Don’t underestimate emotional distress after a severe accident

Posted on March 14, 2022June 14, 2024 by Walter Law Group

A severe accident can leave a person struggling with immense pain and mobility issues. These physical damages can prove to be devastating when they compromise a person’s independence and lifestyle.

But too often, people focus on treating and recovering from physical injuries and fail to recognize the extent of emotional damages and distress victims experience.

What is emotional distress?

Emotional distress or mental anguish refers to the psychological and mental conditions that often coincide with a traumatic event.

The conditions vary widely based on the individual and type of accident, but some of the most common types of mental and emotional injuries include:

Anxiety
Depression
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Changes in personality
Grief
Panic attacks
Mood disorders

Too often, people overlook or minimize these symptoms because they cannot see them. Thus, victims may not seek medical treatment or support. Further, loved ones may not understand the extent to which the victim is suffering.

The considerable impact of these injuries

The unfortunate fact is that these emotional and mental health injuries are common, and they can turn a person’s life upside down. They could:

Strain personal relationships
Make it impossible for a person to work
Prevent a person from living independently
Create or exacerbate financial challenges
Make physical injuries worse

People could also have trouble sleeping and concentrating; some struggle with drug or alcohol abuse as a means of coping, all of which can make it impossible for someone to live their life as they did before an accident.

Recognizing that these emotional damages can be serious is a crucial first step in getting the care and attention necessary to recover.

Understanding treatment options

There are myriad options when it comes to mental health treatment. Possible remedies can include:

Counselling
Medication
Practicing self-care
Making changes to diet or lifestyle

Whether these measures are self-directed or involve a team of medical professionals, they can ensure victims and their loved ones take a holistic approach to recovery after severe accident.

There is no benefit to downplaying or ignoring the emotional toll that a traumatic event has on victims and families. Addressing the emotional damages can improve the recovery process and ensure parties receive the comprehensive support they deserve.

4 reasons insurance providers might deny disability benefits

Posted on July 8, 2021June 14, 2024 by Walter Law Group

If you are seriously sick or hurt and cannot work because of your condition, you can file a claim seeking long-term disability benefits. While they cannot completely fix the situation, these benefits can help you support yourself and your family during a difficult time.

Because of this, it can be incredibly upsetting if your insurance provider denies your claim. They may do this for the following reasons:

You missed a deadline: Depending on your policy and provider, there can be deadlines you must meet with regard to filing a long-term disability claim. If you miss a deadline, they could delay or completely deny your benefits.
They deemed the claim invalid: Insurance companies will investigate a person’s claim, which could mean following you to take photos or videos. If the information they collect contradicts what you have said in your application, your benefits can be in jeopardy.
They believed your condition does not prevent you from working: Insurance providers vary in their definitions of disability. And if they do not think you meet their definition, they may deny a claim. Thus, it is essential that you be honest and forthcoming with all the details of your condition.
There was insufficient information: Applications that are missing medical documentation, personal information and other pertinent details may not be successful. Further, some policies require applicants to see an approved physician for an assessment. If you do not do this, the company can deny a claim.

If your insurance provider denies your application for these or any other reasons, do not lose hope. You can request a review and pursue an appeal if you disagree with an insurer’s decision.

It is crucial to understand your rights and options when it comes to pursuing long-term disability benefits. These financial remedies can be vital to your life and well-being when you are coping with a serious injury or illness.

Requesting workplace accommodations after disability leave

Posted on March 30, 2021June 14, 2024 by Walter Law Group

After being on short- or long-term disability, people returning to work can face obstacles they might not have experienced before their leave. One significant challenge can be returning to a job with conditions that make it difficult or impossible to participate in the workplace fully.

Under these circumstances, an employee can request accommodations that allow them to work.

What makes an accommodation reasonable?

Under Ontario’s Human Rights Code, employers have a duty to provide accommodations that ensure employees with disabilities have equal access and benefits as other workers. However, one condition is that the accommodation must be appropriate.

To be reasonable or appropriate, an accommodation must not be highly disruptive to other employees or fundamentally change the nature of the person’s job. Further, it must not put an undue hardship on an employer in the form of substantial expense or resources.

Some examples of an appropriate accommodation include:

Ergonomic equipment
Adjusted work schedule
Accessibility equipment
More frequent breaks
Additional support

These measures can enable a person to perform the essential functions of their job while preserving their dignity and allowing them to participate fully.

Requesting an accommodation

If you are returning to work and could benefit from an accommodation, you can submit your request to your employer. If you are unsure of what an accommodation might specifically look like, you might discuss the options with your supervisor. You can also consult your physicians or a lawyer to discuss possible solutions.

Keep in mind that any accommodation an employer provides should respect an individual’s dignity and promote integration.

It is also crucial to recognize that an accommodation that works for someone else may not be suitable for you. And your needs can change over time, meaning that you may need to make adjustments in the future.

Unfortunately, not every person will get the accommodations they need, either because an employer wrongfully denies them or the individual does not request them. Not only can this make it incredibly difficult to work, but it can also be a violation of a person’s rights.

Thus, if you are preparing to return to work after being on disability leave, assessing your needs and requesting appropriate accommodations should be high on your list of priorities to make the transition easier.