Joey Pollock

03/01/2024

02/29/2024

02/23/2024

02/16/2024

02/09/2024

01/30/2024

In this post, I will talk about a common question I get from potential clients. People with conditions like Long COVID, brain fog, depression and injuries – conditions for which there are no clear-cut scientific tests to determine a diagnosis – want to know how these types of conditions impact their entitlement to claim and receive disability benefits. In response, I tell them that, in order to receive disability benefits, the person must satisfy the definition of disability contained in the policy. The question is, whatever the condition, does it meet the definition of disability contained in the policy?

If you or a loved one has had a disability insurance or life insurance claim denied, you might find this article helpful in explaining your options. I will answer some common and frequently asked questions (FAQs) about disability claims.

If you’d like more information or to talk about your claim, please contact me at JoeyPo***ck.com.

Who am I, and how can I help you?
I am here to do my very best to assist you in obtaining your benefits. I want to help alleviate your stress and get you the benefits to which you may be entitled. My job, as I see it, is to take over your burden, stress and anxiety. With over 38 years of legal experience, including over 30 working on disability and life insurance claims, I have the experience to try to get you your benefits.

What kind of cases do I take on?
My specialty is working with people who have had their short-term and long-term disability benefits or life insurance claims denied. Because I focus on these types of claims, I do not take on any cases with Worker’s Compensation (WCB), Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI).

FAQs on Disability Claims and Health Conditions
Does it matter what my health condition is?
Generally speaking, a person is entitled to disability benefits if, because of illness or injury, the person cannot perform the duties of their own job for the first 24 months and are then unable to perform the duties of any job thereafter. Many potential clients ask if they are entitled to benefits for conditions such as brain fog from cancer treatments, depression and Long COVID – conditions for which there are no clear-cut scientific tests to determine a diagnosis. I tell them that, if they can establish that brain fog from cancer treatments, depression or Long COVID, is considered an illness which renders them disabled under their policy, they are entitled to benefits, just the same as someone who has a condition which can be diagnosed by a blood test, MRI, or X-ray.

Read the full post here:

https://joeypollock.com/disability-claims-health-conditions/

12/02/2023

Join us in this eye-opening conversation with Joey Po***ck from www.joeypollock.com, a seasoned professional with 38 years of experience, delving into the intricate world of insurance claim denials. In this candid discussion, Joey sheds light on his pivotal role in assisting individuals whose claims have been terminated or denied outright.

🔗 Connect with Joey Po***ck:
www.joeypollock.com

🎙️ Key Takeaways:

🤝 Providing Support in Stressful Times
Joey describes his role as that of a stress reliever. He takes on the burden of individuals facing insurance claim challenges, acknowledging the stress and anxiety they experience. His goal is to be a supportive guide, allowing clients to focus on their well-being while he navigates the complex process.

👨‍⚖️ A Wealth of Experience
With nearly 30 years dedicated to disability work and extensive experience in the legal realm, Joey understands the ins and outs of the court system, the strategies employed by insurance companies, and the dynamics of working with legal professionals. His extensive network and rapport within the community further contribute to his ability to navigate the system effectively.

💼 Expertise Beyond the Surface
Joey emphasizes that clients don't need to worry about the intricacies of the process; that's his responsibility. His focus is on delivering results that bring happiness and relief to his clients. By reassuring them that he's on retainer, filing claims, and keeping them informed, he allows them to relinquish their burden and trust in his expertise.

🤲 Empathy and Understanding
One of Joey's strengths lies in his ability to empathize with clients. He creates a safe space for them to express their concerns, assuring them that he comprehends their situation. Clients often find solace in speaking with someone who truly understands their predicament, and Joey's goal is to alleviate their stress from the very first consultation.

📈 Conclusion:
Joey Po***ck's role goes beyond legal representation; it's about being a compassionate advocate. Join us as we explore the depths of insurance claim challenges and learn how Joey's experience and dedication make him a beacon of support in times of uncertainty.

🔔 Subscribe for More Insights
Don't miss out on valuable discussions! Hit that subscribe button and stay tuned for more expert insights on navigating legal complexities, understanding insurance claims, and empowering yourself in challenging times. Joey Po***ck is here to guide you through it all.

11/30/2023

🔍 In this insightful video, Joey Po***ck from www.joeypollock.com breaks down the intricate process of filing a disability claim. 📜

👉 Starting with the basics, Joey explains that the disability claim process mirrors that of any civil claim. It kicks off by filing a statement, a claim under court rules. The defendant typically has 20 days (in Manitoba) to file a defence, although this timeframe is often extended.

👥 Once the defence is filed, the process delves into Discovery, consisting of documentary and oral components. Joey emphasizes the importance of this phase, where parties swear affidavits listing all relevant documents in their possession. This sets the stage for a meeting in a lawyer's office, where both sides examine each other's representatives.

💼 Deftly handling insurance companies, Joey points out the common request for extensions from their legal representatives, a step he often accommodates. Preparing for trial, Joey sets down a pre-trial date before the discovery process, ensuring clarity on the trial date.

⚖️ Mediation becomes a significant consideration in the journey, with parties exploring the possibility of resolving the case through a third-party mediator, often a court of Kings bench judge. Joey, however, prefers exhausting all avenues of settlement before resorting to mediation.

🤝 Highlighting the importance of a lawyer's role, Joey emphasizes the need for active efforts to settle before reaching mediation. He notes that most cases are resolved at this stage, and those that don't settle there may still find resolution afterward.

🎯 Addressing the question of trial likelihood in civil claims, Joey suggests that while it's possible, the chances are not very high. If it does go to trial, expect a journey spanning several years.

📌 Join Joey Po***ck in this comprehensive exploration of the disability claim process, from filing to potential trial, gaining valuable insights into the legal intricacies involved.

11/26/2023

It's not about the specific condition; it's about your coverage under a policy, be it a group or individual policy, that is important. The key lies in whether you're entitled to disability benefits according to the terms of your policy. For the initial two years, the focus is on your ability to perform the regular duties of your own occupation. After that, it extends to any occupation.

📑 Policy Wording Matters

Different policies have slightly different wordings, but the essence remains the same. It's not about what you're sick from but whether you're sick or injured. Whether it's brain fog from cancer treatment, depression, long-term COVID, or any other cause that renders you unable to perform your job — that's the crux.

💼 It's All About the Contract

When people ask if their specific condition matters, the answer lies in the contract. An insurance company can't reinterpret the contract to suit its narrative. The bottom line is, are you disabled due to illness, injury, or sickness as outlined in the policy? If yes, are you prevented from performing your job or any job?

🚨 Proving Disability: The Real Issue

In a nutshell, the illness or disease itself is irrelevant. What matters is proving that you have a valid illness, sickness, or injury that hinders your ability to perform your job. It's a matter of contract, and our expert sheds light on why the specifics of your condition take a back seat in the grand scheme of disability insurance.

📌 Key Takeaways

It's not about the specific condition but the terms of your policy.
Different policies may have different wording, but the core principles remain consistent. The focus is on proving your disability as per the terms of the contract. The nature of your illness or disease is secondary; the key is your inability to perform your job.

👍 Conclusion
If you've ever wondered whether your specific condition matters when it comes to disability insurance, this video is a must-watch. Our expert provides clarity on what truly counts when making a disability claim. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful content on insurance and financial well-being! 💼🔐

11/19/2023

Hey everyone, welcome back to our page! 👋 Today's video is going to shed light on an essential aspect of legal representation – understanding the ins and outs of legal fees. We've got a fascinating insight coming your way, inspired by an enlightening transcript and blog post by Joey Po***ck.

When you sign a retainer letter, it outlines what your services are and how you're going to get paid. There's a difference between getting paid at an hourly rate and taking a case on a contingency basis. The key distinction lies in whether you get paid irrespective of the results or only when there's a successful recovery. So, whether you're on an hourly rate or a contingency agreement, let's dive into the details.

🔍 Exploring Hourly Rates vs. Contingency Agreements:

Hourly Rate: Guaranteed payment for every hour worked, win or lose.
Contingency Agreement: Payment is a percentage of the recovered amount, contingent on success. No recovery, no fees.
💼 Understanding the Risk:
Discover the risks associated with each payment model. With hourly rates, the attorney gets compensated regardless of the case outcome. However, with a contingency agreement, the lawyer takes on the risk and only gets paid if they secure a favourable outcome.

💸 Navigating Disbursements:
Learn about disbursements, those out-of-pocket expenses that lawyers incur during a case. In a contingency agreement, lawyers aim to cover these expenses when negotiating a settlement. Find out why this is crucial for both the attorney and the client.

⚖️ Potential Costs and Disbursements:
Explore the possibility of clients being ordered to pay costs and disbursements if their claim is dismissed, particularly if it reaches trial. Understand the difference between party and party costs and the factors involved in such situations.

🤝 Settlements:
Get insights into the reality that many cases, although they could go to trial, often end up being settled. Learn how attorneys, whether working on an hourly basis or contingency, aim to secure the best outcome for the plaintiff.

🔗 Read our post for a deeper dive: https://joeypollock.com/life-and-disability-insurance-legal-fees-contingency-vs-fee-for-service/

👍 Don't forget to give this video a thumbs up if you find it informative, and hit that subscribe button for more content on legal insights! Have you had any experiences with legal fees? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Thanks for watching, and we'll see you in the next one! 🎬

11/19/2023

One of the first questions you likely want answered before deciding how to proceed is: How am I going to pay for legal services?

In my practice, I offer my clients the option of entering into a contingency agreement or a fee-for-service agreement.

Read more below...

https://joeypollock.com/life-and-disability-insurance-legal-fees-contingency-vs-fee-for-service/

09/05/2023

13 Legal Terms You Should Know: Part 13. This is the final legal term you'll be learning in this series, enjoy!

This week's word is:
“Offsets/Coordination of Benefits”