Lawsuit Over $137,000 in Overpaid Death Benefits by WRNY

Wilton Reassurance Life Company of New York (WRNY) has filed a lawsuit to recover over $137,000 in alleged overpaid death benefits, spotlighting complex regulatory compliance requirements within the insurance industry. Filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York on December 8, 2025, this legal action names Daniel Jonah and Samilia Beckley as defendants. The case highlights potential risks in policy administration and claims management, emphasizing the importance of accurate benefit disbursement. The lawsuit centers around a life insurance policy issued to Emma Beckley with original terms permitting a gradual reduction of the face value from its inception on October 28, 1988. Upon Beckley's death on August 22, 2023, the policy's face value was recorded at $82,813.25, yet beneficiaries received a payout totaling $110,023.58. This discrepancy led to an overpayment of $68,616.96 to each beneficiary, highlighting challenges in underwriting and claims processing within the insurance provider's operations. WRNY's efforts to reclaim the excess funds, underscored by attempts via FedEx to reach both defendants in Texas and New York, illustrate the critical nature of payer-provider communications in the carrier's risk management strategies. The insurer seeks full restitution, including interest, attorney fees, and punitive damages for what they allege as wrongful retention of funds by the defendants. Represented by Lawrence Kurtz of Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, WRNY underscores the case's jurisdiction is based on diverse party locations and a contested amount exceeding $75,000, aligning with industry regulatory frameworks in similar disputes.