A mother whose daughter was murdered is suing American Life
Assurance of Columbus (AFLAC) because it has refused to pay the death
benefit on life insurance the daughter applied for shortly before her
death.
According to the complaint, on June 22, 2004, Michelle
Williams of Lynwood, Illinois, applied for a life insurance policy on
her own life and named her mother, plaintiff Kathryn Depratto, as the
beneficiary. AFLAC issued a temporary binder while the policy of
insurance was being issued, the complaint states.
Then,
Michelle Williams was murdered by strangulation and blunt trauma on
July 1 (presumably of 2004 - the complaint states 2005 but also states
proof of death was provided in 2004) and the homicide remains unsolved.
The complaint indicates that Depratto is not a suspect and that the
Chicago Police Department detectives verbally informed AFLAC of this
but would not put it in writing while the investigation was still open.
In November 2004, AFLAC denied the claim due to "insufficient
proof of loss" stating that it required the name of the person charged
with the homicide. In 2009, AFLAC closed the file, while the
investigation into the death of Michelle Williams remains open.
Read the complaint after the jump.
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8 Comments
jack said:
Unless AFLAC has proof that the insured engaged in a fraud, it appears that it does not have a defense. However, as anyone who has read Williston on Contracts, this is typical insurance company behavior.
vbeeno said:
Wow, blood sucking, greedy lowlife insurance companies, makes me sick. They are ALL thieves!
RT
www.online-privacy.at.tc
charley said:
There are two sides to every story. It sounds as if there is not enough evidence. AFLAC has a great history of paying claims, and often pays claims that they are not legally responsible to do. Keep in mind that insurance fraud costs companies Billions of dollars per year. I am sure that this will be resolved.
I have worked in the insurance industry for 11 years, and I have seen the good and bad of insurance companies. AFLAC is one of the best for paying claims, if not the best.
AflacPhyllis said:
The claim is open, but we require some additional information not related to the investigation of the death to resolve this claim.
We will work through Ms. Depratto’s attorney to obtain the information necessary to complete this process. Since litigation has been filed, we will not comment any further.
- Aflac Phyllis
jeffsters said:
Phyllis it's been how many years and you need "some" additional information not related to the investigation? What might that be the address to send the check? This Phyllis is what happens when a BIG heartless and mindless cooperation takes its time, and plays with people's lives. No idea what the issue is but I'm sure AFLAC could have resolved this years ago. Is it any wonder why there are many that want greater regulation and consumer protections? So now you'll work through her lawyer heh? Might have ben a better and less costly idea to work with her 5 years ago. Carry on!
Lorenzo said:
Kudos jefffsters. 5 years! Phyllis, you may want to take a long hard look in the mirror. There's a lot more to life than money and VP positions at corporate firms. When you see the corporate systems that built this country being exposed lying to yourself or being greedy, whichever pertains to you personally only places you at the bottom of a far greater list than the one that houses individuals who AFLAC can't get out compensating. That's the polite way to say it. The reality way is - may you be done as you are doing to others.
You build up enough negative energy towards yourself and watch what sort of karma comes your way. You better take that long hard look in the mirror Phyllis.
I know the facts way more so than the general public, and you ma'am - should honestly and truly be ashamed of yourself.
borg said:
AFLAC should go fuck a duck
FredBaxter said:
Hate to deflate the Digg trolls that have been elevating the dialogue but I've had several friends have GREAT experiences with Aflac. A quick look at their site reveals a long list of national awards and for those soured on Insurance after the bailout it's worth noting that they didn't get any bailout money.
Maybe consider that the OP is providing ONE side of the story and certainly not all the facts - only those of the plaitiff. Is it possible that the "big bad Insurance company" is doing the right thing? Isn't it possible that some of the facts are still unknown? I know that isn't as satisfying or sensational but, perhaps this could cross your mind before posting the valuable comments I see here (esp. given our litigious society).
National Recognition (2009)http://www.aflac.com/us/en/aboutaflac/aflacatglance.aspx
* In July 2009, Black Enterprise magazine included Aflac in its list of the Top 40 Best Companies for Diversity for the fifth consecutive year.
* In June 2009, Computerworld magazine placed Aflac at No. 29 on its list of the 100 Best Places to Work in IT. Aflac has been included on this annual list since 1999.
* In May 2009, the Reputation Institute in its Global Reputation Pulse report named Aflac as the most reputable company in the global insurance industry for the second consecutive year. In April, it recognized Aflac as the most ethical company in the U.S. insurance industry for the second consecutive year.
* In April 2009, the Profiles International Research Institute included Aflac in its America’s Most Productive Companies Best of the Best list.
* In April 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded Aflac’s Paul S. Amos building the Energy Star, the national symbol for superior energy efficiency and environmental protection.
* In April 2009, Institutional Investor magazine named Aflac as the best in the Insurance/Life category for investor relations.
* In April 2009, City Business Journals Network selected Aflac as the top brand in the insurance and financial services industry, capturing the American Brand Excellence Award.
* In April 2009, Ethisphere magazine included Aflac in its list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the third consecutive year.
* In March 2009, Fortune magazine named Aflac to its list of America’s Most Admired Companies for the eighth year. Aflac was ranked the No. 1 company in the Life and Health Insurance category.
* In March 2009, Aflac Investor Relations shared the award for best investor relations Web site at IR Magazine’s U.S. Awards dinner. This was the eighth year that Aflac has been honored by IR Magazine.
* In February 2009, Fortune magazine named Aflac to its list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the eleventh consecutive year, ranking it No. 26.
* In February 2009, Training magazine included Aflac in its Top 125 list of companies with outstanding workforce development programs for the ninth consecutive year.
* In January/February 2009, Corporate Responsibility Officer magazine named Aflac to its list of 100 Best Corporate Citizens for 2009.
* In January 2009, Forbes magazine included Aflac in its annual list of America’s 400 Best Big Companies.
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