Did you ever experience workplace discrimination because of your disability? Or have you felt regular or recurring inconveniences due to a glaring lack of disability-friendly infrastructure in the workplace? If you relate to such problems, finding yourself disability lawyers like Share Lawyers in Hamilton would be helpful. They can help you address issues you face at your work.
Know More About A Disability Lawyer
A lawyer that helps differently-abled individuals receive their proper protection and benefits is called a disability lawyer. They fight for the rights of disabled individuals, particularly in scenarios like the workplace. It can be either when the rights of a disabled person are violated or if the appropriate means of redressal are not in place or are inappropriately placed.
15.4% of Ontario’s population suffers from disabilities, including mental disabilities (4.8% of the population) and others (10.6% of the population). Government statistics show that 166,500 people suffer from disabilities in Hamilton. 20% of the city’s population has self-reported a disability. Even though Hamilton is known for its industrial heritage and is often listed as one of Canada’s top-listed real estate markets, with plenty of job opportunities, statistics show that the unemployment rate of people suffering from disabilities is 8% in Hamiton. It makes practitioners of disability law a vital tool for societal upliftment and justice.
Disability law fights for disability insurance claims that have not been appropriately addressed. A disability lawyer will inform you of your rights as a disabled person if you don’t already know them and help you receive what these rights promise. It is primarily concerned with compensating you and ensuring your income if you have a disability at work.
Most firms have different branches specializing in various types of law, but some specifically practice only disability law. That means the primary focus is on a particular segment of clients rather than a spectrum. It is better for you because it is centered on you and your needs and ensures that you are not taken advantage of due to disability. Note that 67.7% of Ontario’s disabled population has reported feeling disadvantaged at the workplace due to their condition, which is a high number and calls for severe redressal means.
What Are Disability Benefits?
You must know that Canada has many social protection systems in place, and this includes non-contributory as well as contributory benefits. Non-contributory benefits refer to the benefits paid for by the employer, and contributory benefits have a bit more nuance to them.
Contributory benefits refer to the monetary benefits one may avail if or when unable to work – they essentially replace your income. They’re a form of pension and are available to disabled individuals that were once part of the workforce. It includes disability benefits under the CPP (Canada Pension Plan). It ensures that disabled people can get employment and post-employment pension benefits. Included disabilities for this programme are both physical as well as mental disabilities. For example, approximately $25 billion is put aside annually for the discretionary expenditure of disabled persons across Canada, per the numbers provided by the Royal Bank of Canada.
The tenets of disability law focus primarily on contributory benefits because insurance companies rather than the employer provide them. Disability lawyers help you fight for your insurance claims, particularly in employment.
When Does One Need A Disability Lawyer?
Below are the most common situations wherein lawyers like Share Lawyers in Hamilton can help and guide you. You may need a disability lawyer to fight for you in one or more of the following situations:
- You developed a medical condition that prevents you from working.
- You struggle with a medical condition that hinders your ability to be productive.
- You have disability coverage, but your claims are being denied.
- You have not received or have stopped receiving benefits from your disability insurance provider.
- You need help to file a claim with your disability insurance provider.
- You would like to sign up for disability insurance and need guidance.
- You are looking to leave the workforce and are trying to understand the best time to do so.
Conclusion
If you suffer a physical or mental disability, you must enroll for disability insurance benefits and contact a disability lawyer when required. Insurance companies are quicker to reject claims than to accept and pay up. Hiring an experienced lawyer to help you receive your benefits would be best.
