Effortlessly Persuasive: A Trial Lawyer Shares Insights
I was recently interviewed for an interesting article about persuasion by Ruth-Anne Eisler Business Writer, Editor, and Corporate Communications Specialist. Persuading: it’s a key component of business communication, even for those with expert knowledge of their subject matter. From a presentation to a pitch to meeting with potential clients, the ability to persuade is a necessary and practical communication skill for all of us—and arguably one of the most important skills you’ll need in 2020 (and beyond). And who better to discuss than a trial lawyer, one who routinely appears before...
read moreSuing your insurance company – the basic steps.
The decision to sue your insurer is not one you have taken lightly. If you are considering legal action, it is likely because you have tried everything in your power to get your long-term disability benefits, but the insurance company continues to deny your claim. The first step to successfully appealing the insurance company’s decision is to find an experienced insurance denial lawyer with a track record of success fighting against your insurance company. It is critical to do this as soon as you are denied by the insurance company so you do not miss any important deadlines. At a time where...
read moreDoes life insurance cover suicide?
Life insurance normally pays out in cases of suicide, unless it happens during a particular exclusionary window laid out in the policy. Life insurance provides a financial safety net that can last for decades. One concern that some insurance shoppers have is that an insurance company won’t pay the death benefit if the policyholder dies. This is typically unfounded, as life insurance policies almost always pay out; there are even protections in place if a carrier goes bankrupt. But are there scenarios where life insurance won’t pay out? For example, does life insurance cover suicide?...
read morePlan Administrator punished for bad faith claims handling.
On October 15, 2019, the BC Supreme Court ordered that an administrator of a long-term disability plan pay damages for mental distress, and punitive damages for its bad faith handling of a disability claim covered by a collective agreement. In Greig v. Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Co., 2019 BCSC 1758, Dennis Greig, who had suffered injuries in a motor vehicle accident, was re-injured on the job and was unable to return to work. He successfully applied for LTD benefits but his benefits were later suspended for 17 months before being re-instated. When Mr. Greig’s benefits were...
read moreInsurance Bad Faith
Insurance policies are sold on the basis they pay claims for an unanticipated event that results in a loss. This can include claims arising from damage to property and under disability and life insurance policies. When something goes wrong resulting in a claim, the insurance policy sets out the terms of coverage. If covered, the insured is compensated for the loss. While this process can go very smoothly without problems, sometimes insurance companies take the position your claim is not covered and deny coverage for the claim. Not only can that decision can be wrong and unfair, it can result...
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