Disability Law Show: Alberta & BC – S2 E17

Episode Summary

What should claimants with mental illnesses know about their benefits? Disability lawyer Martin Willemse at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, answers this question and more on the Disability Law Show on 980 CKNW, 770 CHQR and 630 CHED.

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, Martin and his team can get you the advice you need, and the compensation you deserve.

Listen to the Episode

Show Notes

• Regular doctor visits while on disability claim: It is vital for claimants on claim, particularly those with a mental illness, to seek regular medical attention. Mental health claims are often denied by insurance adjusters due to the invisible nature of the conditions. Claimants should ensure their doctor’s reports are clear and specific to their inability to work due to ongoing symptoms.
• Treatment options available: For some claimants, their current treatment regimen might not lead to recovery or improvement. Claimants should speak to their treating medical team about possible alternatives. Ongoing treatment and rehabilitation are required for claimants to continue to receive disability benefits.
  • Learn more about mental health claims
    Depression and LTD
    Disability claims for anxiety disorders
• Told to do another position while waiting for treatment: Most group insurance policies contain a change of definition provision. After two years on long-term disability, claimants have to prove they are unable to work in any occupation. Many claimants are cut off from benefits at the two-year mark despite a continued inability to work. Claimants must be offered comparable positions by the insurer, that they have the training and skillset for.
• Communicating with adjusters causes more stress: Insurance companies must continue to adjudicate claims. This can mean regular updates from claimants which can be distressing. Insurance adjusters are obligated to operate in good faith with claimants. For those who feel their health and recovery are being jeopardized, seeking legal advice from a disability lawyer is advisable.