lawyers protect you. We’ve been through this process many times over the past 35 years, and we know how to hold the insurance company accountable.

Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance claim denied? Reach out to Share Lawyers to explore your options.

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8 Reasons Why AD&D Claims Are Denied

Here are the most common reasons why AD&D claims in Canada are denied:

  • Cause of Death or Injury Not Covered
    AD&D policies typically cover deaths or injuries that are deemed accidental. If the cause of death or injury is considered to be natural or non-accidental, insurance companies may deny the claim.
  • Policy Exclusions
    Many policies have specific exclusions, such as deaths caused by illegal activities, suicide, substance abuse, etc.
  • Failure to Pay Premiums
    If you have not maintained your premium payments, the policy may lapse, resulting in a denial.
  • Timing of Death or Injury
    Some policies have time limits within which the death injury must occur following the accident. If the death or injury happens outside of this period, the claim may be denied.
  • Insufficient Documentation
    Incomplete or incorrect information in documents such as medical records, death certificates, or police reports may lead to a claim being denied due to a lack of evidence.
  • Misinterpretation of Policy Terms
    Policy terms for AD&D policies are often complex and subject to interpretation. Insurance companies may interpret terms to favour denying the claim.
  • Pre-existing Conditions
    If the deceased had a pre-existing condition that contributed to the death or injury, the insurance company may argue that the cause was not accidental and deny the claim.
  • Legal & Technical Issues
    Legal disputes over the interpretation of policy language or technical issues with how the claim was filed can lead to denial.

What To Avoid After Filing an Accidental Death Insurance Claim

As with any situation, there are also certain things you should avoid.


What To Avoid After Your Accidental Death Insurance Claim

1. Assuming Approval Based on Death Certificate

Do not assume that your claim will be approved just because the death certificate lists the cause as accidental. Insurance companies often look for any reason to deny a claim.

2. Communicate with the Insurance Company Without Legal Guidance

Avoid providing any information to the insurance company without first consulting a lawyer. Anything you say can potentially be used against your claim.

3. Fight the Denial Alone

Do not attempt to challenge the denial on your own. Engaging with an experienced AD&D insurance lawyer like Share Lawyers is crucial to navigating the complex appeals process and improving your chances of success.

Next Steps After an Accidental Death Insurance Claim Is Denied

Just because your Accidental Death insurance claim was denied doesn’t mean the insurance company’s decision is final. You have the right to fight back against the decision—and you should.


Losing a loved one is difficult enough. Don’t let your insurance company take advantage of you during this fraught time. When your Accidental Death insurance claim is denied, here are your next steps:


What to Do if Your Accidental Death Insurance Claim is Denied

1. Consult with an Experienced Lawyer

The first and most crucial step is to consult with an experienced accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance lawyer like Share Lawyers.


We will help you understand the denial, your rights, and the claims process while guiding you on the best course of action and ensuring that your case is handled professionally.

2. Gather Documentation

Collect all relevant AD&D policy documents, medical records, hospital and autopsy reports, death certificates, police reports, and any incident or accident reports. This documentation is essential to build a strong case.

3. Hire Experts

Depending on the case, you may need expert opinions, such as a pathologist for a separate autopsy or an accident reconstruction expert, to understand the accident's nature and cause. These experts can provide valuable insights that support your claim.

4. Contact Witnesses

Identify and contact potential witnesses who can provide testimony to support your claim. Witness statements can be critical in substantiating the circumstances of the accident.

This process is time-sensitive and subject to strict deadlines set by provincial regulations and Canadian laws. It's crucial to consult an experienced AD&D lawyer who can help you understand the reasons for your denial and guide you through the process of fighting back.


Share Lawyers Can Help

At Share Lawyers, we understand how difficult it is to face a denial for an AD&D claim. That’s why we offer accessible legal support with no upfront costs and fight diligently to secure the benefits you’re counting on during this trying time.


How Share Lawyers Helps

Experienced Legal Advice & Policy Review

Share Lawyers provides an initial consultation to help you understand your rights and the reasons behind your claim denial.


We thoroughly review your AD&D policy to identify potential areas of dispute and assess the validity of the insurance company's denial.

Comprehensive Case Evaluation

Share Lawyers conducts an in-depth analysis of your case, including reviewing all submitted documents, medical records, and any correspondence with the insurance company.


We pinpoint weaknesses in the insurance company’s arguments and strengthen your case by highlighting key evidence.

Gathering & Organizing Evidence

One challenge of AD&D claims is gathering all necessary documentation. We assist by collecting medical records, police reports, autopsy reports, and witness statements.


Additionally, we can arrange independent medical examinations or expert opinions from accident reconstruction specialists or pathologists to support your case.

Expert Negotiation

We negotiate directly with your insurance company on your behalf, handling all communication and using our expertise to advocate for the benefits you need.

Life reBUILDER™

We offer personalized support through the exclusive Life reBUILDER program, helping you regain stability and rebuild your life during and after the lawsuit.

Share Lawyers Secures the Benefits You Need

If your Accidental Death insurance claim was denied, you might not know where to turn. Thankfully, you have options, and Share Lawyers is here to help you during this time.

Your insurance company doesn’t want you to get legal assistance because they know it increases the chances of your rejected claim being overturned. We leverage over 35 years of experience to help Canadians like you obtain the insurance payout they deserve.

Reach out today for a free consultation, and you owe us nothing until you win the benefits you’re owed.

Still wondering what to do if your Accidental Death insurance claim is denied? A quick conversation with one of our lawyers will help you understand your situation and provide a path forward.

Contact Share Lawyers today and let our 35+ years of experience work for you. We can help you win your case againstCanada Life, Desjardins, Manulife, RBC Insurance, Sun Life, and other insurance companies. Our legal team offers a free consultation and works on a contingency basis. There are no fees unless you win your case.

We’re here to support you during this difficult time

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