Claiming Long-Term Disability Benefits May Require the Help of an Ontario Personal Injury Lawyer

Many people carry long-term disability insurance coverage to protect themselves in the event that serious injuries prevent them from being able to return to work and earn an income on their own. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or are affected by a defective product, you may be entitled to claim benefits from your long-term disability insurer.

It is important to know that your long-term disability insurance policy can contain limitations you may not be aware of until you have already been injured.  Under certain circumstances, your claim may be denied for not being fully compliant with the terms of your policy, or the type of injury you suffer may not be covered in your policy.

What is Long-Term Disability Coverage?

Long-term disability coverage is designed to provide wage replacement for anyone who has been injured or who is experiencing wage loss due to a disability. Long-term disability lasts for more than a year.

How do you Obtain Long-Term Disability Coverage?

Long-term disability is usually obtained by a group or individually. Group coverage is typically offered through an employer, group or association.  Individual coverage can be purchased directly from an insurance broker by any individual seeking protection coverage.

How Long Does Long-Term Disability Last?

Coverage can last from one year up to the age you retire at age 65. It is worth noting that the number of years you can potentially be covered should be clearly indicated in your policy.

What Can be Done to Investigate a Claim?

If you have made a claim for Long-Term Disability benefits there is a high likelihood that your claim will be investigated. It is the adjustors due diligence to ensure you are receiving an appropriate amount or if you are indeed entitled to a long-term disability claim.

1. Background Checks – Typically your neighbors, co-workers and even friends or family will be interviewed. The entire purpose is to determine your abilities prior to the accident.
2. Medical Examinations – You will likely have to undergo an independent medical check to ensure your injuries are consistent with initial findings.
3. Reviewing Medical, Employment or Financial Records – There is a good chance that your medical employment or financial records will also be reviewed if you have made a claim. Once again this is the adjustor’s way to ensure you are not trying to manipulate the system.
4. Surveillance – A typical occurrence that will take place when you make a long-term disability claim is that you will be under some form of surveillance to ensure you are not working or performing tasks you have been deemed unable to do.

What if You Have Questions About Long-Term Disability?

When accident victims have questions about getting insurance benefit compensation for their claims, especially what’s fair and reasonable under the circumstances, a personal injury lawyer can help to clarify the terms of your policy. In some cases, you may require some assistance in recovering the maximum benefits under your policy.

A lawyer who specializes in long-term disability claims can tell you know how long you have to file a claim, walk you through the process, and make sure you receive the financial support you need to continue living a healthy, productive life.

If you carry long-term disability coverage and have questions about recovering benefits, or the limitations or exclusions in your policy, contact our lawyers to get the answers you’re looking for.

We routinely work with many insurance companies and can help you to get the assistance you’ve been promised under your insurance policy.