Slater Vecchio LLP offers legal services to people who have been denied or cut off of their long-term disability benefits by their insurer. We have 25 years of experience helping people like you obtain financial compensation for the denial of the benefits you are entitled to.
Don’t give up hope. Our legal team will help you review your claim and discuss your options with you.
Contact our team today for a complimentary consultation, and let us help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t delay! Typically, insurance policies have deadlines for submitting your application and supporting documents and requesting a denial appeal. If you miss these deadlines, your claim might be denied.
Slater Vecchio is built on the philosophy that our clients come first. Hearing your story and understanding your needs is an important part of helping you. We recognize that it can be difficult to share your story and we aim to create a safe, supportive space for you. This does not have to happen in one day.
We are here to help whenever you are ready.
We offer services to residents of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. We have experience working with clients and insurance companies in all communities, large and small.
Technology brings your legal team to you wherever you are, even in the comfort of your own home. We are happy to connect with you virtually or in person.
John, an architect, developed severe rheumatoid arthritis, which made the detailed drawing work his job required impossible. His specialist provided a medical note confirming his diagnosis and the impact on his fine motor skills. Despite that opinion, his LTD insurance denied his claim, on the basis that he can do other design-type jobs. The insurer overlooked that John’s insurance policy was an own occupation policy and that his disability entitlement depended only on if he was disabled from work as an architect. It did not matter whether there were other fields he could work in. John may have a claim for wrongful denial on the basis that he cannot return to his own job as an architect.
Samantha was an elementary school teacher who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident that caused her disabling migraines. She had pre-existing headaches, but never migraines. Her doctor provided a medical note supporting that she was disabled due to migraines. Her LTD policy had an exclusion for pre-existing conditions. Her insurer denied benefits on the basis that her headaches were pre-existing. Samantha can make a claim that the exclusionary clause does not apply to her, because the diagnosis is different and that the insurer misunderstood the medical opinion.
Alex, a software developer, filed for LTD benefits after being diagnosed with advanced Lyme disease, which led to severe fatigue and joint pain. His insurer initially processed his claim but two months later, he received a notice that his claim was suspended due to missing medical records. Unbeknownst to Alex, his insurer had misplaced the supplementary health records he submitted. Consequently, Alex’s benefits were unjustly suspended based on the insurer’s administrative error. He could bring a claim on the basis that his benefits were wrongfully suspended due to the insurer’s error.
Rebecca, an event planner, filed for LTD due to a chronic illness. Her insurer excessively delayed processing her claim, causing significant financial and emotional stress. The insurer provided no valid reason for the delay. Rebecca’s case could involve seeking compensation for the undue hardship caused by the insurer’s failure to process her claim in a timely manner and possibly include penalties for delayed payments.
Carlos, a construction manager, sustained a back injury that prevented him from performing his regular duties, but he was able to do light-duty work. His insurer denied benefits on the basis that he was no longer disabled. However, Carlos was earning less money in a light-duty role and only working part time. Carlos had a policy that included partial disabilities and may be able to claim for a top up of his partial earnings.
Mike, a pilot, was diagnosed with a heart condition that grounded him from flying. His insurer denied his LTD benefits by selectively considering only some of his medical reports, ignoring key details about his specific risk factors and the nature of his job that makes him unfit to fly. Mike can make a claim that the insurer did not adequately consider all medical information which affected their decision.
Linda, a former bank manager, was on LTD for a severe anxiety disorder. Her insurer cut off her benefits based on video surveillance footage showing her shopping and socializing. However, her activities captured in the footage were consistent with her doctor’s recommendations for engaging in social activities as part of her therapy. Linda can bring a claim that he benefits were wrongfully terminated.
The insurance company almost always provides you with a reason or basis for their denial. Sometimes the denial is wrongfully made, despite their justification. Don’t give up hope. Our legal team can help you to understand your rights and options.
Collect your important documents including:
Contact Slater Vecchio to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Real-life client scenarios have been anonymized and are not exclusively clients of Slater Vecchio LLP. Contacting us does not create a solicitor-client relationship. Long-term disability insurance dispute service only available in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.
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