Disability Law Show: Alberta & BC – S2 E07

Episode Summary

Why are fibromyalgia claims viewed skeptically? Disability lawyer and national co-managing Partner Sivan Tumarkin and Martin Willemse at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, answer 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

• An inexperienced lawyer handling disability claims: It is vital for claimants to seek legal advice from a disability lawyer that is well-versed and experienced in disability law. Often, claimants can seek help from the wrong sources or lawyers in varying fields. Claimants have up to two years after the initial denial of benefits to file a claim. It is important not to waste valuable time as the limitation period cannot be ignored.
• Fibromyalgia and long-term disability claims: Fibromyalgia is considered to be an invisible illness and it is difficult to diagnose. Insurers often deny fibromyalgia claims due to a lack of objective medical evidence. Individuals who have fibromyalgia should qualify for long-term disabilty if they have the support of their doctors and are unable to work due to their symptoms.
• Risk of an ongoing health condition: Some conditions, like epilepsy, can cause constant fear and anxiety for individuals. A diagnosis is not necessary in order to qualify for disability benefits; symptoms that are debilitating and the side effects of treatment can also lead to an inability to work.
• Private disability plan and negligent adjuster: Claimants should document all communication with their insurance adjuster. Insurance adjusters are obligated to operate in good faith with claimants. Claimants are able to and should seek advice from a disability lawyer if they feel that their adjuster has added significant stress and caused more harm.