Misfortunes tend to happen when we least expect them. No one can honestly predict that they will work until retirement without being hit by a long-term disability that hinders them from working. For this reason, any long-term disability lawyer will always advise employees to invest in long-term disability insurance.
What is long-term disability insurance?
Long-term disability insurance, also referred to by many as LTD Insurance, is a form of insurance policy for workers that offers them income replacement if they are injured or have an illness that hinders them from working. The insurance offers you an income that enables you to continue paying your bills, among other financial goals and obligations.
For one to be characterized as a candidate for long-term disability insurance, you must have any of the following illnesses or injuries; Psychological Illnesses
Such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, adjustment disorder, borderline personality disorder, major depressive disorder, and various anxiety disorders.
Chronic Conditions/Illnesses
Including diabetes, migraines, neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, and gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease.
Chronic Pain
Including post-surgical pain, myofascial pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and various forms of arthritis.
Orthopedic Issues/Injuries
Including fractured bones, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease/spondylosis, and nerve root sciatica/impingement/radiculopathy.
Brain Injuries
When one develops brain injury, it can either be classified as mild or severe. Concussions are a common form of mild brain injuries. If you develop post-concussion syndrome, concussions may have long-lasting symptoms.
Brain injuries cause symptoms that hinder you from being productive therefore forcing you to stay home. Some of these symptoms include impairment of your physical functioning and cognitive abilities. Therefore, with a brain injury, you are entitled to LTD insurance as long as you are taking the necessary steps to recovery. Cancer
If you get diagnosed with any form of cancer, you are also eligible for LTD insurance. This means that your insurance company will pay you during your recovery from surgery or during treatment. However, most insurance companies may deny your claim if they feel that you are in the final stages of cancer and your chances of recovery are next to impossible.
The only exemption is when you have developed secondary issues and may need more time away from work.
For an insurance company to accept your long-term disability claims, you must have a detailed medical report from your doctor and/or another medical report from the insurance's medical department to prove that you are a victim of one or more of the above illnesses or conditions.
However, long-term disability claims do not always go through. Some insurance companies will look for the tiniest reasons to deny your long-term disability claims. Many of these insurance companies use ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) as a shield to protect them from approving and paying meritorious claims. For this reason, you will need the help of a reliable long term disability lawyer in Ontario to help you dispute the denials and make sure you get what you deserve. For the long-term disability lawyer to have enough evidence to handle your case, there are things you should take into consideration from the moment you decide to file for a long-term disability claim. They include; Tips When Dealing with Long-term Disability Claims in Ontario
​By virtue of having invested in a long-term disability insurance policy, it is your right to file a claim. You will need that replacement income to keep you and your family going. Below are the things to pay close attention to:
Get to understand your insurance policy
When investing in an insurance policy, you should obtain a copy of the policy. Comprehend and understand the policy's wording and processes. According to long term disability lawyers in Toronto, you should understand the following;
Always take notes and keep records
​It is advisable to take notes and records of every encounter you have with the insurance company, whether through call or physically. These notes and records will help your long term disability lawyer Toronto when coming up with an appeal for denial.
Keep all documents related to your long-term disability case
When a long-term disability lawyer in Ontario is coming up with a case for your appeal, they will need all the documents shared between you and the insurance company. Therefore, you should keep a copy of your application package, the correspondence you received from the insurance company, and the correspondence you sent to the insurance company. This will include the email conversation you had with the insurance provider.
Moreover, you will need to keep all medical records from your doctor and the insurance company doctor. Obtain all information from your claims adjuster
After the denial of your claim, you have the right to file a dispute with the claims adjuster before getting a long-term disability lawyer on your case. You should make sure that you obtain all the information you share with the claims adjuster.
​ Some of the information you might have to share with the claims adjuster is additional medical information to prove that you deserve a replacement income. Seek relevant medical attention
Having a long-term disability does not mean that you will never recover. Therefore, besides filing for the long-term disability claim, you should also seek the relevant medical attention.
After your doctor has examined you and provided you with a medical report to support your claim, they also develop a rehabilitation or treatment plan to help you recover from your condition. The insurance company may need evidence that you are taking the necessary steps to recover. Therefore organizing with your medical specialist and undergoing the appropriate treatment or rehabilitation plan is essential. Hire a long-term disability lawyer
After your long-term disability claim is denied and you can't see any help coming from the claims manager/adjuster, you should immediately hire a reliable long-term disability lawyer in the Greater Toronto Area or across Ontario. An LTD lawyer is your legal friend who will look over your claim and come up with a legal appeal to ensure to get your replacement income. Provide the long-term disability lawyer with the relevant documents, records, and notes. Make sure that you are open and transparent.
Conclusion
​When filing for a long-term disability claim, you must be honest with the insurance company, your doctor, claims adjuster, and lawyer. Provide necessary information to support your claims and keep records of the same. Moreover, focus on fully recovering and getting back on your toes to work and take care of your family by taking the recommended treatments or rehabilitation seriously.
|
Practice Areas |
RSS Feed