Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident? If you’ve been involved in a car accident — even a minor one — getting competent legal representation can make a big difference in being able to recover damages. What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do? There are many different functions that a car accident lawyer undertakes while they are representing you in your claim. Consider the following ways that a lawyer can be helpful during the course of your car accident case: They will investigate the unique facts of your car accident, collecting important evidence in the process. They will interview witnesses; review photographs of the scene, police reports, and other documentation; and recreate the accident if necessary to understand what happened. They will offer you a consultation. During this consultation, you’ll discuss your legal rights, the various options available to you in recovering damages for your injuries, and...

How Long Does a Personal Injury Lawsuit Take? If you’ve been injured in an accident and suffered damages, you are likely ready to put it all behind you and get back to living your life. Many personal injury matters can involve significant damages, such as lost income, damage to your personal property, medical and rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering. And while recovering for those damages is possible through a lawsuit or settlement, personal injury matters can take a long time to resolve. How Long Do Lawsuit Settlements Take? Most civil lawsuits, including personal injury matters, are resolved without going to court. In fact, according to the Government of Canada, about 98% of all civil lawsuits never go to trial. Instead, they are settled outside of court or resolved through another method of alternative dispute resolution. A settlement is essentially a legal agreement between the parties, which resolves the claims...

Also known as the “invisible” disability, it is reported that one in three people in Canada will experience mental illness at some point during their lifetime. Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, and addiction are some of the ways in which mental illness manifests itself in the nearly 500,000 employed Canadians who are unable to work due to mental health problems. These numbers are only expected to increase.  Unfortunately, insurance companies frequently deny disability claims that arise from the debilitating effects of depression. Read on to find out more about your rights when it comes to filing a disability claim due to depression and the potential next steps to appeal a long-term depression disability denial. Why are Claims Denied Despite Suffering from Depression? Insufficient Medical Evidence Insufficient medical evidence is one of the main reasons insurance companies will deny a mental illness claim. This is...

The process of applying for long-term disability benefits is often far more stressful and demanding than many people anticipate. If you have applied for disability benefits only to have your claim denied, you need to understand that you are not alone, as many applicants have their disability claims denied on the first try.  Why Does Long-Term Disability Commonly Get Denied In Ontario? There are a variety of reasons why your claim may have been denied. Understanding why a claim got denied can help you determine what your next step should be. They include: The clock runs out. The first very common reason for a long-term disability denial in Ontario is timing. Most insurance companies have “Proof of Claim” or “Notice” clauses in their contracts that stipulate when a disability claim needs to be filed. If you fail to file in time, your claim can be denied. Your failure to communicate...

It is an unfortunate truth that many long-term disability benefits in Canada end up being initially denied. Private insurance companies do not publish statistics on denied claims, but it’s common for people applying for disability benefits to be initially denied. After all, insurers maximize profits by minimizing payouts. If you’re denied disability and can’t work, you may find yourself in a financially precarious situation and in need of immediate help.  When you receive the initial denial letter, the insurer is required to provide you with an opportunity to appeal the decision. Most appeals are handled internally though, so they are often not fair decisions. Seeking legal help immediately can help you get the benefits you need. However, even the fastest settlements take time, so following are some possible options for additional relief. What Options Do You Have If You Cannot Work? If you’re denied disability benefits, the Government of Canada...

Bipolar disorder affects about 1 out of every 100 people. Extreme mood shifts characterized by extreme emotional highs and debilitating lows can greatly disrupt the lives of those affected by bipolar disorder. This mental health condition can last days, weeks, or months, hindering your ability to tend to your role in the workplace. As the struggle to maintain a work-life balance becomes increasingly more challenging against a backdrop of traumatizing world events, the number of people affected by mental health issues is only expected to increase.  Qualifying for long-term disability benefits due to bipolar disorder requires strong evidence on behalf of the claimant. Insurance companies will hold the claim under scrutiny during the approval process. Those affected by bipolar disorder need to be able to demonstrate the severity of how having the disorder impairs their ability to work. This post will cover what you should do if you are denied...

If you’ve become disabled and cannot work, it’s understandable that you might be concerned about money. How will you take care of yourself and your loved ones without a regular paycheck coming in? Applying for disability is a good place to start; however, your claim might be denied. Even if it’s ultimately approved, the process might be a long one. What are your chances of getting approved for disability? Are there any signs your claim might get the green light? Let’s unpack the issue here. What Are Some Signs that You Will be Approved? First things first. You have a higher likelihood of being approved if your case involves: An impairment recognized as eligible by your policy. This requires reading the fine print of your policy prior to submitting a claim for benefits.  There is complete information in the application to prove your eligibility for benefits. This could include documentation...

Many Canadians pay costly premiums for long-term disability insurance, so it can be incredibly surprising and depressing when you file a claim only to have it denied. The unfortunate truth is that denials of benefits are extremely common, but you need to understand that you will still have options even after an initial denial. In most cases, insurance companies are certainly hoping that you will receive your denial letter and conclude that is the end of the road, because that will allow the insurer to save significant sums of money. However, appropriate action can help you obtain the benefits that you need and deserve. Why Are Long-Term Disability Claims Commonly Denied? There are several different reasons why insurance companies deny long-term disability benefit claims. Following are some of the most common reasons for denials: You are not “totally disabled.” Many insurance companies will conclude that an applicant does not satisfy...

Being in a motor vehicle accident can wreak havoc on your life and result in serious personal injuries and damages. Hiring a personal injury lawyer for auto accident injuries can help you ensure that you get the compensation you need to get your life back on track. What Does a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Do? A motor vehicle lawyer represents victims of car accidents, seeking to recover a fair and reasonable settlement in order to recover the damages suffered by the victim during and after the accident. Motor vehicle accident lawyers advocate on behalf of their clients, negotiate with the opposing party and their insurance company, and prepare a strong case for the client in court, if necessary. When you hire a motor vehicle accident lawyer, you receive important legal advice and professional expertise. What Does the Work of a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Entail? MVA lawyers engage in many...