Nobody ever expects to be unable to work because of an illness or accident. The reality, however, is that disability is more common than many Canadians realize.
When you file a long-term disability (LTD) claim, it’s because an illness has taken you out of the workforce and left you with no money coming in. You may be in an even more vulnerable state if your illness is related to your mental health, as any stress, financial or otherwise, will likely exacerbate your condition.
People turn to their LTD insurer in this vulnerable state, hoping that their disability benefits will provide peace of mind. But in my experience as a disability lawyer, many find the whole process of dealing with the insurance company stress-inducing, especially when the insurers deny legitimate claims.
READ MORE: 4 reasons why long-term disability claims are rejected, and how to fight back
Here are the top three things you can do to manage stress when dealing with your insurance company.
1. Ask the insurer for a copy of your long-term disability policy
You have a right to a copy of your disability insurance policy. The policy is a contract, and it governs the relationship between you and the insurance company. It sets out the rights and obligations of each party, and defines what it means to be disabled in order to get your benefits. Having access to the policy puts you in an empowered position.
It also allows you to make informed decisions and to question your case manager if the insurance company’s position does not make sense to you.
If the case manager is not prepared to assist you, reach out to an LTD lawyer, like the team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. We have experience with these types of claims and can review your policy to establish whether the case manager’s answers truly reflect your policy or not.
2. See your doctors regularly and update them on your condition
Consulting with your doctor and keeping your medical team updated on your condition and treatment is key in any disability claim.
This is partly because most policies require that you see your doctor on a regular basis. What is also critical is that your doctor records your visits and provides updates regarding your condition in the clinical chart. Your medical chart creates a paper trail that will reflect your condition, treatment and your doctor’s observations.
READ MORE: ‘Get full support from your doctor’: Disability lawyer’s guide to making insurance claims
Even if you only see your doctor to provide regular updates, it will help your doctor feel more comfortable preparing reports in the future and providing an informed opinion on your disability, your treatment and all your efforts to improve your condition.
Having your doctor on board will also support your position when trying to convince an insurer to pay, or continue to pay, your benefits.
3. If your claim is denied or your benefits are cut off, contact a disability lawyer
As an experienced disability lawyer, I have seen many cases where someone’s mental health has gotten worse because of stressful interactions with the insurance company. Sometimes just receiving a call from the case manager or a letter from the insurance company can trigger a panic attack in claimants.
LTD benefits should allow you to have peace of mind and focus on your treatment and recovery, and stressful and aggressive interactions with the insurer should be avoided at all costs.
READ MORE: Most common mistakes people make when they are denied long-term disability
If you receive the unsettling news that your claim is denied or your benefits are cut off, contact a disability lawyer, like the team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, immediately.
We field calls daily from people whose claims have been denied and review with them the documents, policy and denial letters to discuss their options. When we’re retained by a client, we take over all communications with the insurance company, allowing our clients to focus on what is most important: their health.
Feeling stressed out while trying to deal with the loss of your LTD benefits?
Contact the firm or call 1-855-821-5900 to secure assistance from a long-term disability lawyer in Ontario, Alberta or British Columbia. Get the advice you need — and the compensation you deserve — from the most positively reviewed disability law firm in the country.
Martin Willemse is a disability lawyer and partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, Canada’s most positively reviewed law firm specializing in long-term disability claims and employment law. The firm provides free advice as host of Canada’s only Disability Law Show on TV and radio.