How a Lawyer Can Help With Your Short-Term Disability Claim

If you are unable to work because of an injury or illness, the anxiety and stress from worrying about how to support your family can be overwhelming. Workers in Ontario could be entitled short-term disability benefits. Finding out what benefits you are entitled to receive and pursuing a claim for them can be difficult without the assistance of an experienced lawyer.

Understanding your short-term disability policy

Short-term disability insurance plans are not written with the consumer in mind. They are complex legal documents outlining the rights and obligations of you and the insurance company. Understanding your benefits under the policy is easier when you have a lawyer to review it and explain to you the benefits and how to make a claim for them under the terms of the policy.

One of the dangers inherent in filing an insurance claim is not following the claims procedures outlined in the policy. Missing a deadline or failing to provide the company with the correct information can delay the processing of your claim or result it being denied. By understanding the terms of the policy, your lawyer can keep track of your claim and respond to inquiries from the company about the claim.

If you are not covered by a short-term disability insurance policy, your lawyer can review other benefit programs to which you might be entitled to make a claim, including the Employment Insurance Sickness Benefit program and the Ontario Disability Support Program. Each of these programs have eligibility requirements you must meet in order to receive benefits, but a disability claims lawyer can review those requirements with you to determine which program is the correct one for you.

Lawyers know the documents and reports needed for a claim

Your lawyer will ensure that your claim is supported by documents and reports, including:

• A statement from the doctor treating you containing information about the nature of your injury or illness and explaining the reason you cannot return to work.
• Documents from your employer explaining the type of work you do and the physical demands required to perform the duties of your job.
• Other documents and records pertaining to the accident or the illness to provide a clear picture of the basis for the claim.

Requests for additional documentation in support of your claim can be quickly handled by your lawyer.

Preserving your rights through the reconsideration and appeals process

If a claim for short-term disability benefits is denied, you have the right to request a reconsideration or review of the denial. A lawyer ensures deadlines for requesting a review are met and that proper procedures are followed to preserve your rights.

Insurance policies, include short-term disability policies, are contractual agreements between you and an insurance company. You could have the right to sue an insurance company in the event your claim for disability benefits is not handled properly and in accordance with the terms of the policy.

A lawyer can protect and preserve your rights by ensuring that all deadlines for filing appeals or commencing court action against the insurer are met. Failing to file an appeal or start a lawsuit on time can prevent your case from being heard by the courts.

Personal injury lawyers in Ontario

The personal injury lawyers at Diamond & Diamond have years of experience pursuing compensation and benefit claims for the victims of accidents and injuries. If you have a claim for benefits and need assistance, call our 24/7 personal injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT or visit our website to speak to one of our team members. We have offices throughout Ontario to offer free consultations and case evaluations.