Disability Law Show: Alberta & BC – S1 E16

Episode Summary

Cut off of LTD despite a progressive condition? When should you return to work? Disability lawyers and partners Sivan Tumarkin and Martin Willemse, at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP answer these questions and more on the Disability Law Show on 980 CKNW in Vancouver, 770 CHQR in Calgary and 630 CHED in Edmonton.

Listen below to discover important information about your rights and a guide through the proper steps to take when your insurance provider cuts off your long-term disability or denies your insurance claim.

Whether you need a B.C. disability lawyer or disability lawyers in Alberta, Sivan and his team can get you the advice you need, and the compensation you deserve.

Listen to the Episode

Show Notes

• Switching to the right disability lawyer: While claimants should not jump from one disability law firm to another during the claims process, it is advisable to seek out the appropriate and reputable disability lawyer to represent them.
• Getting a part-time job while on long-term disability: The disability policy will outline all of the provisions claimants need to follow to qualify for long-term disability benefits. At the start of LTD, claimants must be able to prove that they are unable to perform the essential tasks of their own occupation. After 2 years, a change in definition occurs for claimants to be able to prove that they are disabled from any occupation.
• Denied LTD due to pre-existing medical condition: After a denial of disability benefits, claimants should seek out legal advice from a disability lawyer. A denial of benefits can lead many individuals to be in dire straits financially and make choices that can affect the possibility of future benefits. Many denials based on pre-existing conditions are not just and the insurance company has made an unjust decision.
• Changing treatment doctor while on LTD: CLaimants should be wary about changing their treating medical team while they have already been approved for a claim. This is particularly significant if a treating doctor has advised that an individual on LTD is ready to return to work.
• LTD benefits are cut off as a result of pain is not considered severe enough: After 2 years on LTD, claimants who are still on LTD have transitioned into the “any occupation period”. Claimants with the support of their doctor and with a potentially progressive medical condition should not return to work if they are unable to do so.