When to Involve a LTD Lawyer
The situation should
be straight forward. Most Canadians have some kind of insurance policy to which
they pay premiums, one would expect to help them in times of need. If someone
has group or individual disability insurance and is unable to work because of a
long-term disability (LTD), they should be able to receive financial
compensation. However, often insurance companies deny claims or stop payments
prematurely. The personal and economic consequences can be catastrophic. If a
claim is complicated, stalled, is being denied, stopped prematurely or the
settlement is unsatisfactory, it’s time to involve a LTD lawyer.
Making a Long-term
Disability Claim
Long term disability
benefits are part of almost every work or insurance package. They should be
available to people who have had injuries sustained in a motor vehicle
accident, bicycle accident, transit accident or work related accident. Other
reasons for LTD claims include:
•Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
•A chronic illness
•Concussion symptoms
•Mental Health issues
•Deteriorating auto-immune diseases such
as multiple scleroses or fibromyalgia
Initially there should
be short-term disability benefits available for a period of 2-6 months, after
which, if needed, a long-term disability claim can be made. Every benefit
package has different criteria and conditions for qualifying long-term
disability. The amount paid is based on a percentage of the salary, usually
somewhere between 50-70%. The length of
the payout may be for a pre-determined number of years, or until the applicant
reaches a certain age, such as the retirement age of 65.
What to Look for in a
Long-Term Disability Lawyer
When looking for help
in negotiating a successful LTD claim, find a lawyer experienced in personal
injury law, that listens to your concerns and treats you with respect. The
initial interview should last between 1-3 hours, so the lawyer can fully
understand the situation and be able to suggest successful strategies for moving forward. The
consultation should be free, and generally personal injury lawyers work on a
contingency basis, taking a percentage of a successful settlement.
Make sure to research your options thoroughly before choosing which long-term disability lawyer will be handling your case. While it may seem fitting to speak to a paralegal, be
aware that a paralegal cannot take the claim to court, if that is eventually
required. If you are not comfortable speaking in English, you may want to find
a multi-ethnic firm, with LTD lawyers who speak a variety of languages. Look
for firms with positive unedited testimonials. Lawyers working out of Ontario
should be regulated by The Law Society of Upper Canada.
If you are struggling
with your long-term disability claim and are having troubles collecting your
benefits, a LTD lawyer from an experienced personal injury law firm may be able
to get you the compensation you deserve. Call a local law firm today.