5 Disadvantages Insurance Companies Have | Disability Law Show TV – S3 E7

Episode Summary

5 DISADVANTAGES INSURANCE COMPANIES HAVE THAT YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT on Season 3 Episode 7 of the Disability Law Show with disability lawyer James K. Fireman, Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Watch above to discover the steps you need to take when the insurance company cuts off or denies your long-term disability claim in Ontario or British Columbia, on the only disability law show on TV and radio in Canada.

Episode Notes

COVID-19 and Faster LTD Claims

Insurance companies are trying to resolve long term disability claim denials faster during the pandemic. Disability Lawyer James K. Fireman explains why.

Segment starts at 0:45

EMAIL: Difficulty Acquiring Updated Medical Info

I am getting disability benefits but my case manager is hounding me to get him updated medical information from my family doctor. My doctor’s office was closed for several months because of the pandemic and now he’s only seeing limited patients in person. I can’t even get through to speak to him. Will my benefits get cut off?

James explains what an individual’s rights are when faced with the threat of a cut-off due to insufficient medical documentation.

Segment starts at 4:56

5 DISADVANTAGES INSURANCE COMPANIES HAVE

1️⃣ Insurance companies focus on how rampant fraud is to dissuade legitimate claims

This is usually a tactic to distract people from realizing how profitable insurance companies are and how low of a priority fraudulent claims are.

Segment starts at 9:32

2️⃣ Adjusters have many files, and likely don’t know your case specifics

This is a big issue for adjusters who usually are overworked and don’t have access to the resources they need.

Segment starts at 11:50

3️⃣ The main concern for insurance companies is the bottom line

This drives decision making for insurers.

Segment starts at 12:35

4️⃣ Adjusting files is a tedious process and leads to mistakes

This is largely due to the volume of a particular file.

Segment starts at 14:10

5️⃣ They rely on power imbalances and assume you are and will remain vulnerable

This is true up until a claimant decides to pursue a legal claim.

Segment starts at 15:35

EMAIL: Cut Off Due to Ability to Work Part Time

My sister went on long term disability due to depression at the urging of her psychiatrist. Even the insurance company’s own doctor determined that she can’t work. A few months ago she got a letter saying her benefits would be cut off in six months because her family doctor told the insurance company she might be able to work at another job as long as it was only part-time as a way to cope. Can the insurer cut her off in this case?

Segment starts at 20:12

EMAIL: Doctor Says I’m Not “Totally Disabled”

I have been unable to sleep due to intense back pain, caused by degenerative changes revealed through an MRI. The pain became worse after an accident I had about a year ago. My doctor agrees that I can’t do my job but he says that there is no point applying for disability because I am not “totally” disabled. I can’t do my work so how can I not get long-term disability?

Segment starts at 24:15

Click Here For More Information About COVID-19 and Your Rights

Next Episode: Disability Law Show S3 E8 – Three Mistakes People Make When They Are Denied LTD

Previous Episode: Disability Law Show S3 E6 – 3 Mistakes Your Lawyer Could Make While Handling Your LTD Claim