Disability Lawyer Sault Ste. Marie

Servicing Sault Ste. Marie and all of Ontario

Sad. Numb. A sense of overwhelming hopelessness and failure. People in the depths of depression often describe experiencing these types of feelings. With mental illness, the lens that we see life through becomes distorted. Various therapies, including medication, counselling, and lifestyle changes can help a person manage these conditions; yet it often takes time and may require a period of rest and recovery.

If you’re living and working in the Sault Ste. Marie area and experiencing depression, or other conditions such as anxiety and mood disorders, chronic pain (fibromyalgia), or post-traumatic stress disorder from workplace sexual harassment or assault, there are numerous local resources available to help you manage symptoms and return to state of good health. But you may need to take some time off work to devote to this healing journey.

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Benefits

Insurance policies offered by employers (or purchased by individuals) often provide financial compensation (all or a portion of their regular earnings) and health benefits if a person’s medical needs require them to take an extended break from work. Once regular sick days are exhausted or a qualifying period ends, short-term disability benefits typically last for periods of up to 15 weeks to a year and generally require reports from your medical practitioner.

If an employee is unable to return to work at the end of this period, they can apply for long-term disability benefits. These applications usually require additional medical tests, evaluations and assessments facilitated by an insurance company. In order to qualify for LTD, some policies stipulate a person must be disabled to a point where they cannot hold any job, not only their own occupation.

Denials Can Be Challenged

Unfortunately, insurance providers do deny disability benefits to people who rightfully deserve them, including people with ‘invisible disabilities’ that are difficult to observe or that require self-reporting. Surveillance reports of an applicant may convince insurers to conclude an applicant is not disabled, not sufficiently disabled to qualify for benefits, or misrepresented the nature of their illness on an application.

For example, if a person suffering from depression is counselled by a physician to exercise, to make efforts to socialize with friends, or to spend time doing leisure activities, surveillance reports may convince an insurer that this means the applicant is also capable of holding regular employment. Of course, that’s not always the case.

Howie, Sacks and Henry’s disability and critical illness lawyers can help you if your disability benefits have been denied in Sault Ste. Marie. Our skilled and knowledgeable team has the expertise to help you appeal this decision. We will attempt to negotiate a settlement that meets your needs and we have no issues about going to court if you don’t receive the kind of offer you deserve.

HSH disability lawyers will gladly meet you in your own home in Sault Ste. Marie or at a nearby consultation office to listen to your story. Our team has gained a strong reputation for compassionate personalized service. As we help prepare your case, we will ensure that you never feel as though you are just a file to us.

When a disability robs you of your livelihood and an insurance provider unfairly denies your claim for benefits, HSH disability and critical illness lawyers can be your trusted advocates and supporters in Sault Ste. Marie.