Disability Law Show: Alberta & BC – S1 E35

Episode Summary

Do mental illness claims face more difficulty for LTD approval? Disability lawyer and national co-managing Partner Sivan Tumarkin at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, answers this question 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 BC 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

• Closely monitored by the insurer for health improvements: At the two-year mark for claimants, many disability benefits end as the insurance company has made an analysis and in their opinion, the claimant is able to work in another occupation. Many claimants that suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health illnesses, if unable to perform in their own occupation, are typically disabled from any other occupation.
• Claimant file sent by the insurer to an independent doctor: Insurance companies often send claimants to an independent medical examination or send files over to their own consultants These consultants are rarely truly independent as they are hired by the insurance company. Doctors that have not seen a claimant in person have not been able to make accurate judgements regarding a claimant’s medical condition. Claimants should ensure that their treating doctors are aware of all the restrictions they have as a result of their condition and all symptoms and that their medical records are detailed.
• Surveillance concerns while on long-term disability: Insurance companies are within their rights to surveil claimants while on a long-term disability claim. It is important to remember that surveillance is extremely expensive and is used sparingly by insurers as a result. Claimants should not be deterred from applying for long-term disability due to the possibility of surveillance, as there are limitations.