Canada Life Long-Term Disability Claim Denial in Canada

A Canada Life Long-Term Disability denial stings. It’s a gut punch, a blow to your finances, and a confusing maze of paperwork and legalese. But hold on – before despair sets in, know this: you have options, you have rights, and this guide is your compass to navigate the path back to your rightful benefits.

Can Canada Life Deny My Claim?

Yes, they can, but not without good reason and fair process. Ultimately, they need to demonstrate that you’re not genuinely disabled and unable to work for a significant period. If your doctor’s documentation doesn’t scream “work is impossible,” or if your claim stumbles on policy requirements, exclusions, or pre-existing conditions, they might deny your request.

Understand that insurance companies have their reasons, even if they feel unfair:

• Lack of supporting medical documentation: They rely on medical documentation that is clear.
• Cost control: They strive for financial stability, sometimes leading to stricter claim assessments.
• Fraud prevention: They need to weed out bogus claims to protect their system.
• Misunderstandings: Complex policies and unclear communication can lead to disagreements.

But here’s the truth: their justifications aren’t always airtight. Mistakes happen, information gets misinterpreted, or left out entirely. These decisions are often driven by other factors outside your well-being.

Why Does Canada Life Deny Claims?

While it’s understandable to feel anger or frustration when your claim is denied, remember:

• Cost management: Insurance companies strive to manage costs, leading to stricter claim assessment.
• Fraud prevention: Thorough verification safeguards against illegitimate claims.
• Misunderstandings: Complex policy terms or lack of clear communication can lead to discrepancies.

Additionally, just because Canada Life provides explanation for why they denied your claim it does not necessarily mean that their decision was a correct or accurate one. Insurers often make mistakes or misinterpret information.  They may also ignore important information. In essence, their decisions might have been made due to inaccurate or incomplete facts. Remember that insurers may deny claims based on their own best interest as each claim they pay out reduces their profit margins. Insurers may make decisions motivated by affordability first instead of whether their policyholders truly deserve a payout on their claim.

What to Do If Canada Life Denies Your Claim

Feeling angry and hopeless is normal but remember that you don’t have to take their “no” for an answer. Here’s your action plan:

• Scrutinize the denial: Understand their reasons and gather any evidence to counter them.
• Gather more proof: Medical tests, specialist opinions, anything to bolster your case.
• Request reconsideration: Sometimes, a fresh look with new evidence can change their minds.
• Appeal the decision: If reconsideration fails, you have the right to appeal within their internal process formally.
• Litigate your claim: Skip the appeal process to hold Canada Life accountable through the court system.

Appealing Canada Life’s Denial

Appealing to Canada Life is essentially asking them to re-evaluate their own decision. While possible, statistics show success rates aren’t high. Insurance companies like Canada Life hold the advantage in the situation while you’re unable to work, and they might use appeals as a stalling tactic. Asking Canada Life directly to review its reasons for rejecting your LTD benefits request in the hopes that it will change its decision is a challenge, because they’re neither a governmental body or a third party but the insurer itself, so appeals are rarely successful.

Sadly, experience shows that it’s exceedingly rare for an appeal to lead to approving benefits for someone who has already been denied. However, you can and should appeal denials in the chance that you might get that denial overturned. Here’s what to keep in mind when you do appeal your insurer’s decision:

• Meet deadlines: Act within the timeframe outlined in your policy or denial letter.
• Present your case: Submit a well-written appeal highlighting discrepancies and new evidence.
• Consider legal advice: A disability lawyer can navigate the complexities and increase your chances of success.

A Better Way Than an Appeal

There is always a chance that you can get your benefits through an appeal, though this is often not the case, as discussed above. While appeals are a possibility, a legal claim in court is a more powerful route.  However, litigation can be complex, which is why a good disability lawyer is crucial. Disability lawyers will understand how challenging it can be when you feel abandoned by an insurance company, and law firms with experienced LTD lawyers may offer many benefits for anyone who’s been denied disability by Canada Life. For example, disability lawyers are great for:

• Helping you understand your rights: Disability lawyers will review the details of your denial and provide you with an explanation of what your next steps should be. They can help you make informed decisions on what to do next and how filing a legal claim might be a viable option that could be beneficial.
• Dealing directly with Canada Life: Disability lawyers can represent you directly, which means that they can help with stress and anxiety reduction throughout the whole process – and that includes communicating with Canada Life directly. Now, you can focus on your recovery instead of fielding phone calls, emails, and whatever else your insurer throws at you.
• Navigating the complexities of provincial law: Disability lawyers are experts in quickly and efficiently navigating your province’s law. They focus exclusively on how to win LTD benefits for their clients without getting bogged down by bureaucratic red tape.
• Understanding how insurance companies operate: Disability lawyers often begin their careers working for large insurance companies like Canada Life or have just handled hundreds or even thousands of disability claims. They know all their tricks and their thought processes, which means they can see what’s coming and know how to deal with it effectively.

The Clock is Ticking

Act quickly!  Each province has different limitation periods.   For instance, in the province of Ontario, you typically have two years from denial to file a legal claim. Don’t let the clock run out – seek legal advice now. Remember, even if the two-year window closes, there might still be options. A lawyer can help you explore those too – just another reason you should rely on expert guidance.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer. Several factors can influence how long it might take to win an LTD claim against Canada Life. Things like the complexity of your case, and whether it goes to court all play a role. Be prepared for the process to take months, and potentially even years, to resolve.

What Does Fighting an LTD Denial in Canada Cost?

Disability lawyers work on contingency fee arrangements. This means that you don’t have to pay anything to a disability lawyer unless you win your claim against Canada Life for compensation or benefits, making it easier for people to access justice throughout Canada who might not otherwise be able to. Upon winning your case, your lawyer will take a percentage of what you’ve recovered as damages as their fee, which will be explained to you upfront in the process.

Feel Like You’re About to be Denied?

If you have a bad feeling about the claim you just made to Canada Life for your LTD benefits, don’t wait. Contact a disability lawyer immediately for a free consultation. This way, you can be prepared for the denial and your team can go to work on your behalf immediately.

Preszler Injury Lawyers: We are on your side.

If your LTD claim is denied by Canada Life, there are disability lawyers standing by to help you. Long-term disability lawyers like Preszler Injury Lawyers know how to deal with insurers who deny disability claims.

Insurance companies don’t necessarily have your health and well-being in mind at the end of the day. However, with Preszler Injury Lawyers, it’s our first and biggest priority. Don’t let your insurer walk off with the benefits you may be entitled to! Talk to a trusted disability lawyer at Preszler Injury Lawyers for a consultation to find out how they can help make a difference. Call us toll-free at 1-800-JUSTICE® or fill out our Case Evaluation form to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer today.