DOG BITES.
In Ontario, dog owners (along with other pets) are responsible for the injuries caused to you. The owner of the animal is deemed to be responsible for the accident, although the owner of the animal can rebut this presumption in the event there is evidence that the injured person created the situation of danger.
Dog bites can be relatively straight forward claims. That said, the injuries from such incidents can leave a person with significant scarring and psychological issues.
If you have sustained a serious injury from a dog bite, then call for a fee consultation to discuss your matter.
LONG TERM DISABILITY CLAIMS
If you are injured in an accident, you may have coverage through your employer for a long-term disability benefit or through a private plan you obtained on your own. Long-term disability carriers will cover a percentage of your pre-injury income while you are undergoing rehabilitation. Injuries can come in many forms such as physical, mental or psychological. An injured individual is not limited to one type of injury and often injuries can lead to other injuries. Each long-term disability policy is different. To qualify, you must meet the definition of disability, which is outlined in your policy.
Individuals who sustain injuries are often denied long term disability benefits by their insurer on the basis that the injuries do not meet the test established in the insurance policy. This can be devastating to someone who is injured as they often cannot return to work and, therefore, pay for the day to day expenses.
If your insurer denies your long-term disability claim or decides that you are no longer entitled to the benefit, this does not mean that the insurer has made the right decision. It is important that you consult a lawyer to discuss your options and what steps can be taken for you to obtain the appropriate compensation.
When meeting with a lawyer about your disability claim, it is important to bring the following information to your meeting:
A copy of your benefits plan. These plans usually come in the form of an employee’s manual.
A copy of the denial letter from the insurer.
A copy of the application form sent to the insurer.
A copy of all medical evidence submitted to the insurer to support the claim for disability.
Typically, long-term disability policies will provide coverage for up to two years in the event you cannot complete the necessary duties of your job. After this initial two-year period, you must be unable to perform any occupation in order to qualify for continuing disability benefits.