Disability Law Show Bell Radio – S3 E16

Episode Summary

Discover your rights and the truth about insurance companies and long-term disability claims on Season 3 Episode 16 of the Disability Law Show on Newstalk 1010 in Toronto.

Listen below to Tamar Agopian, Disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, as she guides you through the proper steps to take when your insurance provider cuts off your long-term disability or denies your insurance claim.

Listen to the Episode

Episode Notes

• With the pandemic, there are many new mental health conditions emerging, such as “Coronaphobia” as well as “Coronasomnia”; many people working from home are experiencing sleeping disruptions.
• I’m on a long-term leave of absence. If my doctor has said I’m totally disabled from my job, is my insurance still going to cut off my benefits?
• My LTD insurer sent me a letter about the test changing after 24 months of benefits. Since then, my insurer had someone call me and go through my work history and my school. My claims manager says that they found two jobs I can do.  I’m not really sure what I’m supposed to do now. Is this the kind of case you guys would take on?
• I’m having a hard time mentally with my LTD claim. Do disability lawyers help with the claim application process?
• What happens for clients who have a disability that puts them in a high-risk group for Covid 19 – as a lawyer, how do you manage that relationship without exposing them to unnecessary risks?
• My brother injured his back a few years ago and became very depressed and angry. Eventually, his depression was so bad that his doctor told him he needs to go on sick leave. He got short-term disability but was denied LTD.  They said it was a “workplace issue”. Can we appeal?
• If the disability insurance company says a person can return to work, are they expected to just go back to work?
• My husband worked as a driver for a mining company for many years and suffered multiple strokes.  He stopped working but the insurance company only paid his full LTD benefit for a few months.  They have reduced the LTD benefit amount three times already saying it’s for CPP disability.  My husband is not getting CPP disability yet. Can the insurance company do this?
• When you represent someone for a disability claim, who pays for all of the expenses that come up during the litigation, like doctors’ records, expert reports and filing fees?