Ask A Lawyer: PTSD
In this blog, Share Lawyers answers general questions regarding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and disability benefits.
Are “injuries” in a personal injury case strictly defined as physical? Can I be compensated for my emotional and mental injuries?
Injuries would include both physical and psychological symptoms. It is more difficult to obtain compensation purely for emotional or mental health injuries, although that may be possible depending on the particular circumstances of the incident that gave rise to the injuries.
Can I take short-term disability for mental health issues?
Yes, you can take STD benefits for our mental health issues. Again, the diagnosis of your mental health issues and your inability to work due to mental health issues must be supported by your medical provider.
I was involved in a severe car accident last year and have been diagnosed with PTSD as a result. The flashbacks have made it impossible for me to do my job, but I have heard that it’s difficult to get approved for long-term disability. Is this true?
PTSD falls into the broad category of conditions that are sometimes described as “invisible disabilities”.They are “invisible” because objective medical testing does not provide proof of the illness, symptoms or disabling condition. An X-ray, CT Scan, MRI or other medical testing generally will not provide any explanation for the symptoms you may be suffering with as part of the PTSD diagnosis. As claims for Long Term Disability are generally scrutinized extensively, being approved may well be difficult. If you have strong medical support and your claim is denied you should not hesitate to contact an experienced disability lawyer to assess your chances of proceeding with your claim and successfully getting the benefits you deserve.
I have post-traumatic stress disorder as the result of serving in Afghanistan, but my insurance company seems to think that I have been misdiagnosed. The company has cited “insufficient medical evidence” as the reason for denying my long-term disability claim. On top of that my psychologist refuses to write any more reports. I’m now at a loss—is it time to hire a lawyer?When an insurance company says that there is “insufficient medical evidence”, you have the option to appeal by providing more medical evidence, or consulting a lawyer to discuss your rights and possible remedies. If your doctors have provided all the medical information that is available, then appealing will not achieve anything except cause delays. You should contact an experienced disability lawyer to help you fight for the benefits you are entitled to receive.
Has your long term disability claim been denied? Contact Share Lawyers and put our experience to work for you. We offer free consultations and there are no fees unless we win your case. Find out if you have a disability case.
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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.
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A note from our long term disability lawyers
Taking a medical leave from work is not an easy decision to make. Concerns about providing for yourself and your family and keeping your job may cause you to want to push through your pain, but this won’t make your problems go away. Stopping work is often the smartest decision for your long term health and well-being, and your disability benefits are there to provide you with financial support until you can return to work.
If you have made the tough decision to stop working and apply for your short term disability or long term disability benefits, you may feel overwhelmed by the process and have questions that your employer and your insurance company are not able or willing to answer. Share is There to see you through and answer your questions.
Our Disability law firm knows what you have been going through
We understand that things have not been easy for you over the last little while. Your health has been suffering, you are unable to work, and now your insurance company, who was supposed to be there in your time of need, has decided they will not pay your disability benefits or respect your disability claim. These benefits exist to provide you with the financial support you need so that you can focus on your health and rebuilding your life. It is unfortunate that your insurance company has not lived up to its promise. If your disability claim has been denied, we will fight to get you the benefits you are entitled to. Our disability lawyers have helped thousands of Canadians get their long term disability benefits over the past 35 years, and we can help you too.
Our experienced disability lawyers can fight back on your behalf
Share Lawyers believes that every client who is dealing with a disability claim deserves superior personal service. To achieve that goal, we have developed our team of experienced, compassionate, and caring long term disability lawyers, law clerks, and administrative staff to meet all of your needs. Our team of experienced long term disability, life insurance, employment, and critical illness insurance lawyers have made successful claims against many insurance companies, third-party administrators and employers.
If you are unable to work, your disability benefits should be there to provide you with the financial support you need. While your insurance company may be focused on finding ways to avoid paying your claim, our focus is on what is in your best interest. When Share Lawyers gets involved, you have an entire team of lawyers that are there to support you and to fight for what is yours.
Our disability claim lawyers fight for your disability insurance claim by relying on our many years of experience to apply the best strategic planning and approach in each case, using the latest technology available. Experience matters, and with Share Lawyers, you are in the best hands with 35 years of success on your side.
In this video, we explain the role of a long term disability lawyer and how we can support you when you have been denied your long term disability benefits.
