Estate sues insurer over unpaid life insurance claim

The administrator of a deceased woman's estate has filed suit against a life insurance company, alleging she was paid more than $100,000 less than she was supposed to receive after the woman died.

Rene Bassett Butler claims Cynthia Reames owned a single whole life insurance policy from defendant Great West Life and Annuity Insurance Company worth $251,687 at the time of her death on May 17, 2008.

Despite the fact that Butler provided numerous certified letters and a certified copy of Reames' death certificate proving Reames died of an acute myocardial infarction, Great West has only provided Butler with $109,490.07 – a refund of the premium payment Reames made and interest, according to the complaint filed Dec. 10 in Madison County Circuit Court.

"Often requested to do so, the defendant had denied coverage and refused to pay the face amount of the policy," the suit states.

In addition to the money she says she is due, Butler is seeking additional relief the court deems just.

Butler of Bassett Law Office in Wood River will be appearing pro se.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-1329.