Success Story: Cindy Tomas
Cindy has had Type 1 Diabetes since she was a child, but her illness has always been well under control.
Just six months ago, when Cindy turned 40, she was hired for a new position. She was excited for the opportunity and anxious to begin her new job. Cindy did not inform her employers about her illness as it had never been a problem for her in the workplace. Soon after starting her new job, however, Cindy was diagnosed with a severe depressive disorder. She had good group coverage in her new workplace, so she tried to file a disability claim for long-term disability benefits, but her claim was denied by the insurer. Cindy was devastated. She had a new debilitating illness and couldn’t take the time off she needed to figure out how to navigate it.
The insurance company argued that Cindy’s new diagnosis was connected to her long-standing Diabetes diagnosis. They claimed both conditions were pre-existing - making Cindy ineligible to receive benefits for her depression. Cindy knew that this wasn’t true - she has had Diabetes for years without any depression, and her Diabetes was under control. She reached out to her employers for support, but was dismayed when they also refused to assist her. They blamed her for the uncomfortable position she had put their company in and asked Cindy to step down “for the sake of the company”. Cindy was lost and didn’t know where to turn for help. She needed to support herself financially, but didn’t know how to manage her new depressive health condition at work.
One fortunate day, Cindy was browsing a Diabetes community group on Facebook. She noticed that a group member had posted something about Share Lawyers. Cindy was unfamiliar with Share Lawyers but decided to take a risk and reach out for help after reading the positive Facebook post from a former client. Once she discussed her claim, Share Lawyers took on Cindy’s case. They built a strong case against her insurer showing that her diabetes had nothing to do with her depression. Cindy’s claim was settled at mediation. She received a lump sum for her past benefits that had not been paid and then continued to receive ongoing benefits into the future.
Thanks to Share Lawyers, Cindy was able to get the help she needed. The benefits she now receives allow her to focus on healing and managing her illness. She was able to seek counseling and has developed coping mechanisms. One day she hopes to return to work.
*All names and identifying details have been changed to protect the confidentiality of all involved.
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.
