Success Story: George Christopoulos
As a single father of three teenage girls, George Christopoulos was a hard-working entrepreneur who took his financial responsibilities seriously. He ran a successful automotive shop in Aurora, Ontario, that provided well for his family.
Knowing that his livelihood depended on his health, George had purchased a life insurance policy, along with an accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) rider, when he and his late wife first started their family. He paid the premiums dutifully, never really thinking he would have to use the insurance. Although he had diabetes, he was otherwise in good health.
Car Accident Causes Injury
One winter evening, George was driving home from work during a particularly heavy snowfall, when he was t-boned by a car that had fish-tailed out of control. The impact was so devastating that the driver’s side of George’s car was crushed, causing a concussion, broken ribs and a deep wound to his lower left leg. He was rushed to the hospital with critical injuries.
Injury Causes Infection
While in hospital, the wound in George’s leg became severely infected and could not be managed by antibiotics. His leg had to be amputated below the knee.
A Challenging Recovery
The accident and subsequent amputation devastated George and his family. Worried about their wellbeing, he pushed forward. He was fitted with a prosthetic leg and began physical rehab and counselling. George’s children stepped up to the plate and took turns taking care of him when they were not in school. Throughout all of this, his shop remained closed. Bills piled up. It was time to turn to his insurance.
The False Safety Net
After months of waiting for a response regarding his AD&D benefit, George took another major hit when the insurance company sent him a letter refusing to pay out the benefit. According to them, the loss of his limb was caused by complications due to diabetes, not the car accident.
No Fight Left In Him
The insurance company's denial put an enormous strain on George. Dealing with his emotional, physical and mental recovery was trying enough; he did not have an ounce of energy left to fight their denial, even though he felt the decision was completely unjust.
Therapist Refers Him To Share Lawyers
Upon hearing about the insurance company's denial of benefits, George's rehab therapist handed him a Share Lawyers brochure and told him to call right away for help. That's how George met with David Share, President of the firm, and was impressed with David's expertise and track record of success dealing with George’s insurance company.
David was very familiar with the insurer's delay and denial tactics and was confident that he could succeed in recovering funds for George. George knew he couldn't do it alone. He also knew he didn't have anything to lose, since David guaranteed that they would not charge any fees unless they settled his case. He retained Share Lawyers the same day.
Taking Action
While establishing that the amputation was caused by an accident was difficult, the medical evidence suggested that the complications that led to amputation were set in motion by the injuries sustained in the accident. This evidence was used to persuade the insurance company to pay out the claim with only a small reduction to take into account the risk of litigation.
With the funds George recovered he was able to plan for his future knowing he had received a fair settlement in his disputed AD&D claim.
All names and identifying details have been changed to protect the confidentiality of all involved.
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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.
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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.
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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.
