Fired After Cancer: Jeff’s Story
For most Canadians 2020 was an impossibly difficult time, but few had a year quite like Jeff’s. As a financial analyst, Jeff quickly transitioned to a work from home setup when his office closed its doors in March. In April though when he began to feel unwell, Jeff worried that he had contracted COVID-19 despite barely leaving his home. He was puzzled when his test results came back negative yet he continued to feel ill. After he collapsed at home, his family rushed him to the emergency room where tests revealed a much scarier diagnosis - lymphoma.
Doctors explained to Jeff that his condition was very serious, and they set out a treatment plan right away. Instead of spending the following months indoors, Jeff was transported back and forth to the hospital for radiation and chemotherapy treatments in order to save his life. Thankfully after a successful stem cell transplant earlier this year doctors confirmed that Jeff was finally cancer free, and able to return to work full time.
Yet while Jeff’s cancer may have been gone, his doctors had not accounted for the after-effects of his grueling cancer treatments. Jeff attempted to return to his position at the firm, but quickly realized that he was no longer able to perform like he had before he took ill. While once a wizard with numbers, Jeff began to find spreadsheets confusing, and financial reports overwhelmed him. Friends in treatment had warned him that there would be some ‘chemo brain’ after chemotherapy but he was surprised that things were this severe.
When Jeff brought up the matter with his manager, he was alarmed at their reaction. Formerly a friend and colleague, his manager was now accusing him of ‘faking’ his symptoms in order to gain sympathy from the team. Jeff was shocked. He was already disappointed in himself for his lingering symptoms, and could not believe that he now had to contend with a hostile workplace as well.
Jeff was unsure of his options, but thought that a disability lawyer may be able to offer guidance. A friend recommended Share Lawyers, who had a consultation with Jeff and explained his options. The lawyer explained that based on his symptoms, Jeff could re-apply for long term disability (LTD) benefits, which would compensate him financially with a portion of his salary while he continued his recovery. The lawyer explained what medical documentation would be required, which Jeff agreed to provide, but also warned that his claim may not be successful on the initial try.
Video: When Should I Hire A Lawyer to Help with my Disability Claim
Jeff’s disability lawyer was indeed correct. His long term disability benefits provider rejected his claim for benefits, but what happened next left Jeff truly stunned. Despite over a decade with the firm of excellent performance, Jeff’s employment was terminated. He was only offered a small severance package, and his employer claimed that if his benefits were denied then there is no reason that he should not have been able to perform in the role. The double hit left Jeff feeling dejected - he had just survived cancer and now felt as though he was being beaten down all over again.
Thankfully when Jeff phoned his lawyer at Share Lawyers, they swung into action. They explained that not only could they fight the denial of his benefits, but they could also file a claim against Jeff’s old firm for wrongful termination. After explaining their plan of attack, Jeff agreed, and felt a renewed burst of energy. Thankfully Share Lawyers was successful in both claims - Jeff had his long term disability benefits claim approved, and his lawyer successfully secured a far more favourable exit package from his employer. Today Jeff is focused on his recovery, without the added stress of worrying about his finances.
At Share Lawyers we have over 30 years of dealing with disability claim denials. Contact us today to set up a free consultation with our team.
Denied your long term disability claim?
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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.
