Sault Ste. Marie, located in Northern Ontario, is known for its scenic beauty but it also poses significant risks to those who work in the area. The city’s economy relies heavily on industries like mining, logging, and manufacturing which often involve hazardous conditions. As a result, workers in these fields face numerous safety concerns every day.
Unfortunately, sometimes even after suffering serious injuries at work, workers may find their insurance appeals denied by their employer’s insurance provider. Insurance companies will go to great lengths to avoid paying out claims, using tactics such as questionable interpretations of policy terms or challenging the severity of an injury.
For example, in a recent case heard before the Superior Court of Justice in Ottawa, an employee of a national retail chain slipped and fell at work resulting in debilitating back pain. Despite providing evidence of both the physical impact of the fall and the negative effects on her quality of life, the insurer argued that the employee failed to meet the definition of “total disability” set forth in the policy. Ultimately, the court sided with the insurer and dismissed the employee’s claim for benefits.
This situation illustrates the need for experienced legal representation when navigating the insurance appeal process. A skilled attorney can advocate on behalf of the policy holder and challenge any improper denials made by the insurer. By doing so, individuals hurt on the job in Sault Ste. Marie or elsewhere across Canada stand a better chance of obtaining the financial support they need to recover and move forward following a workplace accident.
Working in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada can come with its own set of dangers that can lead to a disability that prevents someone from working. These dangers include workplace accidents, exposure to hazardous materials, and repetitive motion injuries. Unfortunately, even when a worker has a legitimate disability claim, insurance companies can still deny their claims.
One such case is Gignac v. Canadian General Insurance Co., a 1995 decision by the Ontario Court of Justice. In this case, the plaintiff had suffered from depression and anxiety after a workplace accident, but the insurance company denied their claim for long-term disability benefits. The court ultimately ruled in favor of the insurance company, stating that the plaintiff had not provided sufficient medical evidence to prove their disability.
Another notable case is Ivancic v. Canada Life Assurance Co., a 2007 decision by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. In this case, the plaintiff had been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and was unable to continue working, but the insurance company denied their claim for long-term disability benefits. The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, stating that the insurance company had acted in bad faith and had not properly investigated the plaintiff’s claim before denying it.
These cases demonstrate the importance of having experienced disability lawyers on your side when appealing a denied insurance claim. A skilled lawyer can help gather the necessary medical evidence to support your claim and navigate the complex legal process to ensure that your rights are protected.
