Disability and Injury Claims Assessment

Disability and injury claims usually involve at least one insured party. Case managers from insurance companies often contact us because they simply require an assessment of a client and there is no ongoing or future litigation. A lawyer becomes involved in an insurance claim when an individual or the insurance company on his or her behalf contests the fairness of compensation. However, civil proceedings are occasionally initiated against another individual or business where there is no policy coverage. Expert testimony often has a strong influence on the outcome of such cases. Our psychologists provide objective assessments regardless of whether our services are solicited by an insurance company or a litigant and his or her representative.

Some cases are quite straightforward, such as those focusing on a specific diagnosis or compromised neurocognitive functioning. Many cases, however, involve the complex overlap of physical health problems (e.g., paralysis, back injury, chronic pain), mental health problems (e.g., depression, posttraumatic stress), and neuropsychological impairment.

Approximately 25% of individuals receiving disability payments have a mental disorder diagnosis. Additionally, physical health problems, especially injuries resulting in chronic pain, are a strong predictor of psychological problems such as depression. Insurance providers sometimes fear the diagnosis of a comorbid mental disorder because they believe that they will be held financially responsible for a problem that would otherwise be considered unrelated. However, when psychological problems are not addressed these individuals often draw greater resources due to delayed physical recovery. Our psychologists can help to determine the extent to which a psychological problem occurred secondary to physical health problems or represents a pre-existing condition.

Please contact us if you require further information or would like to refer your client to a psychologist for an assessment.

Calgary: (403) 313-8309
Vancouver: 1-877-313-8309
You can also contact us by e-mail.