If you have a long-term handicap, you need the correct legal representation to assist you to manage the complex and often confusing insurance and government programs.

Here are ten crucial things to ask your Mississauga long-term disability lawyer to ensure you have the correct assistance in place.

What is your background in long-term disability cases?

It is critical to engage with a lawyer who has handled long-term disability cases and is familiar with the appropriate laws, rules, and processes.

This will guarantee that you get the finest representation and conclusion possible.

What is the procedure for submitting a claim?

Claim filing processes are described in the summary plan description, the insurance policy, and other plan papers. The claimant should examine these papers first while searching for the unique claim filing method used by the employer. If the original documents were lost or if the insured was never provided with the plan documentation, the employer may own duplicates. Depending on the insurance carrier, the filing procedures will somewhat vary, but in most situations, the first step is performed by an employee who contacts the insurance company or the employer to advise them that he or she has to make a disability claim. A number of claim-related forms will be handed to the claimant at that time for completion and signature.

What is the applicable statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit?

In Ontario, the fundamental limitation period is two years — a person must initiate an action within two years of when he or she first understood that a claim may be filed. Typically, this would be two years after the claimant sustained the injury or incurred the alleged damage.

How do you manage disputes and appeals?

If your claim is refused or a disagreement arises, your lawyer should have expertise in managing appeals and disputes and should be able to help you through the process.

How do you go about settling a dispute?

If a settlement is possible, your lawyer should have negotiation expertise and can advise you on the best strategy.

What is your charge schedule?

To make an educated choice regarding the cost of representation, you should understand your lawyer’s fee structure, including any upfront costs, hourly rates, and contingency fees.

How do you keep your clients up to date during the process?

Your lawyer should communicate in a straightforward and transparent manner, keeping you informed throughout the process and addressing any questions you may have.

How do you deal with sensitive and private information?

Because long-term disability issues are often personal and sensitive, it is critical to deal with a lawyer who treats confidential material with the utmost care and respect.

How successful are you in long-term disability cases?

Your lawyer should be able to offer information on their success record in long-term disability claims as well as describe the results of cases comparable to yours.

Are you able to give references or testimonials from former clients?

Lastly, your long-term disability lawyer in Mississauga should be able to provide references or testimonials from his previous clients, it will give you a better understanding of he worked with the lawyer and the outcome of their cases.

Choosing an experienced long-term disability lawyer is a critical choice that can have a significant influence on the result of your case, so don’t mess with it if you planning to win your case.