Okay, I have a question..my mom fell at broke her hip. Transported by ambulance to a different (aka better) hospital that could do the necessary surgery to repair.

Underwent surgery next day..perfect surgery and doing fine. Wee hours of next morn, started to Call. Hospital couldn't bring her back, after several attempts.

Cause of death, according to death report is Accidental Death. Same with autopsy and Physician on charge.

She had a couple little life insurance policies, which my siblings and I are using to pay the funeral, lawyer, property taxes etc. The so called "big life insurance policy" has balked at paying for almost 6 months.

Countless phone calls and all paperwork submitted along with HIPPA authorizations has resulted in them "needing more information and waiting for more information on the accidental death"

Everything possible was submitted. No one calls us back. We're thinking they are looking at the factor of accidental death, which pays differently.

If no reasoning for it, I think next step is for our estate lawyer to step in. Any ideas? Suggestions? From non-partial insurance related people and answers?

thank you.

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My mom died in January 2008. Fell broke hip. Had to be transported from local hospital to a better hospital do surgery. Hip repair went great.

During next night, she started coding. Died after attempts to save. Cause of death is listed as accidental death, both on hospital records and death certificate.

My siblings & I are using the life insurance proceeds to pay for estate bills. Smaller life insurance policies paid quickly. The biggest policy holder ($20,000 accidental policy, but lessened depending on age of insured) has been not responding.

They have all the facts, copy of death certificate, signed permission to obtain hospital records, autopsy, etc., all on submission from legal executrix of estate.

Since we filed the claim, they have "been looking into it and trying to get medical records".

This coming week will be 6-month anniversary of our mom's death. This is a major known company. Is there any reason it would take them this long to settle? Or, to pass the buck as far as phone calls?

Thank You.

I am sorry for your loss and wish your family only happiness in the future.

It makes sense to me that the insurance company would want to determine the exact cause of death, especially if it makes a difference in how they will pay the claim. It can also make sense that it would take a long time for them to make this determination if the medical insurance carrier and other parties that assisted in her treatment are slow in responding.

Nonetheless, six months is a very long time. I suggest you speak with a claims examiner to determine the specific cause of this delay. If you cannot get a suitable answer, then your state insurance department could get involved.

Good luck.

Regards,
Steve

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As an independent life insurance broker, I will gladly answer your consumer questions about life insurance. Please contact me by email (skobrin@stevenkobrin.com) or by toll-free telephone (1-866-633-1818). Thank you.