As a self-employed business owner or professional, you've taken steps to protect your business and income by enrolling in a private disability insurance plan, either alongside your group plan or as an alternative.

You relied on your insurance agent to choose the best private plan tailored to your unique needs and your specific occupation. When an accident or illness disrupts your ability to work, it's natural to expect your insurance benefits to be there to support you when you need them most.

Common reasons why disability claims from private insurers are denied

Failure to meet the definition of disability
Insufficient medical evidence
Failing to follow the insurer’s preferred treatment plan
Disagreement with your doctor’s medical opinion
The disability results wholly or in part from an excluded condition
Failure to follow claims procedures correctly
The insurer alleges that you misrepresented your health on the application for insurance
The insurer alleges that you misrepresented your health on the application for insurance
The insurer alleges that your occupation or profession can be performed differently (e.g. in a less demanding role or a different setting)

Privately purchased insurance policies are often complex

Applications for privately purchased disability plans often contain numerous health-related questions that can be challenging to answer accurately. Once your policy is issued, you may find clauses and definitions that are difficult for the average person to understand. If your claim has been denied due to errors in your application, our experienced lawyers are ready to advocate for the compensation you deserve. We will explore all legal avenues with your insurance company as well as the agent you trust to protect your interests.

If your agent failed to properly advise you about the insurance or the application or gave you incomplete or inaccurate advice, they may be liable for the loss of your coverage. We have experience suing insurance agents for negligence and know how to prove that the agent failed to protect your interests.

Own Occupation disability policies

Many self-employed individuals, professionals, and business owners choose Own Occupation coverage, expecting it to protect them if they can't work in their specific job due to accident, illness, or disability, even if they can work elsewhere.

However, making claims on these policies can be challenging. Issues often arise when insurers dispute the definition of "unable to work" or the specifics of the insured's occupation.

These policies often have partial or residual disability coverage, which is paid if you are able to perform your profession or occupation in a reduced way and at a lower income. Partial disability claims require detailed evidence of financial loss and prior income. We have experience in handling these cases and gathering the evidence necessary to provide your loss of income. Navigating these complexities requires a deep understanding of the policy's provisions, an area where we excel.

Business overhead expense insurance

Business overhead expense insurance is designed to cover essential business costs like rent, utilities, and salaries for self-employed individuals and small business owners during disability. In the unfortunate event of a health crisis, insurers often scrutinize claims, questioning the extent of the disability or the necessity of the expenses.

Understanding and proving eligibility for these specific expenses requires detailed documentation and a thorough grasp of the policy's terms. Many find navigating these challenges daunting.

Our skilled lawyers handle business overhead expense claims across Canada. We are here to help you recover the benefits you're entitled to.

Know your rights and act promptly

It is crucial not to delay when it comes to understanding and asserting your rights. Keep in mind that there is a limited timeframe to appeal or contest an insurance claim denial. Act swiftly to protect your interests.

Let our Experienced Lawyers Help

Our disability lawyers handle complex cases spanning various occupations and professions across Canada including:

    • Doctors
    • Dental Hygienists
    • Chiropractors
    • Physiotherapists
    • Lawyers
    • Dentists
    • Veterinarians
    • Other professionals and business owners

Let our lawyers advocate for your rights so that you can focus on your health and your business needs in these difficult times.

Bilingual Disability Lawyers with the Right Expertise to Represent You anywhere in Canada

While our offices are in Toronto, Ottawa, Hawkesbury and Waterloo, we can be by your side and on your side across Canada, handling matters in the Atlantic and Western provinces as well as Northern Ontario. There is no need for you to travel. We come to you, or we handle your case virtually.
Contact us today at 613-233-6898

By your side,
and on your side™

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