Long-Haul COVID-19 Victims and LTD Claims

June 04, 2021, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

COVID-19 has been ravaging the planet for 15 months and although we better understand the virus than we did a year ago, there are still many things we don’t have a clear grip on. We are all rolling up our sleeves and getting vaccinated in the hope that life will return to normal soon, but for many, the vaccines didn’t come in time.

Most people who have gotten COVID-19 have recovered successfully, some had died, and others got sick but never recovered. It’s the third group that we’ll focus on today.

Long-Haul Symptoms (Post-acute COVID-19 Symptoms)

Typically, the symptoms of COVID-19 last about two weeks and this is the period when the disease is most contagious. Based on the ongoing data collection researchers now estimate that somewhere from 10% to 30% of patients with COVID-19 will suffer from lingering symptoms from the illness.

These symptoms are long-haul symptoms and those who fall into the group are known as long-haulers. The long-haul symptoms are almost certain to happen in people who had severe cases of COVID-19, but it appears that almost a third of patients who had a mild case go on to have lingering symptoms for longer than 6 weeks.

Some of the life-altering health concerns that affect patients include heart, lung and brain damage. Blood clots are also common which can lead to stroke and heart attack. Hand in hand with the lingering symptoms physicians are noting decreased energy and mood disorders.

Lingering Symptoms

Post-acute COVID-19 symptoms can be overwhelming and debilitating. There are now records of Canadians who contracted COVID-19 over a year ago who continue to experience persistent symptoms which have significantly impacted their ability to work, impacted their mental health and their quality of life.

The list of lingering symptoms recorded to date includes:

• Loss of taste and/or smell
• Brain fog
• Health palpitations
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Muscle and joint pain
• Fevers
• Headaches
• Mood disorders
• Sleeping disorders

Clearly, there is much research and data yet to be collected on the long-term impacts for those who were seriously ill, and of the medium-term lingering symptoms on the rest of the people who got COVID-19.

For those who have been seriously ill and unable to work there are government programs that provide very short-term income replacement. For those with benefits who have lost their ability to work, they have relied on sick benefits.

What can you do if you are a long hauler?

If you have been affected by post-acute COVID-19 then you know how difficult your life has become. You are faced with the uncertainty of your recovery, your medical bills are mounting, you can’t work at all or your chosen profession, and you are filled with stress.

Applying for LTD benefits through your workplace insurance may be an option for you however, there are many questions around COVID-19 and eligibility for LTD. You will need to provide evidence of your illness and the severity of your symptoms. Proof of their impact on your ability to work will be required. records of your treatments from the medical professionals will also be required.

What if my claim for LTD is denied?

If your claim for LTD benefits due to post-acute COVID-19 symptoms is unfairly denied then you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. At Deutschmann Law, we have experience helping our clients get the LTD benefits they are entitled to. We are committed to your future.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.