Disability Law Show: Alberta & BC – S2 E01

Episode Summary

Are claimants obligated to provide all medical reports to their disability insurer? 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

• Mental illness prevents the ability to work: Individuals struggling with mental illnesses, such as anxiety or depression, should speak to their treating doctors and physicians regarding their ability to work and take time off. It is also important that all symptoms are documented by a family doctor, and any referrals and medications are also detailed.
• Forced to try a new job by the insurance company: After the two-year mark on long-term disability, the test in order to prove an inability to work changes from the “own occupation” period to “any occupation” period. Claimants often have their disability benefits cut off by the insurer as the change in the definition of disability occurs. As long as a claimant continues to receive the support of a treating doctor, they do not have to return to work or feel pressured to do so.
• Documentation for claimants on LTD: The insurance company has to be kept up to date with reports and documentation necessary in order to continue disability benefits. It is important for claimants to remember that insurers should only be given relevant information. Pushback from claimants about other medical documentation and reports, however, can cause problems with the insurer.
• Communicating with the insurer: It is important when communicating with the insurance adjuster to ensure all communications are documented in writing. It is important to ensure all details are documented in the proper context.