Our client is a relatively young man. He left school in Year 9 and managed to obtain his School Certificate attending a TAFE College. He enjoyed heavy manual work and managed to obtain various tickets to allow him to be employed as a crane operator, rigger and dogman. Hard work was not a problem. He enjoyed the outdoor life.
A few years ago, our client started to experience very severe disabling headaches. He has attended many doctors and finally came under the care of a Consultant Neurologist Professor. His Professor of Neurology has described his cluster headaches as persistent, disabling and distressing. Our client has had long periods of hospitalisation and numerous treatments including a variety of medications, all of which have proved unsuccessful in treating and controlling the cluster headaches. When the headaches are at their peak, our client is confined to bed for days at a time. He is depressed and has suicidal thoughts. The high doses of extremely potent analgesia which are prescribed by the Consultant Neurologist do very little to control the pain that our client finds himself in. Unfortunately the Professor has had to advise our client that at this time there is no cure for his illness and that in all likelihood, he will have to put up with this disability for the rest of his days. Obviously our client can’t work. Surprisingly, when the forms were completed by our client to make a claim on the TPD insurance under his superannuation, his claim was rejected by the insurance company. Needing help, he turned to Ray McClenahan, who is now Managing Partner here at Taylor & Scott and an expert in total permanent disablement claims. Ray travelled to confer with his client at his home. He took detailed instructions and was able to go back to all of his client’s treatment providers and seek further very detailed reports dealing with his client’s illness and his disabilities which have effectively ended his working life.
Armed with all of this information, Ray set about preparing very detailed submissions together with medical reports in support of his contention that his client was totally and permanently disabled in accordance with the insurance policy definition.
We are very pleased to report that at long last the insurance company has capitulated and has now agreed to pay out Ray’s client’s TPD claim. This money has secured our client’s financial future and has removed a huge stress from his shoulders allowing him to focus solely on trying to deal with his cluster headaches.
Are cluster headaches a disability?
Cluster headaches are extremely painful and are suffered by an estimated 1 per 1000 Australians. Cluster headaches can become permanent, while the disease is suffered by five times more men than women. The term ‘cluster’ is used as the severe headaches often occur in groups and at specific times. Thought to be a disorder associated with the hypothalamus, cluster headaches can be episodic or chronic.
Episodic: Alternating periods of painful attacks and pain-free remission;
Chronic: Lacking remission or with short periods of remission.
Specifics of your cluster headaches TPD insurance claim can be ironed out during a free consultation with Taylor & Scott. TPD insurance should be finalised in the shortest possible timeframe for everyone’s benefit, making the guidance and solutions offered by Taylor & Scott Lawyers a value-added incentive. In addition, our ‘no-win no-fee’ policy means we take care of business while you get on with life without additional hardship.
How do I claim TPD insurance for cluster headaches?
In many cases, the exact cause of cluster headaches can’t be definitively proven. Fortunately, you don’t need to prove the origin of your ailment; only that you are permanently suffering from a total disability or illness. TPD is extensively understood by workers compensation lawyers, motor vehicle injury compensation lawyers and government medical experts who examine the symptoms of illnesses and ailments that prevent a person from working.
You will need to show you are suffering at least the minimum required level of disability to make a TPD claim. This may relate to your ability to return to your previous role, or you may have an inability to work at all. TPD claims are often linked to superannuation funds, so get in touch with your policy provider to make sure you are covered. If you require direction regarding a TPD insurance claim case, your Taylor & Scott Lawyer is on hand to assist.
How long does a TPD claim take to process?
Prolonged waiting periods for finalisation of TPD insurance claims are common, as injuries and symptoms need to fully settle before the full extent of damage can be ascertained. As the process can be quite lengthy, and there are many ways compensation can assist, it’s worth consulting with your lawyer in the meantime to ensure your payout potential is maximised. Taylor & Scott Lawyers work with empathy, understanding and a case winning attitude to get you the payout you deserve.
If you are having trouble following the appropriate steps for a successful cluster headaches TPD insurance claim, or your claim is being countered by opposing insurers or legal teams, the highly-regarded assistance of Taylor & Scott TPD Lawyers will give you the edge in negotiations and keep your case moving forward. Our TPD specialists will help you submit a comprehensive and timely claim document that ensures you receive the full range of benefits available.
Cluster headaches are more severe than migraine headaches and other types of headaches, making disablement claims justified for those whose working life has been terminated. Symptoms of cluster headaches include excruciating boring or burning pain localised around one eye and side of the head. Steady pain can last for many weeks with no respite for sufferers of chronic cluster headaches, yet health insurance and life insurance companies are prone to overlook the causes, symptoms and associated treatments. If you require legal advice regarding disabling cluster headaches, regardless of when the headaches started or the presence of pre-existing conditions, contact Taylor & Scott Lawyers for your best chance of compensation claim success.
Taylor & Scott’s Offer to You
If you or someone you know is unable to work due to illness or injury, you may have a claim for TPD under your superannuation. You are most welcome to contact the experts here at Taylor & Scott. We would be happy to confer with you, listen sympathetically and advise you of your rights. If we take your case, we will do so on a no-win/no-pay basis meaning if you don’t win, we don’t get paid. Ring us on 1800 600 664 or email us at info@tayscott.com.au.
Our team of experts in TPD are committed to doing everything they can to secure your entitlements.
