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Hilborn & Konduros Long term disability benefits lawyer Cambridge

Tips for Choosing the Right Attorney for Your Long-Term Disability Denial Case

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When it comes to long-term disability denial cases, selecting the right attorney with specialized expertise is crucial. Here at Hilborn & Konduros, we understand the significance of this decision. In this post, we will explore valuable tips for choosing an experienced attorney. With our focus on specialization, reputation, communication, resources, trust, and the benefits of legal representation, we provide comprehensive support for long-term disability denial cases.

  1. Specialization and Experience:

At Hilborn & Konduros, we are a law firm dedicated to long-term disability denial cases. Our experienced team has handled numerous complex disability claims, ensuring we stay up-to-date with the evolving laws and regulations in this field. With our proven track record of successful outcomes, we possess the knowledge and expertise necessary to effectively handle challenging denial cases.

  1. Reputation and References:

Our attorneys at Hilborn & Konduros have built a strong reputation in the legal community and among our clients. We prioritize professionalism, integrity, and client satisfaction, which is reflected in the positive reviews and testimonials we receive. Our extensive referral network showcases the trust and confidence placed in our abilities.

  1. Case Evaluation and Strategy:

Here at Hilborn & Konduros, we approach each long-term disability denial case with meticulous evaluation and strategic planning. Our attorneys conduct comprehensive assessments to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a claim. By developing personalized strategies, we aim to present compelling arguments and maximize the chances of success.

  1. Fee Structure:

During consultations, we at Hilborn & Konduros maintain transparency regarding our fee structure. We work on a contingency basis, meaning we only receive payment if we win your case. We engage in clear discussions about the percentage or flat fee, as well as any additional expenses, ensuring transparency and providing clarity from the outset.

  1. Communication and Availability:

Effective communication is one of our priorities at Hilborn & Konduros. Our attorneys are known for being accessible and responsive to our clients’ needs. We ensure concerns are addressed promptly, and we provide regular updates on case progress to keep our clients informed throughout the legal process.

  1. Resources and Support:

At Hilborn & Konduros, we are well-equipped with the necessary resources and support to handle long-term disability denial cases comprehensively. We have access to expert witnesses, medical professionals, and administrative support to strengthen our clients’ claims. By leveraging these resources, we build strong cases that can withstand scrutiny.

  1. Litigation Experience:

While negotiation and administrative appeals are often pursued, we at Hilborn & Konduros have substantial litigation experience when cases require courtroom advocacy. Our attorneys are adept at presenting persuasive arguments, cross-examining witnesses, and handling the complexities of litigation. Our clients can have confidence in our ability to effectively represent their interests in court, if necessary.

  1. Compatibility and Trust:

Building trust and establishing strong client relationships are fundamental values at Hilborn & Konduros. During initial consultations, our attorneys actively listen, demonstrate empathy, and prioritize understanding the unique circumstances of each client. This compatibility and trust provide a solid foundation for a collaborative attorney-client partnership.

Benefits of Legal Representation with Hilborn & Konduros:

Legal Expertise: Our attorneys at Hilborn & Konduros possess in-depth knowledge of long-term disability laws and regulations. We navigate the complexities of the legal landscape, ensuring our clients’ rights are protected while maximizing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Case Evaluation: With our experience, we evaluate the strength of our clients’ claims, identify potential issues, and craft tailored strategies. This individualized approach increases the chances of success and allows us to address the unique aspects of each case.

Negotiation and Advocacy: At Hilborn & Konduros, we excel in negotiation and advocacy on behalf of our clients. We skillfully engage with insurance companies to ensure our clients’ interests are represented and seek fair settlements. If necessary, we are prepared to escalate the matter to litigation, advocating for our clients’ rights in court.

Reduced Stress: Dealing with a long-term disability denial can be emotionally challenging. By entrusting your case to our capable team at Hilborn & Konduros, you can alleviate stress and focus on your well-being. We handle the legal aspects, keeping you informed and providing support throughout the process.

Choosing the right attorney for your long-term disability denial case is a critical decision that can significantly impact the outcome. At Hilborn & Konduros, our attorneys specialize in long-term disability denial cases, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. With a strong reputation, effective communication, access to resources, and a client-centered approach, we strive to provide comprehensive legal representation.

By evaluating each case diligently, developing tailored strategies, and advocating on behalf of our clients, we aim to secure favorable outcomes. Our commitment to professionalism, trust, and open communication ensures that you receive the support you need during this challenging time.

If you are facing a long-term disability denial, we encourage you to reach out for a consultation with our experienced attorneys at Hilborn & Konduros. Let us guide you through the complexities of the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve. Together, we can work towards achieving a positive resolution for your long-term disability claim. Contact our team today.

Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation for Catastrophic Injury Victims: Canadian Resources and Rights

Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation for Catastrophic Injury Victims: Canadian Resources and Rights

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Suffering a catastrophic injury can have life-altering consequences, affecting not only the injured individual but also their loved ones. In Canada, individuals who experience catastrophic injuries have rights and access to resources that can aid in their long-term care and rehabilitation. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of long-term care and rehabilitation for catastrophic injury victims in Canada, as well as the available resources and the rights they have in the pursuit of recovery.

Understanding Long-Term Care:

Long-term care plays a vital role in supporting the needs of catastrophic injury victims. It involves the provision of ongoing medical assistance, personal care, and rehabilitative services to individuals with severe and often permanent impairments. Canadian healthcare systems, both at the federal and provincial levels, provide various long-term care options tailored to the specific needs of the injured person.

Rehabilitation Services:

Rehabilitation services are critical for maximizing the recovery and quality of life for catastrophic injury victims. These services encompass a wide range of therapies, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological counseling. Rehabilitation aims to restore functionality, promote independence, and help individuals regain their physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.

Canadian Healthcare System:

In Canada, healthcare is primarily administered at the provincial and territorial levels, resulting in some variation in available resources and services across the country. Provincial health insurance plans, such as OHIP in Ontario or MSP in British Columbia, typically cover necessary medical treatments and consultations. Catastrophic injury victims should familiarize themselves with the specific programs, benefits, and coverage options available in their province.

Accessing Rehabilitation Programs:

Rehabilitation programs are offered through various channels in Canada. Publicly funded programs, such as those provided by hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or community-based organizations, aim to deliver comprehensive rehabilitation services. Private rehabilitation facilities and practitioners are also available, and individuals may have the option to access their services using private insurance coverage or out-of-pocket payments.

Insurance Coverage:

Insurance coverage plays a significant role in facilitating long-term care and rehabilitation for catastrophic injury victims. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the injury, individuals may be entitled to benefits from various insurance policies, including auto insurance, workers’ compensation, or private disability insurance. Understanding the terms, limitations, and application processes of these insurance policies is crucial to ensure access to the necessary resources.

Legal Rights and Compensation:

Catastrophic injury victims in Canada have legal rights and options to seek compensation for their injuries. Personal injury lawsuits can be pursued against responsible parties, such as negligent drivers, employers, or product manufacturers. These legal actions aim to secure financial compensation to cover medical expenses, long-term care, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and other damages incurred as a result of the injury.

Long-term care and rehabilitation are fundamental aspects of the recovery process for catastrophic injury victims in Canada. By understanding the resources available within the Canadian healthcare system, accessing rehabilitation programs, exploring insurance coverage options, and asserting their legal rights, individuals can optimize their chances of receiving the necessary care and support. It is important for victims and their families to seek guidance from healthcare professionals and legal experts specializing in catastrophic injury to ensure they receive the comprehensive care and compensation they deserve.

Premises Liability: Understanding Your Rights as an Injured Visitor in Canada

Premises Liability: Understanding Your Rights as an Injured Visitor in Canada

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When you visit someone else’s property, whether it’s a private residence, a commercial establishment, or a public space, you expect a safe environment. Unfortunately, accidents can happen, and if you sustain injuries due to hazardous conditions or negligence on the property, you may have the right to seek compensation. In Canada, premises liability laws govern these situations, protecting the rights of injured visitors. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of premises liability and help you understand your rights as an injured visitor in Canada.

Understanding Premises Liability:

Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility of property owners or occupiers to maintain a safe environment for visitors. In Canada, property owners have a duty of care to ensure that their premises are reasonably safe and free from hazards that could cause harm to visitors. This duty applies to both private individuals and businesses.

Types of Hazards:

There are various types of hazards that can lead to injuries on someone else’s property. Some common examples include slippery floors, uneven surfaces, inadequate lighting, broken steps or handrails, falling objects, or negligent security. If you sustain injuries due to any of these hazards, the property owner or occupier may be held liable for your damages.

Proving Negligence:

To establish a successful premises liability claim, you must demonstrate that the property owner or occupier was negligent in their duty of care. This involves proving the following elements:

1. Duty of Care: The property owner had a legal obligation to maintain a safe environment for visitors.

2. Breach of Duty: The property owner failed to fulfill their duty by either creating a hazard or failing to address an existing one.

3. Causation: The hazard directly caused your injuries, and the property owner’s negligence was a significant contributing factor.

4. Damages: You suffered physical injuries, emotional distress, medical expenses, loss of income, or other damages as a result of the accident.

Notice Requirement:

In Canada, there is a notice requirement for premises liability claims. This means that you must notify the property owner or occupier about your injuries within a reasonable timeframe. It’s important to report the incident as soon as possible and document the details, including photographs of the hazardous condition, witness statements, and any medical treatment received.

Seeking Legal Representation:

If you have been injured on someone else’s property, it is advisable to seek legal representation from a personal injury lawyer experienced in premises liability cases. They will assess the circumstances of your injury, gather evidence, and guide you through the legal process. At Hilborn & Konduros, our skilled lawyers will help protect your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.

As an injured visitor in Canada, it’s crucial to understand your rights under premises liability laws. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises, and if they fail to do so, they may be held liable for injuries sustained by visitors. By proving negligence and seeking legal representation, you can assert your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and other damages. If you have been injured on someone else’s property, consult with a personal injury lawyer to understand the specifics of your case and take the necessary steps to protect your rights.

What is Your Duty to Disclose When Applying For Long-Term Disability?

What is Your Duty to Disclose When Applying For Long-Term Disability?

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While most applicants for long-term disability benefits do so through an employer’s policy, many have taken out disability and critical illness policies on their own. And if certain health issues have not been disclosed on the application, these policyholders may be out of luck when it comes to collecting benefits. 

Qualifying for These Benefits

Private insurance policies require you to submit an application to qualify for their coverage. They will make decisions on your qualification ability as well as your premium amounts by examining your application in detail. Qualification and premiums will be dependent on many factors, including your age, health, lifestyle choices, and other risk factors.

Weighing Their Risk

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and their goal is to provide less benefits than they take in premiums. Consequently, their underwriters focus sharply on potential risk when considering an applicant. This risk is assessed by how you have responded to questions on your application. If an applicant doesn’t tell the truth on their application, the company can’t assess risk. They also may use that information to deny benefits to you should you need them. And in most cases, those denials are upheld in court if you decide to legally pursue it. 

Your Duty to Disclose

When you are applying for life insurance, critical care insurance, or individual long-term disability insurance, you are required by law to tell the truth about your health. Under Section 183 (1) of the Insurance Act, an applicant for insurance must disclose “every fact within the person’s knowledge that is material to the insurance….”

Getting Legal Guidance

If you have been denied long-term disability benefits or other insurance benefits unfairly, you may have legal recourse. But if the denial involves your own duty to disclose, you may be out of luck. Getting legal guidance is critical. If you believe you have been unfairly denied insurance benefits, the Cambridge ON long-term disability lawyers at Hilborn and Konduros may be able to help. Contact or call us at (519) 658-6341 to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your case.

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Don’t Ruin Your Chance For Long-Term Disability

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If you’ve been injured or have suffered an illness that makes it impossible to work, long-term disability benefits can offer you and your family some protections and offset financial hardships. But you first need to be approved for benefits by the insurance company.

Filing a claim and filling out crucial paperwork can be overwhelming and complex. Before you file an application, you should first consider things that will set you up for success. 

Applying in a Timely Manner

Yes, you are suffering, but you must apply for benefits as soon as possible. Your long-term disability benefits are critical to you, and the sooner you have access to them, the better for you. In most cases, the insurer has a timing provision tied to the last day you worked. You don’t want to jeopardize your ability to get needed benefits by letting the clock run out and giving the insurer an excuse to deny your application. 

Have a Discussion With Your Doctor

Your benefits are subject to your doctor completing a medical certificate supporting your need for disability benefits. Consequently, it’s important for you to have a discussion with your doctor beforehand to ensure that the medical certificate will support that need and not lead to a denial of benefits. 

Describing Your Disability

In the application for LTD, you will be asked for a description of your disability, your pain, injuries, and functional status. You want to be concise and brief, letting your medical records do the talking. The more information you include, the greater the risk of contradicting yourself or providing the insurer with a reason to deny the application. In addition, you want to be careful of anything you say to your adjuster, as conversations are likely to be recorded. 

Yes, There Will Be Frustrations

Unfortunately, big insurance companies are bureaucratic behemoths, and your policy is probably fraught with lots of rules and procedures. These are to protect the company, not you. But if you want benefits, you need to play by their rules. If not, you can be found in non-compliance and risk not getting the benefits you desperately need. 

Don’t take chances with these essential benefits. Contact the Cambridge, Ontario long-term disability lawyers at Hilborn and Konduros for a no-cost consultation at (519) 658-6341 to understand your responsibility and rights regarding long-term disability benefits.

The Difficulties of Getting Long-Term Disability Benefits for Some Illnesses and Injuries

The Difficulties of Getting Long-Term Disability Benefits for Some Illnesses and Injuries

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If you suffer from an injury or a medical condition that prevents you from working or performing your job, you may be entitled to long-term disability benefits. 

Unfortunately, insurers often deny benefits for those who suffer from illnesses and injuries that don’t manifest in clinically measurable symptoms. These can include soft tissue injuries, whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other physical and mental illnesses and injuries. 

How Long Term Insurance Companies Deny Benefits

While each long-term disability insurance policy is different, most policies require that the policyholder be able to prove their illness or injury, that it prevents them from doing their job, and that they have been receiving ongoing treatment for it for a significant period of time. After the claim is filed, the insurance provider then determines, based on the evidence, whether the policyholder is entitled to disability benefits. 

Unfortunately, some of these medical conditions are often difficult to quantify through traditional diagnostic or imaging methods. In this case, it is critical for an individual who is suffering from a debilitating illness or injury to compile as thorough an application and to provide enough information and evidence as possible to support a disability claim. 

What Evidence Can Help Support Your Long-Term Disability Claim

The more evidence you can compile to support your long-term disability claim, the better. Any supporting information should include

  • All your medical records and results surrounding the injury or illness
  • Any diagnoses made by your providers
  • Any statements by the associated physicians or other providers
  • A detailed description of what your job duties are
  • A statement from your employer
  • Any other records or documentation that provides evidence that you can no longer perform your duties at work due to your illness or injury

Navigating a long-term disability claim by yourself can be overwhelming, particularly if you feel you have been unfairly denied. Having a skilled Cambridge long-term disability attorney in your corner can help you get the benefits you deserve if you are unable to work. At Hilborn and Konduros, we may be able to help. Call us at (519) 658-6341 or contact us to schedule a no-cost consultation to discuss your options.

Living With Spinal Cord Injuries in the Aftermath of an Accident

Living With Spinal Cord Injuries in the Aftermath of an Accident

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After an accident, recovery from injuries often takes a great deal of medical care, time, and patience. But for those who have suffered from a spinal cord injury, the option of living as they were pre-accident may no longer exist. Spinal cord injuries can have a wide range of severity, but in most cases, nerves that sent and received messages from the brain are now damaged. This leads to a loss of function and sensation in areas of the body, depending on where the injury took place. 

An Unfortunate Prognosis

In many cases, a spinal cord injury prognosis is not a good one. Paralysis is only one of the ways that the health of individuals with spinal cord injuries is affected. Life expectancy can be diminished between 15 to 30 years from average. Spinal cord patients are at a higher risk of many diseases such as cardiovascular disease, blood clots, pneumonia, gastrointestinal issues, sexual dysfunction, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and chronic pain. 

The Cost of Care for a Spinal Cord Injury Patient

Although an average of 60 percent of spinal cord injury patients cannot hold employment, the cost of their case can range from $1.5 million to $4.7 million over the course of a lifetime, depending on the age of the patient and the type of injury. According to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, expenses can range from nearly $350,000 to over $1 million in the first year alone. 

Getting Compensated for Spinal Cord Injuries

Although compensation can never make up for the catastrophic physical and financial impact of a spinal cord injury, a financial recovery can ease the burden. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to the negligence of another, you may be able to collect compensation from the at-fault party for those injuries. Contact the experienced Cambridge personal injury lawyers at Hilborn and Konduros for a no-cost consultation to understand your rights under the law. 

The Importance of Keeping Accurate Medical and Expense Records When Pursuing a Claim

The Importance of Keeping Accurate Medical and Expense Records When Pursuing a Claim

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After an injury, the last thing on your mind may be record keeping. But keeping accurate and detailed records of your medical and other expenses is crucial if you are seeking compensation for an injury or disability benefits. 

Your treatment will probably come with extensive and often unexpected expenses and keeping track of each one of these is essential.This information will be part of the evidence to support a personal injury claim. When it comes to long-term disability, any successful claim application must substantiate the injury as something that makes it impossible to return to work as well as the costs associated with your ongoing medical treatment. 

Accurate Records are Critical to Your Recovery

An essential part of your recovery or benefits will rely on having these comprehensive and organized expense records as well as all your medical information. These records should include things such as 

  • All expenses for treatment and prescription medications
  • All expenses for hospital and doctor visits
  • Costs for any medical equipment required
  • Results from any medical examinations
  • Any prognosis you may have been given
  • Statements from any attending physicians or other health care professionals
  • Any other medical records

If you have made any payments for procedures or have paid any expenses out of pocket related to your injuries, ask for receipts. These should include any transportation costs or other incidentals as they relate to your injury and care. Even if you aren’t sure of the importance of a document, it is better to keep it anyway and err on the side of caution. 

If you are filing a claim for injuries that were caused by someone else’s negligence, you may eventually choose to pursue compensation through a tort claim against that party. Having this information is critical to help your lawyer calculate what your damages are worth and the amount of your suit. 

Getting the Right Legal Assistance

When pursuing a long-term disability insurance claim or a personal injury claim, having comprehensive and organized records is critical to getting you the compensation and benefits you deserve. Contact the skilled team of Cambridge personal injury lawyers at Hilborn and Konduros if you have questions about a personal injury or long-term disability claim and what evidence and documents you will need. 

Own Occupation Vs. Any Occupation -- How the Disability Standards in Ontario Can Affect Your Benefits

Own Occupation Vs. Any Occupation — How the Disability Standards in Ontario Can Affect Your Benefits

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Long-term disability in Ontario has been a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot work due to a physical or mental disability. But it is critical to understand the terms by which you are covered and whether that may change during the course of your disability. 

In Ontario, disability is measured by two standards. These standards will be set out in the terms of your individual policy. One is if you are unable to work in your own occupation, and the other if you cannot work in any occupation. Being unable to work in your own occupation may be the first standard you are measured against, but you may later be measured against the any occupation standard. 

In other words, you may have qualified for long-term disability benefits only to find that you will need to requalify under different conditions in the future if you are still collecting disability. 

How Courts Have Defined Both Standards

When it comes to insurance laws and policies, the courts have had to define the difference between the two standards for purposes of long-term disability.

For disability under the Own Occupation standard, the court has defined that to mean that 

  • You may be able to work, but you cannot do the essential duties of the occupation in which you were working. 
  • You may be able to perform some tasks of that occupation, but you are not able to do them in their entirety. 
  • A reasonable person in your circumstances would not be able to perform the tasks of your occupation

When the Own Occupation period has ended, usually after two years of disability, your insurance company may want you to meet the Any Occupation standard. The courts define this to mean

  • You cannot work in any occupation that you are reasonably qualified for given your education and experience. 
  • You may be able to work in another occupation given a period retraining but substantial retraining may be required. 
  • You have returned to work but were found to be incapable of doing your job due to your disability.

What standards you will be required to meet and how you will be required to meet them is critical to getting the disability benefits you need and deserve. These, however, will be entirely dependent on the precise terms of your individual disability policy. This is when you need the guidance of a Cambridge long-term disability lawyer. At Hilborn and Konduros, we can help you understand the terms of your long-term disability insurance. Contact us or call us at (519) 658-6341 to schedule a consultation. 

Getting Fairly Compensated for a Whiplash Injury Lawyers

Getting Fairly Compensated for a Whiplash Injury

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Unfortunately, getting fairly compensated for a whiplash injury can be challenging. Because it is a soft tissue injury and doesn’t have any outward symptoms, whiplash has gotten a bad reputation for fraudulent injury claims. In fact, most lawyers are now reluctant to even use the term “whiplash” for that very reason, instead referring to the injury as a neck strain or cervical muscle strain. Regardless of the name, it is one of the most common car accident injuries and can be serious and painful. If you have sustained a whiplash injury in an accident, you should be entitled to compensation for your damages.

Getting Prompt Medical Attention is Critical

In many cases, whiplash injuries are not immediately symptomatic. With any injury, but especially a soft-tissue injury, you will want to get prompt attention to have it medically documented. The treating doctor will understand what to look for, even if you have no immediate symptoms. Because adjusters look at whiplash claims suspiciously, the more medical documentation you have, the better your chances of getting fairly compensated. 

Begin Your Claim Process Immediately

Call your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claim process. Although your injury may get better on its own, it may not. The sooner you begin the process, the more seriously the insurance company will view the claim. 

This does not mean that you should accept a quick insurance settlement, however. Before you accept any settlement, you need to know the full extent of your injuries and damages. 

Log Losses and Expenses

For any insurance claim, you will need to document any expenses, lost wages, property damages, and other losses. Insurance adjusters want to see proof of loss, and you should be fully prepared for this since many of these costs will be reimbursable. 

Proving Whiplash

If another party was at fault for your accident, you will need to prove fault in order to file a lawsuit to get fairly compensated.Having a skilled car accident lawyer on your side is essential when you have been injured in a car accident that was the fault of another driver. Contact the car accident lawyers at Hilborn and Konduros for a no-cost consultation at (519) 658-6341 to understand your rights.

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