Success Story: Jonathan Ecker
*Names have been fictionalized to protect the privacy of our clients.
Millions of people worldwide experience unexplained pain. When managing the physical and emotional effects, focusing on insurance claims can be an enormous challenge.
This was the case for Jonathan, 53 years old, from Labrador City who worked as a flight attendant for over 13 years. He enjoyed his job and the meaningful connections he made with the passengers he assisted.
Four years ago, Jonathan began experiencing leg, hip, and foot pain. He was in constant pain, all of which was localized below the waist. The extent of his pain made his physically demanding job impossible to do.
Not knowing how long the pain would continue affecting him, Jonathan applied for short-term benefits and was approved. For months, he worked with healthcare professionals to try and diagnose the cause of his pain. With a myriad of possibilities eventually being ruled out, Jonathan was still left without a definitive reason for his condition.
Eventually, he applied for long-term disability benefits. Over the next three years, Jonathan struggled to find any remedies that could relieve his suffering - a great challenge, considering the lack of explanation for his symptoms.
Then last year, out of the blue, Jonathan’s insurance company sent a letter asking him to go to an independent medical examination (IME). His case manager, whom he had been dealing with in the past, had changed.
After going to the IME, the insurance company wrote, saying they believed that Jonathan was able to work in a different capacity. Jonathan knew that was not the case - his pain restricted him both physically and emotionally from working.
His benefits were cut off within a few days - with minimal notice. Jonathan felt he was in a whirlwind. How could this happen seemingly overnight?
Depression quickly set in while Jonathan was unable to work and left without benefits - a condition that was exacerbated by his physical and financial stress. He felt hopeless and resigned to his fate of being in constant pain and with no support.
Within a year, Jonathan was bankrupt and had lost his house. Over the holidays, his brother Sam flew from Vancouver, BC to Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario where Jonathan was living. Sam could hardly bear to see his brother in such a state. It was so devastating to see Jonathan suffering and not receiving the benefits he needed to live.
Sam could not accept it was too late for his brother and decided to take action. After researching firms that might be able to help, he found Share Lawyers. It only took one phone call to shed light on the options for Jonathan.
Share Lawyers joined Sam in his resolve to fight for the resources Jonathan needed to live while being unable to work. The team at Share Lawyers brought new hope to his situation. They argued that Jonathan was entitled to benefits going back to when he was cut off so abruptly, and into the future because he was unable to work. A settlement was reached that enabled Jonathan to live with financial security and focus on his health. Jonathan still struggles with unexplained pain. But now because of Share Lawyers and the love of his family, he knows he doesn’t have to face it alone.
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.
