Insurer ordered to pay 35% special award for unreasonably withholding income replacement benefits based on inconclusive reports.
The applicant sought a special award under s. 282(10) of the Insurance Act, arguing the insurer unreasonably withheld and delayed payment of income replacement benefits (IRB) and catastrophic impairment benefits following a motor vehicle accident.
The arbitrator found that while a special award could not be based solely on the catastrophic impairment determination, the insurer's handling of the IRB claim justified an award.
The insurer had relied on incomplete and inconclusive reports to terminate benefits, ignoring a multitude of conclusive medical reports, including from its own assessors, that supported the applicant's inability to work.
The arbitrator concluded this demonstrated stubborn, inflexible, and unreasonable behaviour, and ordered the insurer to pay a special award of 35% of the owing IRB total, plus 2% compound interest.
OFSCDRSOntario Financial Services Commission - Dispute Resolution ServicesMay 11, 2018