WHAT IS AN IME-INDEPENDENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION?

Posted on August 11, 2020 (June 16, 2023) by Kotak Law

Independent Medical Examinations (IME) are a common practice in Ontario, and are often used by insurance companies to deny benefits, or employers to challenge accommodation requests. An IME is a medical assessment conducted by an independent physician, rather than the doctor that normally provides treatment. The objective is to have a neutral third party opinion ...

...

GOOD SAMARITAN LAW ONTARIO

Posted on August 6, 2020 (November 7, 2023) by Kotak Law

In Ontario, there is no law compelling an individual to act in an emergency situation, though if someone decided to act, they would be legally protected from liability when attending to a victim in distress to a certain extent. This piece of legislation is known as the Good Samaritan Act, 2001, which was enacted to ...

...

CAN YOU GET DISABILITY FOR POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME?

Posted on August 4, 2020 (June 16, 2023) by Kotak Law

The causes of concussions include traumatic events such as motor vehicle accidents, blows to the head, slip and falls and sports injuries. Concussions involve brain injuries that are often either classified as a mild traumatic brain injury or moderate to severe. According to the Mayo Clinic symptoms of post concussion syndrome involving a mild traumatic ...

...

COVID-19 RETURN TO WORK ANXIETY DISABILITY CLAIM

Posted on June 20, 2020 (June 16, 2023) by Kotak Law

If there is one common thread linking all people in Canada together, it’s that COVID-19 has affected all facets of everyone’s lives. From their everyday routines and families, to finances and employment. But the recent reopening of the economy has allowed some people to return to their jobs. However, for people experiencing increased anxiety and ...

...

STRESS LEAVE IN ONTARIO

Posted on June 4, 2020 (July 2, 2024) by Kotak Law

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), stress can be defined as the body’s reaction to a real or perceived threat, which is known as the instinctual fight or flight response. The everyday threats faced today often do not require a fight or flight response, rather they are problems people have to work through. ...

...

IS DEPRESSION A DISABILITY IN ONTARIO?

Posted on May 30, 2020 (June 16, 2023) by Kotak Law

Depression is a type of mood disorder that does qualify for short term disability and long term disability benefits, since it can significantly affect ones ability to work. According to a survey conducted by Ipsos, 17% of Canadians reported that they had to take time off work to deal with a personal mental health issue. ...

...

Surveillance Tactics Used by Insurance Companies to Deny Disability Claims

Posted on May 17, 2020 (July 5, 2024) by Kotak Law

Surveillance is a common tactic deployed by insurance companies to discredit short-term disability and long-term disability claims, as it can be used as evidence to dispute the alleged limitations and restrictions of an individual claiming disability benefits. An insurer can conduct surveillance if they suspect a claimant has over exaggerated their disability claim. They will ...

...

How will COVID-19 Affect Short-term Disability Claims In Ontario

Posted on May 6, 2020 (July 5, 2024) by Kotak Law

The labour market disruption caused by COVID-19 will have considerable effects on short-term disability and long-term disability claims in Ontario. A sharp increase in disability claims post COVID-19 is expected, primarily due to the increased pressure on essential workers, employee burnout and changing nature of work. In Ontario, the unemployment rate has reached record levels ...

...

CAN YOU TRAVEL WHILE ON DISABILITY CANADA

Posted on May 4, 2020 (July 7, 2025) by Kotak Law

A common question from many Long-Term and Short-Term Disability clients is whether they can travel while on disability. Disability benefits are provided to compensate you for the inability to work, which does not preclude you from enjoying your life within your limitations. This means that you can take a vacation, though certain steps and precautions ...

...

CUMIS DENIED INSURANCE CLAIM

Posted on April 23, 2020 (June 16, 2023) by Kotak Law

The Cooperators Insurance Group owns the insurance operations of The CUMIS Group Ltd. (“CUMIS”) including CUMIS Life Insurance Company and CUMIS General Insurance Company. According to bloomberg.com, CUMIS markets markets a range of insurance and other non financial services to Canadian financial co-operatives, credit unions, Caisses Populaires and their members. CUMIS offers services such as ...

...

Blogs