Success Story: Lily Chin

*Names have been fictionalized to protect the privacy of our clients.

At the company summer picnic, Lily, an administrative assistant with a small Brampton manufacturer, got a surprise. Her tenth anniversary with the company was announced and applauded. Everybody knew that Lily loved macaroni salad, so she was presented with a platter of her favourite picnic food. Obese and diabetic, she enjoyed it anyway, happily sharing in the celebration. That’s when it all started.

Small cut on the hand

Feeling a little nervous from all of the attention, plus a touch of heat stroke, Lily cut her right hand. Fortunately, she managed to keep that secret at the picnic. Unfortunately, the cut did not heal properly. Within a few days, her hand, cool and numb, had developed gangrene.

Devastating diagnosis

On a visit to her doctor a few weeks later, Lily learned that gangrene is treatable when diagnosed early enough, before flesh begins to die. After flesh dies, amputation is the standard treatment. Before the gangrene spread too far, Lily’s forearm would be amputated.

Disability benefits paid

While recovering in hospital from the amputation, Lily had the kind help of a co-worker to fi ll out the papers for her disability insurance claim. The hospital staff helped, also, and the claim was accepted. Clearly unable to work at her own occupation, Lily soon began to receive disability insurance benefits of $3,600 per month.

Warning: “change of definition”

About two years after the payments began, still unemployed and having psychological troubles, Lily received a letter from her insurance company. It stated that she had been receiving benefits because her disability kept her from working at her own job. This did not mean that she could not work at any job. Without proof that she could not work at all, a change of definition would result in her benefits being terminated.

Hope-restoring referral

Lily’s family doctor referred her to Share Lawyers. Share Lawyers accepted her case.

Future benefits affirmed

After review and investigation, Share Lawyers argued that, while Lily could possibly earn some income – despite her missing right forearm, diabetes, and psychological troubles – she would not be able to find work equivalent in pay, equivalent to her level of experience, or equivalent to her overall needs for a livelihood. The insurer resisted this argument right up to the courtroom steps. However, after pre-trial discussions, they relented and agreed to reinstate Lily’s benefi ts. This allowed her to continue receiving the money she would need to maintain a decent life.

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.