4 Reasons You Need Your Doctor’s Support for an LTD Claim
If you have a disabling illness or injury that is making it impossible to keep working, then you may be able to apply for long term disability insurance benefits through a group or privately purchased plan. The most effective way to increase your chances of being approved for your disability benefits across Canada is to apply with the right supporting documents, and most importantly, with the full support and the medical opinion of your doctor. You should always contact your doctor prior to filing for disability benefits. Here’s why:
The Doctor is the Expert
You know you’re not fit for work, but your insurance company will see that as speculation until you have your doctor’s seal of approval. A doctor’s supportive assessments, test results, and recommendations can go a long way in disability claims. These documents make your decision to not return to work seem reasonable and necessary, and test results (objective proof) will be there to reinforce their expert medical opinion.Objective & Subjective Analysis
When an insurance company denies a claim, they do so based on their subjective assessment of your situation – this amounts to basically speculating about your health. When a claim is denied, our job is to create a strong counter argument rooted in objective scientific fact. Your doctor is invaluable in this process.
Doctors are able to strengthen your case by recommending and ordering appropriate tests and medical treatment to demonstrate your claims. Their interpretation of this scientific testing is also necessary, as the insurer may try to manipulate the interpretation of those test results. Your doctor can also refer you to specialists whose medical opinion and analysis can be even more valuable than your GPs in some situations.They Know Your History
Your doctor will likely have access to a well-documented history of your health. This medical history can be used to reinforce your claim that your health or ability has declined over time.Insurance Companies Can Be Ruthless
If you are denied your initial claim for benefits, or if you appeal your denied LTD claim, most insurance companies will make it their priority to prove that you are able to work and are ineligible for benefits. They may even go so far as investigate your actions (with online or in person surveillance) and try to document you doing tasks that suggest you are more able than you claim to be.
Without the support of a medical professional, you may find yourself unable to defend your condition. Your doctor can provide indisputable evidence that you are unwell or disabled. This is your strongest defense against the insurance company’s vigilant campaign against you.
Your doctor can be your greatest ally in court when it comes to winning the disability benefits you deserve. Let them know what’s happening and ask for the help you need to make your case.
What if my doctor disagrees with the insurance company’s medical specialist?
Your family doctor might feel intimidated by a specialist who has examined you for an insurance company. Still, you can ask your family doctor to refer you to a specialist in the same field as the insurance company’s expert, or in the most appropriate specialty for your condition. The combination of a supportive family doctor and a specialist who agrees with your family doctor’s findings is persuasive and you have a good chance of winning against the insurance company.
What If my doctor does not support my claim?
Your doctor’s opinion can be very important in your claim and it can certainly be difficult to get the disability benefits you deserve without their support, but don’t despair. There are some things you or your long term disability lawyer can do to help.
The first thing you should do is find out the reasons why your doctor won’t support your claim. There are many factors that may contribute to their reluctance that don’t necessarily have to do with their believe in your claim.
Some common examples of reasons why a physician may not support your claim for long term disability include:
Unclear expectations – doctors may not understand what is expected from them in this process and they may not want to commit to something they see as lengthy and complicated.
Personal opinions – some physicians may be reluctant to label a patient as disabled knowing that it may result in the approval of benefits.
Lack of time – some doctors may simply be concerned that the process of assisting with a long-term disability claim will take up too much of their time.
Money – some doctors may wish to be reasonably compensated for their time in assisting with your claim.
Medical opinions about your disability – some physicians may not wish to support your claim because they believe there are no limitations in your ability to work.
Despite their reasons for not supporting your LTD claim, it’s always best to have the opinion of a doctor who has treated you for a long time. Our long term disability lawyers in Canada have experience in gathering information from your doctor and in explaining the process, which makes it easier to get the evidence you need to help you win your case.
If you have had your claim for long term disability denied, contact the long term disability insurance lawyers at Share Lawyers. Our experienced team of long term disability (LTD) lawyers can help. Toronto is home to the Share Lawyers office, but we have helped people all across Canada. We have recently settled cases against Canada Life, Desjardins, Manulife, RBC Insurance, Sun Life, and many more. We offer free consultations and there are no fees unless we win your case. Find out if you have a disability case.
Denied your long term disability claim?
Contact Share Lawyers today and put our experience to work for you. Our 35+ years of experience can help you win your case against Canada Life, Desjardins, Manulife, RBC Insurance, Sun Life, and other insurance companies. We offer free consultations and there are no fees unless you win your case. Join us on Facebook and become a Top Fan for a chance to win each month.
