Disability Law Show: Ontario – S5 E31

Episode Summary

Why are mental illness disability claims often denied? Disability lawyer and Partner Tamar Agopian at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP answer this question and more on the Disability Law Show on 640 Toronto and Newstalk 580 CFRA.

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.

When you need a disability lawyer in Ontario, Tamar and her team can get you the advice you need, and the compensation you deserve.

Listen to the Episode

Show Notes

• Necessary requirements for LTD approval: Insurers are very focused on receiving the necessary medical documents to approve or deny a disability claim. Unfortunately, many doctors are unaware of the specifics required in a medical report. Doctors unsure of what needs to be included in a report provided to an insurer should speak to a disability lawyer. Medical reports need to be detailed and specific to a claimant’s inability to work.
• Harassment at work leads to PTSD: Many mental health claims can arise due to issues or triggers at the workplace. A toxic work environment can lead to anxiety disorders, PTSD, depression, etc. Insurers often view mental health claims as specific to the workplace and are not a general disability. Many situational disabilities often progress to generalized conditions.
• Returning to work due to end of benefits: Insurance adjusters will often try to pressure claimants to return to work before they are ready to do so. Claimants should listen closely to the advice from their treating medical team and doctors. Only a treating doctor or specialist should determine when and if a claimant is ready to work.
• Referal times and waiting to see a doctor: Most disability policies will require claimants to pursue and follow recommended treatments. It can be difficult to access treatment for many however, an effort should be made. Treatment is necessary not only to improve one’s health but also to receive disability benefits. While insurers can become impatient, they must also be reasonable and wait.