Policyholder Sues Northwestern Mutual Over Life and Disability Policies
A Florida man is suing Northwestern Mutual Life for disability insurance benefits and life insurance waiver-of-premium benefits.
The man, Marcus Kirk, argues in a complaint filed in a state court in Leon County, Florida, that he applied for benefits late because the company described his coverage incorrectly when he first called it.
Kirk’s lawyer did not respond to a request for comment.
Northwestern Mutual said that it has not yet seen the complaint.
The policy: Kirk bought a term life insurance policy with a $500,000 death benefit and a 20-year level-premium term in 2009, when he was 35, according to a copy of the policy included with the complaint. The policy provided for a waiver of premium payments if he became disabled.
He paid premiums of $1,088 per year.
He also bought a disability insurance policy that would provide a $700 benefit per month and a $1,500 social insurance substitute benefit for an initial premium of $875.57.
The claim: In April 2010, Kirk was injured by an automobile while he was walking. He suffered a head injury that led to neurological problems, cost him his job and caused him to lose two other jobs, according to the complaint.