Alone and Unsure: A Client’s Journey Holding an Insurance Company Accountable with the Help of Joey Pollock
As a cancer patient, I was going through chemotherapy which took its toll on my well-being. I was experiencing what would be considered brain fog. I had been off of work for about one year. Thinking I was capable of returning to my job, I went back to work, but I couldn’t sustain my efforts. […]
One Claimant’s Story Fighting a Long-Term Disability Insurance Claim Denial
This is an excerpt from a recent claimant testimonial. They provide an overview of their journey fighting their benefits insurance provider. Names and specific details were removed to protect the privacy of all individuals and companies. Our insurance claim problem I experienced a life-threatening medical issue which if left untreated would have been terminal. I […]
Can Insurance Companies Use Surveillance?
Yes. Absolutely. If you are advancing a claim for disability benefits, or your disability benefits are currently being paid, you should be aware that your insurer might be surveilling you to determine if your actions are consistent with your claim. Someone might be watching and video recording you at your child’s or grandchild’s hockey game, […]
COVID, California and Insurance Coverage
For over a year, I had planned to take a month-long vacation to California. As luck would have it, it was slated for March 2020 – right when COVID-19 (aka coronavirus) seemingly shut down the world. My family was supposed to rotate through visits with us over the month, however, things didn’t go as planned. […]
Good Faith and Bad Faith: What do they mean and what should claimants expect?
In Canada, a disability and life insurance policy contains an implied contractual duty of good faith. These terms, though seemingly simple, are complex, so let’s start with the definitions and then move to what those two terms might mean to you. Good Faith n. honest intent to act without taking an unfair advantage over another […]
Life and Disability Insurance Legal Fees: Contingency vs. Fee For Service
One of the first questions you likely want answered before deciding how to proceed is: How am I going to pay for legal services? In my practice, I offer my clients the option of entering into a contingency agreement or a fee-for-service agreement. Contingency Agreement – This arrangement provides that I will only get paid […]
What to do when a life or disability claim is denied, and it gets “personal”
I know that when your claim was denied, your first reaction was likely a desire to call up the claims adjuster to give him or her a piece of your mind. You likely want to threaten the insurer with litigation if they continue to deny your claim. I know that the denial has been a […]
Legal Terms 101
The following is a list of terms you might come across during the claims and litigation process: Total Disability – Short-Term Disability (STD Benefits) – STD insurance pays a percentage of your regular wages for a period generally ranging from three to six months. There is generally a waiting period between the occurrence of the […]