Our Disability Lawyers have recovered millions for claimants who have been wrongly been denied their disability benefits by Canada Life. Always Free Consultations and you Never Pay Upfront.
Has Canada Life denied your long-term disability benefits? If so, we understand the difficulties you might now be facing – such as overwhelming financial burdens, the lack of income too support yourself or your family, the confusion regarding why your adjuster denied your disability benefits contrary to your doctor’s advice, and the frustration you are most likely feeling with Canada Life because of what you see has become and adversarial relationship. We have unfortunately seen this time and time again with Canada Life disability claimants.
Long-term disability insurance is a type of coverage offered by disability insurance companies, such as Canada Life, which help protect individuals who become unable to work due to an injury or illness. The benefits provide financial assistance for those who can no longer earn a living and need help covering their medical expenses, rent, car insurance payments, mortgage payments, and other bills.
When Canada Life unexpectedly terminates, denies, or cuts off your long-term disability benefits, it can come as a shocking blow – especially if you feel that you are still injured or sick. Claimants often face a sudden loss of income they were relying on to support themselves and their families, leading to financial strain, emotional distress, and a sense of helplessness. The abrupt cessation of benefits leaves many feeling confused, overwhelmed, and unsure of their next steps.
Despite this challenging and stressful time, it is essential to remember that you have rights as a policyholder. Unfortunately, most individuals are unaware of their legal options and may not know where to turn for help. It is crucial to understand that you have the right to challenge Canada Life’s decision and seek the reinstatement of your long-term disability benefits.
One of the most important rights you have is the ability to hire a long-term disability lawyer to represent your interests and fight for the benefits you deserve. An experienced disability lawyer can help you navigate the complex process of appealing the insurance company’s decision, gathering evidence to support your claim, and advocating on your behalf to ensure that your rights are protected.
Claimants should not feel pressured to accept Canada Life’s determination without exploring their legal options and avenues for recourse. By working with a skilled long-term disability lawyer, you can level the playing field and give yourself the best chance of successfully overturning the denial or termination of your benefits. Remember, you are not alone in this fight, and there are professionals ready to help you secure the financial support you need during this difficult time.
Typically, long-term disability insurance is offered through employers as part of their benefits package. This means that the employer pays all or part of the premiums on behalf of the employee in exchange for the employees being covered by the policy if they become disabled due to injury or illness. Some employers also offer individual policies which can be purchased directly from an insurer or broker.
The amount of coverage provided by long-term disability insurance varies depending on the policy and what it covers. Generally speaking, most policies will cover up to 60% of your income should you become what is called “totally disabled” and unable to work for an extended period of time. In addition, some policies may provide additional benefits such as rehabilitation services or job retraining programs.
It’s important to note that not all disabilities are covered under long-term disability insurance plans; typically only physical injuries or illnesses qualify for this type of coverage. Additionally, there may be certain exclusions in place, such as pre-existing conditions or mental health issues, that would not be eligible for coverage under a traditional plan if the employee suffered from them within 12 months of being on long-term disability.
Long-term disability insurance can provide financial security for persons who suffer illness or injury, but unfortunately, Canada Life often wrongfully denies long-term disability benefits to those claimants who really deserve them.
The termination of your long-term disability benefits by Canada Life can be a stressful and confusing experience. While each case is unique, there are several common reasons why an insurer might decide to stop payments. Understanding these reasons can help you navigate this challenging situation. There are several common reasons why a claim for long-term disability benefits may be denied by Canada Life, including:
It is important to understand why Canada Life denies disability claims and how best to prepare a successful claim should you pursue one after your benefits are denied. It is also essential to remember that Canada Life must comply with all legal requirements when denying disability claims, and if they fail to do so, then you may have grounds to claim damages in bad faith. By understanding the reasons why Canada Life denies disability claims and being familiar with disability laws and regulations, disability claimants can ensure their rights are protected during the disability claim process. Additionally, working with an experienced disability lawyer who understands disability law will help protect your rights and increase your chances of success while filing disability claims. With the right disability lawyer individuals can get disability benefits and ensure disability insurance companies cannot deny their disability claims without reason.
Canada Life often terminated long-term disability benefits after two year because of what is called the change of definition – is a key factor that is important to understand.
Under two years – you are covered under what is known as the “own occupation” coverage – meaning that benefits are payable in cases where the policyholder cannot perform the substantial duties of their own job which they worked prior to becoming disabled. After two years, there is what is called a “change of definition,” which means that the definition of disability changes from a claimant being unable to work at his or her own occupation – to being unable to work at any occupation for which he or she is reasonably suited by way of education, training or experience. It’s at this juncture that Canada Life often decides to override the claimant’s own doctors and take the position that they can do “some type of job”.
It is important to consider the change of definition after two years of disability as it has a direct impact on the adequacy of coverage and the amount of benefits that will be paid out. Knowing this information in advance can help policyholders make sure they have sufficient protection should they become disabled over an extended period of time. Understanding how your definition of disability may change after two years is important for anyone considering purchasing a disability insurance policy.
Canada Life is one of the largest providers of long-term disability insurance in Canada. Unfortunately, many people who have paid premiums to Canada Life for long-term disability benefits, either through their employer’s benefit plans or privately, often find themselves wrongfully denied their benefits when they become seriously ill or injured and unable to work.
When Canada Life denies a claim for long-term disability benefits, it can be financially devastating for the claimant and his or her family—especially if the disability is true total and prevents them from working. It’s important to understand why your claim may have been denied so that you can take steps to appeal the decision if necessary.
It is important for disability claimants whose claims have been rejected by Canada Life to know that they do not need to accept this decision without question—they have every right under Canadian law to pursue further action through legal channels if desired.
An experienced disability lawyer specializing in these types of cases can help them navigate the complex laws surrounding insurance policies while ensuring their rights are fully protected throughout proceedings. It is important to understand the reasons for Canada Life’s denial of benefits and seek legal advice from an experienced lawyer who can help you get your long-term disability benefits back on track and your monthly payments restarted – or, in the alternative – lumped out.
Remember – being denied long-term disability by Canada Life is not the end. Fortunately, you have the right to hire a lawyer if your claim is denied. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate through the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected throughout it all. They will review your case and provide advice on how best to proceed with appealing any denials or delays in payment from Canada Life or other insurers.
There are several common reasons why long-term disability benefits may be denied initially by Canada Life: lack of medical evidence, failure to meet policy requirements, pre-existing conditions, incorrect information provided on application forms, insufficient proof of income loss due to injury/illness, and more. A knowledgeable disability lawyer can identify these issues quickly and advise you on what steps should be taken next in order for you to receive benefits owed under your policy.
No matter what the reason, you will need help from a qualified disability specialist. The problem is that many, if not most people have never hired a lawyer in their life. Where do you start? Where do you look? Here are some pointers on on answer the question “how to look for a disability lawyer near me”:
Look for a lawyer who specializes in disability law: Disability law is a complex and specialized field, so it’s important to find a lawyer with extensive experience handling disability claims and appeals. They will be most familiar with the process and have the expertise to build a strong case on your behalf. Follow the 80/20 rule – meaning the lawyer you hire does about 80% disability litigation, and the other 20% is mostly other areas – but areas that are relevant, such as personal injury and employment law.
Schedule a free consultation: Most disability law firms offer free initial consultations so you can discuss your situation, ask questions, and get a sense of whether the lawyer is a good fit for you. Take advantage of these no-cost, no-obligation meetings to find a lawyer you feel comfortable with.
Ask about their fee structure: Disability lawyers typically work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. However, contingency fees can vary, so ask upfront what percentage of the recovered amount the lawyer would take. Also inquire about any additional legal costs you may be responsible for.
Inquire how they will handle your case: Will the lawyer you meet with actually be working on your file or will it be passed off to a junior associate or paralegal? Make sure you understand who specifically will be handling your disability claim. Also, ask about their communication process and how often you can expect updates.
Check their track record: An experienced disability lawyer should be able to share examples of cases similar to yours that they have successfully handled. Ask for client testimonials or references. You can also check their standing with the law society and read online reviews to get a sense of their reputation and record of results for disability claimants.
The key is finding a disability lawyer with specialized expertise who you feel confident can effectively fight for your rights and help you recover the benefits you deserve. Taking advantage of free consultations to ask these important questions can help disability claimants make an informed decision when hiring legal representation for the first time.
This is a question we are often asked. The answer is we don’t know. If you locate a lawyer in your area who practices primarily disability law and you get along with that lawyer – perhaps that would be the best decision to retain that lawyer’s services. There are advantages to retaining a local lawyer, such as being able to schedule meetings and appointments, preparing for legal matters in person, knowing who is actually taking your case (and not being stuck in the hands of a paralegal) and knowing your lawyer is connected in your legal community. There certainly are advantages.
The problem, however, is that disability law is a niche area of law and that you might not be able to find a specialist in your community. We never recommend hiring a local lawyer over hiring a specialist if the local lawyer does not primarily practice disability law. You absolutely need to retain a lawyer who specializes in disability law. If you need to hire an out-of-town lawyer, remember that most lawyers now conduct matters by video technology, so distance is not really a factor. But try your best to understand who will be handling your case, whether that lawyer will be reasonably accessible to you – and make sure your case won’t be passed down the line to other lawyers – and cause a disconnection in the relationship.
If you have been denied long-term disability benefits by Canada Life, it is important to understand your rights and the options available to you. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process of appealing a denial of benefits. With their knowledge and expertise, they can ensure that your case is presented in the best possible light and maximize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact an experienced lawyer if Canada Life has denied your long-term disability benefits.
Even with all the research demonstrating the impact of depression on work and one’s ability to perform their job duties, insurance companies often continue to deny disability claims. If your long-term disability claim has been denied due to depression, you have rights, for example:
Since 2003, the long-term disability lawyers at Lalande Disability Lawyers have recovered tens of millions in wrongfully denied long-term disability benefits for disabled claimants who are going through to the worst times of their lives. Stop struggling with a faceless insurance company – and call our long-term disability lawyers to get your free consultation today. We represent claimants suffering from depression all over Ontario, and we can help you get your long-term disability benefits back on track. Our consultations are 100% free – and if you decide to work with our long-term disability lawyers, the fee is free. We do not charge our clients anything unless we win their case. We are happy to provide you with the legal advice you need in order for you to make an informed decision about your own particular situation.
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IF YOUR BENEFITS HAVE BEEN DENIED WE CAN HELP
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Yes, you can be turned down for long-term disability. Depending on the insurance provider and policy, there may be certain requirements that must be met in order to qualify for long-term disability benefits. These requirements could include a minimum amount of time worked or an inability to perform any job due to injury or illness. Additionally, some policies have exclusions that prevent coverage from being provided in certain situations such as pre-existing conditions or self-inflicted injuries. If these criteria are not met, then it is possible that your claim will be denied.
The length of time that LTD benefits are available depends on the specific policy purchased by the insured person or employer. Normally, Canada Life will pay benefits to age 65 – or in some cases, for life.
Normally, Canada Life Policies Pay 60% of your income or a pre-determined amount that was agreed to at the time of policy purchase. Many tradesmen, for example, have irregular income streams, and therefore, a pre-determined policy amount must be agreed to by way of collective agreement or private policy purchase.
Canada Life often cuts off long-term disability benefits at the two-year mark or at the change of definition. This is when a person’s claim goes from being unable to do their own job to any occupation whatsoever.
If Canada Life cut off your benefits, you need to hire an experienced disability lawyer to get your benefits back on track. This is an absolute must. Do not hire a lawyer who “dabbles” in long-term disability, but rather a lawyer who specializes in lawsuits against disability insurance companies.
Although long-term disability benefits can be a lifeline for individuals struggling to cope with physical or mental impairments, it is common practice that applications are subject to review and approval. Unfortunately, in some cases, the long-term disability application may be denied. Reasons for an application being denied can vary widely depending on the facts and circumstances of the situation. Depending on the situation, it can be beneficial to work with a legal professional to obtain the best outcome possible by appealing a long-term disability denial.
It is possible to settle long-term disability benefits for a lump-sum payment. However, this is not always the recommended option because long-term disability benefits are based on long-term income long after you have settled and cannot be recovered if needed in the future. Speak to a knowledgeable lawyer who specializes in long-term disability claims in order to ensure that you understand the terms of your agreement and the impact it will have on your long-term disability benefits.
We always suggest hiring locally. We also suggest not hiring off the television or billboard only. Call your friends, your doctor’s office and your work colleagues to see if they can recommend a disability lawyer they know or can recommend.
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“Matt Lalande halped get my long-term disability benefits back. It was a longer fight than expected, but he managed to help make things right again. Would recommend A+++++ Thank you Matt.”
Patricia Williamson
Long-Term Disability
“Matt Lalande helped me attain my long-term disability benefits. The denial of benefits caused me substantial stress on top of my existing condition. Matt Lalande and his team were very understanding and explained the whole process clearly. They were confident that we would be successful. Dealing ...
Cheryl Oddie
Long-Term Disability
My experience with Mr. Matt Lalande and his team was exceptional. Matt is a very impressive professional when involved in a long-term disability benefits denial. Matt and Heather responded to all my emails and phone calls in a prompt and efficient manner. Matt is a great and honest lawyer. I highly reco...
Payne Momich
Long-Term Disability
