A year of advocating for clients with COVID-induced stress, disabilities

The trauma-informed lawyers at MK Disability Lawyers tackled such issues as post-traumatic stress disorder and employee alcohol and substance abuse in a busy 2021.

Partner Leanne Goldstein opened the new year predicting a significant increase in disability insurance claims could be expected as Canada continues to contend with the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are now seeing just a fraction of what is coming,” she said. Physical and mental disability claims could surge due to COVID

Racialized and immigrant communities often face barriers preventing them from receiving the mental health care they deserve and the stresses of the past year have exacerbated a troubling issue, explained MK Disability Lawyer partner Rupa Karyampudi. Path to mental health care can be difficult for immigrants, racialized

Teachers dealt with mounting stress during the pandemic

In April, partner Courtney Mulqueen said teachers dealing with mounting stress brought on by the coronavirus pandemic should not face their fears alone, especially when filing a disability insurance claim. “Waiting for help is not an option for teachers because time is of the essence.” Stress of the pandemic taking increasing toll on teachers

That feeling of being watched after filing a short or long-term disability insurance claim might not be paranoia, Goldstein stated in May, adding it is no secret that insurance companies use surveillance in benefit disputes. Insurance companies are watching. Do you know what to do?

In June, Karyampudi explained receiving mental health care can be a challenge for those in the LGTBQ community and she called for more awareness and understanding of the problem. “Based on my own experience representing LGTBQ clients, I would say there is a higher rate of unresolved mental health issues in their community.” Better understanding is needed of LGTBQ mental health issues

The next month, Mulqueen said the federal government’s pledge to establish a monthly disability benefit showed promise but needed to be more than mere window dressing to truly help those who are struggling financially or living in poverty. Government needs to get proposed disability benefits bill right

The importance of trauma-informed lawyers

Representing clients who have suffered trauma is not just about getting the best possible financial settlement, it is “also about facilitating a positive emotional outcome,” Goldstein contended, noting that her firm has embraced the role of trauma-informed lawyers. “At the end of the day, the satisfaction in the work that we do is not merely about settling a claim, it is moving our clients through an emotional space.” More to representing traumatized clients than legal acumen

In September, Karyampudi said more understanding and support is needed for health-care workers suffering mental health issues precipitated by the coronavirus pandemic. “Since the first wave hit, the health-care field has been stretched thin. We have noticed an increase of PTSD and the associated conditions, especially in those who were on the front lines at the beginning of the pandemic.” The challenge of representing clients who have PTSD

Employee alcohol and substance abuse may be a disability that needs to be treated and not merely seen as a reason for punishment, Goldstein, explained in October. Alcohol, substance abuse should be seen from ‘place of empathy’

Gender bias within the medical profession is a long-standing problem that can lead to misdiagnosis and ultimately prevent women from getting the disability insurance benefits they deserve and the treatment they need, Karyampudi said the following month. Gender bias in the medical profession adding to women’s pain

In December, Mulqueen stated he rights of those who have legitimate mental health issues that prevent them from getting a COVID-19 vaccination are being ignored but it is only a matter of time before the issue lands before the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal. Time to consider mental health issues in COVID vaccination policies