Surprise- Ledger’s insurance doesn’t want to pay
And the drama continues with the Heath Ledger estate – this time over a $10 million life insurance policy. John S. LaViolette, a former attorney for the actor, says that Reliastar Life Insurance Co. is trying to avoid paying the claim to Ledger’s daughter, Matilda Rose.
The lawsuit doesn’t mention Ledger or his daughter’s name, but states that it is on behalf of a man who died of “accidental causes on January 22, 2008.” That is the date Ledger was found dead of an apparent accidental prescription drug overdose in New York City.
ReliaStar counters in its legal response that it is seeking more information about whether Ledger may have lied on paperwork and about whether his death may have been a suicide. LaViolette’s lawsuit claims ReliaStar had to investigate any statements Ledger made in paperwork while the actor was still alive.
The suit moved from Los Angeles Superior Court to federal court in august.
A spokesman for the parent company, ING Americas, says no decision on the claim has been made and that no comment could be made.
“There’s a young girl whose father died who is entitled to this money, and ReliaStar is doing everything it can to avoid paying,” said William Shernoff, the attorney representing LaViolette and Matilda Rose, in a press release.
The company is seeking depositions from the masseuse who found Ledger’s body and Mary-Kate Olsen, who received a number of calls after the body was found, as well as Ledger’s co-stars, agents and doctors, says Shernoff.
He accused the insurer of trying to drag out the payment process, saying the lawsuit could take years to resolve.
He also struck out against allegations that Ledger killed himself.
“There’s not a shred of evidence it was suicide,” Shernoff said.
LaViolette’s lawsuit states that he is listed as the beneficiary on Ledger’s policy and is suing to try get the money for Matilda Rose. Ledger made all payments for the policy, according to the suit.
The lawsuit claims ReliaStar sent a letter the week after Ledger’s death seeking medical and pharmaceutical records. Such letters are illegal under California law, LaViolette’s suit says, and should have been made before his death.
A scheduling conference for the case is set for Dec. 1.
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