Insurance companies can make it difficult to start receiving long-term disability (LTD) benefits. The claims process is intimidating, especially for people coping with a physical or psychological disability. As an LTD lawyer who used to work for insurance companies, but now advocates for disabled individuals, I believe this is all by design. Insurers make […]

When the pandemic hit, the Ontario government temporarily changed employment laws to create the Infectious Disease Emergency Leave (IDEL). Announced in March 2020, IDEL was meant to provide job-protected leave to employees who needed to take time off work for reasons related to COVID-19. As of June 7, IDEL has been extended to September […]

Restrictions meant to stop the spread of COVID-19 have created turmoil for employers and employees alike. More than a year after the beginning of the pandemic, my law firm, Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, continues to receive calls from workers across all industries and income levels. Even if they haven’t been let go permanently, employees are […]

A successful case for long-term disability benefits requires strong medical evidence of a disability. But medical evidence is not always the critical factor in determining the final result of a case.  A recent matter involving a client of the disability law practice at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP illustrates how an insurance company tried to avoid […]

Several employees of a GTA drywall company were recently fired after a graphic video appeared to show them dancing with a woman and drinking in a home under construction in Milton, violating COVID-19 restrictions. Their employer, Nelmar Drywall, said it had terminated its relationships with the people in the video. Builder Mattamy Homes, which […]

Citing a pre-existing condition is often a way for an insurance company to try to avoid paying long-term disability benefits. Insurers rely on exclusions in policies that essentially say you cannot receive benefits if you suffer from a pre-existing condition. This is usually defined as a condition for which you previously received treatment that is […]