Long-term disability (LTD) benefits offer financial security for Mississauga workers who suffer an injury, serious illness, or mental health condition that prevents them from working. These benefits are especially important because many people do not have the savings to pay their bills if they cannot work.
A large portion of Canadians do not have enough money in savings to cover a major emergency such as an injury or illness. Yet many people struggle to obtain the long-term disability benefits they deserve, as insurance companies might attempt to minimize or deny LTD claims. A Mississauga long-term disability lawyer can help. After they discuss your case, a personal injury lawyer can better understand your situation and help you gather proof for your claim and act to get the benefits you need.
Our long-term disability lawyers can meet with you in Mississauga for a free initial consultation. Call (416) 364-2000
Determining Benefits and Coverage
Many people have long-term disability coverage through their own individual policy or through a policy via an employer. The LTD benefits, available coverage, and terms may vary from policy to policy. LTD benefits differ from Canadian Pension Plan benefits.
Long-term disability gives people who cannot perform their job duties a source of income. The benefits kick in after a period known as a qualifying period. While this can range from a few days to many months, the qualifying period for most policies fall between 16 and 52 weeks.
As lawyers begin working on their client’s case, they will review the terms of their policy to identify the benefits available to them, when they qualify for them, and other terms they must meet in order to receive benefits.
Mississauga Long-Term Disability Lawyer Near Me (416) 364-2000
Qualifying Requirements
In most cases, long-term disability policies require benefit recipients to have a total disability. This means they cannot complete the duties necessary for their current job. This definition of total disability usually applies for the first two years of benefits, but then the definition expands to include their inability to work in any capacity. The insurance company may require reevaluation to ensure they meet this expanded definition.
Filing a claim for LTD benefits, requires completing a number of forms (and even asking an employer to complete forms too) and working with a doctor to get the required paperwork establishing the disability.
Incomplete medical documentation is one of the most common reasons insurance companies deny claims. In addition to someone cooperating with their doctor and following all recommended medical advice, it is recommended to enlist the help of a long-term disability attorney in Mississauga.
Experienced lawyers analyze their client’s policy, evaluate the value of their claim, and take the lead on their case, compiling the requisite medical documentation and filing all necessary paperwork with the insurer.
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Qualifying Injuries
A wide variety of disabilities can qualify someone for LTD benefits, ranging from chronic back pain, to a heart attack, to a mental health disorder. Some common causes of long-term disability include:
- Back injuries
- Heart attack or heart disease
- Arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
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Recoverable Benefits
Someone’s insurance company bases the LTD benefits they receive on their average earnings, usually over the previous two years. They should qualify to receive between 80 and 85 percent of their previous income each month. While it differs somewhat from policy to policy, this may include overtime, commissions, and bonuses.
Several factors can affect whether the insurance company offers the full benefits they deserve. Many insurers try to shortchange or deny benefits to qualified claimants.
Someone should be wary of any requests for additional information or a quick settlement offer. They should let a lawyer review any correspondence they receive from the insurance company, and always let them review documents from the insurer before signing them. Mississauga long term disability lawyers know the tactics that insurers might use to reduce or deny their benefits. They take proactive steps to establish the value of their average earnings so they get all the benefits they earned.
Case Denial
If the insurance company sends you a denial, do not panic. You still have the option to appeal the decision. Most commonly, insurers deny claims because of a mistake or missing item in your application. The best option is to discuss your case with your lawyer, who can review your application and help you collect additional evidence to support your appeal.
In some cases, the insurance company may simply be attempting to avoid paying you the benefits you deserve. If this is the case, lawyers can fight for your benefits through the appeals process. A Mississauga long-term disability lawyer can help you get the LTD benefits you deserve, even if the insurance company has already denied your claim.
Call or text (416) 364-2000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
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