Contracting a life-shattering disease or sustaining a devastating injury often leaves people unable to carry on their normal everyday lives. They no longer are able to leave their homes and they also routinely cannot carry on their employment. Once they lose their jobs, they lose their income and their means to take care of their families and themselves. Social service programs exist to help such individuals, including Social Security. When people become disabled and want to utilize governmental programs in place for assistance, they often hire a disability lawyer to help them complete the process in their favor.
People who work and earn wages pay into this program, as a matter of fact. A certain portion of their paychecks is withheld and put into this fund. With that, when workers are no longer able to maintain their jobs, they may apply for this program and receive monthly checks to help them sustain a somewhat normal life.
However, applying for this money can be a lengthy process. Those in charge of this program do not want to give the money to people who are not genuinely disabled and thus require that applicants prove their disabilities to lawyers and judges in charge of the fund.
Proving their illness or injury typically begins by their completing legal documents that detail what kind of illness or condition they have, how long they have had it, and exactly how they contracted the condition. If they were injured at work, the authorities generally want the applicants to use Workman’s Compensation first before they receive Social Security. However, if the condition is permanent, Workman’s Compensation may not pay for the worker’s treatment for very long.
Whether or not they are permanently disabled is determined by physicians and therapists. A physician is generally charged with the duty of finding out if the worker can return to work at any time in the future. The doctor must document test results, examination findings, and other pertinent information for the court to review.
Other people additionally are required to visit with a psychologist or a therapist. This professional speaks with the patient and finds out if the person is imagining the condition or if that individual is truly ill. The court asks for this professional’s opinion in court hearings, which helps the court make a determination in the case.
Despite all of these medical visits and opinions given by doctors, some judges still deny people access to the program. In this event, applicants must rely on their attorneys to file appeals and to request new hearings about the matter. Sometimes the appeal process can take several years before the judge finds in the applicant’s favor.
Because the process to apply for financial assistance after an injury or an illness can be substantial, many individuals rely on the help of a Toronto disability lawyer. This professional often can guide people through the paperwork, medical appointments, and legal hearings that are involved in applying for the program. If they are denied these funds, attorneys can file appeals until the judge finds in the person’s favor.
Don’t be a victim of disability. Consult a lawyer about Ontario disability concerns. If you are unsure of your rights and live outside the GTA, make an appointment today.