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Month: November 2025

Denied LTD in BC

Denied LTD in BC? Here’s What Happens Next

Denied LTD in BC? Here’s What Happens Next

By Long-Term Disability Lawyer Tim Louis


Being denied long-term disability can feel like losing your footing twice: once to illness, and again to disbelief. In British Columbia, you still have rights, and you still have time to act.

When an insurer tells you no, it rarely means the end of the road. Most denials are not final decisions; they’re the company’s interpretation of paperwork, timing, or medical language that can be challenged. Still, the moment you read that letter, fear sets in — How will I pay my bills? Who will believe me? What now?

Take a breath. You do not need to fight this alone. At Tim Louis & Company, we’ve helped British Columbians reclaim denied benefits for over forty years — people with chronic pain, depression, cancer, autoimmune disease, and other conditions that don’t always show on a scan. We know how insurers think, and we know how to make them listen.

If your LTD claim was denied or cut off, this guide will walk you through what that decision really means, what steps to take next, and how to protect your health and income while we challenge the denial together.

Need help now?
Call Tim Louis & Company for a free consultation.

📞 (604) 732-7678 📧 timlouis@timlouislaw.com 🌐 https://timlouislaw.com/contact-us/
English y español disponibles.

What an LTD Denial Really Means in BC

A denial does not mean you are not disabled. It means the insurer says it does not yet have what it needs. The letter is often a template with phrases like “insufficient medical evidence,” “not totally disabled under the policy,” or “pre-existing condition.” That language protects the company, not your health.

Most LTD denials in British Columbia are not final. You usually have a right to an internal appeal, and you can start a legal claim if benefits remain refused. You do not have to finish the insurer’s appeal process before filing a claim. Waiting too long can risk the two-year limitation period.

Internal appeal vs legal claim

  • Internal appeal: The insurer looks at the file again. Timelines are short, often 30 to 90 days. New medical reports can help, but the same people may be reviewing your case.
  • Legal claim: A court action under BC law. This preserves your rights and stops the clock on limitation issues.

Common reasons for denial

  • Records do not show enough “objective” proof.
  • Missing forms, signatures, or late doctor notes.
  • A paper review doctor disagrees with your treating physician.
  • The insurer says the condition is pre-existing.
  • The policy switched from “own occupation” to “any occupation” at 24 months and the insurer says you can work elsewhere.

Each of these can be challenged with the right evidence and timing. At Tim Louis & Company, we translate insurer language into plain terms, collect focused medical and vocational proof, and hold insurers to the policy and the law.

If you received a denial, keep treatment consistent, save every letter and email, and contact us early. A short call can clarify next steps and protect deadlines.

What to Do and Not Do in the First 72 Hours After Denial

Take a breath. You have options, and you have time to use them wisely.

What to do

1) Read the denial letter carefully.
Note the date, the stated reasons, and any deadlines for appeal. Keep the envelope and all pages.

2) Ask for your claim file in writing.
Request the full file from the insurer, including adjuster notes, paper review reports, IME reports, surveillance, and internal emails. Keep a copy of your request.

3) Book medical follow-ups.
See your family doctor and any specialists. Bring the denial letter so they can address the insurer’s concerns directly. Update referrals, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans.

4) Start a simple symptoms and function diary.
Write one page per day. Record pain levels, fatigue, sleep, medication effects, and what you could and could not do. Consistent notes help your case.

5) Organise your records.
Create a folder for medical reports, test results, employer letters, job description, benefits booklet, and all insurer correspondence. Save emails as PDFs.

6) Protect your income.
If you are eligible, apply for EI sickness benefits or CPP-D. These can run alongside an LTD dispute. Note interaction rules so you are not penalised.

7) Call a lawyer early.
An early review helps you avoid missed deadlines and unhelpful appeals. We can map the best path and preserve your limitation period.

What not to do

1) Do not argue by phone only.
If you speak with the insurer, follow up with an email that confirms what was said.

2) Do not stop treatment.
Gaps in care can harm your health and your case.

3) Do not rely on internal appeals alone.
You are not required to finish them, and they do not stop the two-year limitation period.

4) Do not post about your claim online.
Insurers often review social media. Context is easy to lose in a photo or short post.

5) Do not send long, emotional letters.
Keep communication factual and brief until you have advice.

Need help now?
We will review your denial letter and explain your options in plain language.
Tim Louis & Company • (604) 732-7678 • timlouis@timlouislaw.com • https://timlouislaw.com/contact-us/

Denied LTD in BC

Medical Evidence That Moves Claims

When an insurer says there is not enough proof, it can feel personal. Your pain is real, and so is your fatigue. The job here is to help the record reflect your day-to-day reality in a way decision makers understand. We will walk with you through that process.

Start with function.
Describe what life looks like. How long you can sit, stand, or focus. How far you can walk. How often symptoms flare. Note what tasks you need help with and what happens after activity. A short daily diary is more powerful than you think.

Objective tests and clinical notes.
Tests like MRIs, EMGs, sleep studies, or lab work can help. So can regular clinic notes that show patterns over time. A normal test does not cancel real limits. Ask your providers to connect the dots from findings to function. Plain language helps everyone.

Work capacity forms.
Residual Functional Capacity forms turn symptoms into clear restrictions. Safe lifting, posture limits, expected absences, and the need for breaks. Invite your doctor to be specific. Instead of words like moderate, ask for numbers, times, and examples.

Keep stories aligned.
Insurers compare your diary, doctor notes, pharmacy refills, therapy charts, and imaging. Small differences are normal. Large gaps create doubt. Bring the denial letter to appointments so your providers can respond to the concerns that were raised.

Mental health matters.
Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and cognitive issues are real and disabling. Useful records include counselling notes, psychiatric opinions, scales that track symptoms, and neuropsychological testing when appropriate. Describe concentration, memory, decision making, and how stress shows up in your body. Safety plans belong in the file if needed.

Medication side effects and combined impact.
Fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, nausea. These can limit safe and reliable work. Write down what you experience and how often it happens. The combined effect of conditions and treatment often explains why steady work is not possible.

Your job, on paper.
Ask for your job description and any notes on duties or attendance. A brief employer letter that confirms essential tasks and productivity expectations can be very helpful.

CPP Disability and LTD.
A CPP D approval can support your LTD claim because both focus on capacity for work. A CPP D denial does not end your case. Share any CPP decisions so we can keep your record consistent.

You are not alone in this. We can help you gather what is needed, speak with your care team, and present your story with dignity and clarity.

 

Insurer Tactics We See and How We Counter

Insurers use patterns. Knowing them helps you stay steady and lets us respond with the right evidence.

Paper reviews.
An insurer doctor may review your file without meeting you and say you can work. We counter with detailed treating physician opinions, work capacity forms, and, when useful, independent specialists who examine you.

Surveillance.
Short clips on a good day can be used to suggest you are fine. We place the footage in context with your diary, medical notes, and the reality of fluctuating conditions. A few minutes of activity does not equal full-time, reliable work.

Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs).
These are arranged by the insurer. We prepare you, clarify the scope in writing, and request the examiner’s notes and test data. If the report is incomplete or unfair, we rebut it with focused medical evidence.

The “any occupation” switch at 24 months.
After two years many policies tighten the test for disability. We gather vocational assessments, job market data, and medical opinions that address stamina, reliability, and cognitive limits, not just job titles.

Pre-existing condition clauses.
Insurers may say your condition existed before coverage. We examine the lookback dates, policy wording, and medical records to show onset, flare, or aggravation within the insured period.

Failure to accommodate.
If your employer could not or would not accommodate safe duties, we collect the emails, schedules, and doctor notes that prove attempts were made. This supports both LTD and, when appropriate, human rights or employment claims.

You do not have to engage in a tug-of-war alone. Our job is to turn scattered records into a clear, credible story that the insurer must answer.

Free Download — Denied LTD in BC: 7 Documents Your Lawyer Needs Today

Before you appeal or respond to your insurer, make sure you’ve gathered the documents that can protect your claim.
Download our free checklist to get started.

Download the PDF

Timelines and Limitation Periods in BC

Deadlines matter. Insurers run internal appeal clocks, often 30 to 90 days from the denial letter. Courts apply limitation periods, most often up to two years for a civil claim in British Columbia. These are separate tracks. Finishing the insurer’s appeal process does not extend a court deadline.

Why this matters: some people use all the internal appeals, then learn they are out of time to sue. Others keep negotiating by phone while the limitation period quietly runs down. Both are avoidable.

What to do:

  • Save the denial letter and note every date in it.
  • Ask the insurer, in writing, for the appeal deadline and for a full copy of your claim file.
  • Speak with a lawyer early about the court limitation period that applies to your policy and denial.
  • If negotiation makes sense, we can keep talking with the insurer while we preserve your rights by filing a claim before any deadline.
  • In some cases, we may secure a tolling or standstill agreement so talks can continue without risk.

You do not need to choose between being reasonable and being protected. We can do both at the same time, in writing, and on your timeline.

 

If You Were Terminated While on LTD

Losing your job while you are ill can feel like the floor giving way. In BC, employers have a duty to accommodate medical limitations up to undue hardship. Ending employment while you are on long-term disability may raise human rights issues as well as employment and insurance claims.

Here is how we look at it:

  • Accommodation record. Emails, schedules, and doctor notes that show modified duties were requested or could have been tried.
  • Benefits and coverage. Whether LTD, life insurance, and health benefits were continued or cut off, and on what date.
  • Severance and notice. Termination without cause while sick can still require fair notice or pay in lieu, including the value of lost benefits.
  • Coordinated strategy. LTD, wrongful dismissal, and human rights claims often overlap. We align the facts, medical evidence, and timelines so your story is consistent and strong.

If you were let go while on LTD or medical leave, keep every document and see your doctor. Then call us. We will explain your options in plain language and build a coordinated plan that protects your income, your health, and your dignity.

 

Real BC Outcomes — LTD Case Snapshot (2019–2025)

Every long-term disability case is different. The court looks at evidence, credibility, and how the insurer handled the claim. The following BC decisions show the range of outcomes over the past few years. They are shared to inform, not to promise any result. Context always matters.

These public cases are drawn directly from CanLII, the Canadian Legal Information Institute, which hosts official court decisions.

Case

Year

Issue

Outcome

Lesson

Okano v. Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd., 2022 BCSC 881

2022

Termination of long-service employee with disability history

24 months’ notice adjusted for mitigation

Courts reaffirm the 24-month ceiling but adjust for efforts to find work.

McKnight v. Sun Life Assurance Co. of Canada, 2023 BCSC 1861

2023

Denial of LTD for chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia

Benefits reinstated; insurer ordered to pay costs

Courts recognise chronic pain and fatigue syndromes when well-documented.

Chand v. Zurich Life Insurance Company Ltd., 2021 BCSC 1428

2021

Denial based on surveillance and “any occupation” change

Plaintiff successful; full benefits and legal costs awarded

Short video clips did not outweigh consistent medical evidence.

Schaefer v. Mutual Life Assurance Co. of Canada, 2020 BCSC 1049

2020

Psychiatric condition; insurer alleged exaggeration

Benefits reinstated

The court stressed compassion and careful consideration for mental-health claims.

Wang v. Industrial Alliance Insurance, 2019 BCSC 1213

2019

Denial for lack of “objective” proof

Insurer ordered to pay arrears

Courts continue to reject the myth that only objective findings count.

How to read this table:
Each decision turns on the facts. The judge looks at how the insurer handled the file, whether medical records were consistent, and whether the claimant was credible and compliant with treatment. Similar facts can lead to different outcomes depending on documentation and timing.

If your LTD claim was denied or cut off, we can explain how your situation fits within this legal landscape and what steps can move your case toward resolution.

FAQ

Many denials are based on missing paperwork, limited medical detail, or an insurer’s “paper review” that downplays symptoms. It often comes down to wording, not truth. Most claims can be challenged with fuller medical and functional evidence.

No. You can start a legal claim without completing the insurer’s internal appeal process. Internal appeals do not pause the two-year limitation period to sue. Speaking with a lawyer early ensures you do not lose that window.

Detailed medical notes that explain how symptoms affect work capacity. Functional forms, daily diaries, and employer letters that describe actual job demands all help. Consistency across records matters more than a single test.

Yes, in some cases. Policies vary, but limited or therapeutic work often supports your case when done under medical advice. Keep a record of hours, symptoms, and your doctor’s guidance.

Most BC LTD claims must be filed in court within two years of the insurer’s final denial letter. This timeline can differ by policy. Always note the date on the letter and get legal advice right away.

Further Reading & Community Support

BC Human Rights Tribunal (BCHRT)
Info on discrimination, the duty to accommodate, how to file a complaint, and timelines.
https://www.bchrt.bc.ca/

CPP Disability (Government of Canada)
Who qualifies, how to apply, required medical reports, and appeal routes for Canada Pension Plan Disability.
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-disability-benefit.html

WorkBC
Job-search tools, training programs, wage subsidies, and career services that can support return-to-work plans.
https://www.workbc.ca/

Employment Standards Branch — Termination & Benefits (BC Government)
Minimum standards for termination pay, benefits continuation, and related employment protections.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards-advice/employment-standards/termination-pay

Tim Louis & Company — Long-Term Disability Hub
Plain-language guides on LTD denials, evidence, timelines, and how we challenge insurers.
https://timlouislaw.com/long-term-disability-lawyer-vancouver-bc/

Tim Louis & Company — Blog
Recent BC cases, practical checklists, and step-by-step advice for LTD and employment issues.
https://timlouislaw.com/blog/

Closing Reflection

An LTD denial can make you feel unseen. Your symptoms are real, yet a letter suggests otherwise. Take heart. The law in British Columbia gives you a path forward, and your story can be told in a way that decision makers understand. With clear evidence, steady treatment, and the right guidance, many denials are reversed. You do not have to carry this alone. We are here to listen, to explain the steps in plain language, and to protect your health and income while we challenge the decision together.

Talk to Tim

Tim Louis & Company
2526 West 5th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 1T1
📞 (604) 732-7678
📧 timlouis@timlouislaw.com
🌐 https://timlouislaw.com/contact-us/

Free consultation: Email or call with your denial letter and we will review it. Clear, compassionate advice. No pressure.
English y español disponibles.

You can also download our free checklist, “Denied LTD in BC — 7 Documents Your Lawyer Needs Today,” to help you organize your information before we talk.
Having these documents ready can make your free consultation faster and more effective.

Download the PDF

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Fired Without Cause in BC

Fired Without Cause in BC

Fired Without Cause in BC? Here’s What Happens Next

By Vancouver Employment Lawyer Tim Louis

Losing your job can feel like the ground dropped out from under you. In British Columbia, the law gives you real protections and time to breathe before you sign anything.

You may be shocked, confused, or worried about the bills. That reaction is normal. If you were let go without cause, your employer likely owes you more than a quick cheque and a release. This is a moment to pause, not to panic. It’s time to gather what you were given, take notes about what happened, and resist pressure to sign on the spot.

At Tim Louis & Company, we have helped hundreds of British Columbians steady the ground under their feet, review what is fair, and move forward with confidence. You do not have to figure this out alone. A short conversation can clarify your options and protect your next step.

Need help now?

You don’t have to face this alone. Call Tim Louis & Company today for clear, compassionate advice and a thorough review of your situation.

📞 (604) 732-7678 📧 timlouis@timlouislaw.com 🌐 timlouislaw.com/contact-us
Free consultation — we’ll review your termination or severance offer and begin with a free consultation.

English y español disponibles.

What “Wrongful Dismissal” Really Means in BC

Wrongful dismissal in British Columbia is not a label for “unfair.” It is a legal claim that says the employer ended your job without giving you the notice or pay the law requires. Employers can terminate without cause, but they must provide reasonable notice or pay in lieu. When they do not, that is wrongful dismissal.

There are two broad paths. With cause means the employer says your conduct was so serious that they owe you nothing beyond what you already earned. True just cause is rare, and the bar is high. Without cause means no serious misconduct. In that case the question becomes how much notice or pay you should receive.

BC has two layers of protection. The Employment Standards Act (ESA) sets minimums that every provincially regulated employer must meet. Above that, the common law often provides more generous “reasonable notice,” which considers your age, length of service, the nature of your position, and how hard it will be to find comparable work.

Here is what that looks like in real life. Rita worked as an office manager for 12 years. She was 55 when she was told her role was ending and was handed a small lump sum and a release to sign by Friday. The ESA minimums were only a starting point. Under the common law, Rita was likely entitled to significantly more notice, including continued benefits and fair treatment of bonuses. Recent BC cases, such as Okano v. Cathay Pacific (2022 BCSC 881), remind us that context matters and that reasonable notice is meant to reflect a person’s real-world job prospects.

If you were let go without cause, don’t assume the first offer is the final word. A careful review can turn a rushed package into a fair one.

 

What You Should (and Should Not) Do After Being Fired

Take a breath. Getting let go is upsetting. A calm hour now can protect months of income later.

First, pause before you sign anything. Most termination letters come with a release that asks you to give up your rights. The deadline in the letter is often negotiable. You are allowed to seek advice and you are allowed to sleep on it.

Collect your paperwork. Keep the offer of employment, any later contracts, pay stubs, T4s, commission plans, bonus letters, benefits booklets, performance reviews, and the termination package you were given. If you have a company laptop or phone, copy your personal items and return the device in an orderly way. Do not remove company data.

Write down what happened. Note the meeting date and who attended. Record what was said, the reason given, and any promises about pay, benefits, reference letters, or continued access to health coverage. Memory fades. Your notes will not.

Secure your income. Apply for EI as soon as you can. EI and a legal claim can proceed at the same time. Keep a simple job-search log with dates, postings, and applications. Courts look for reasonable efforts to find comparable work. Your log helps you and strengthens your position.

Talk to a lawyer early. Many packages are light on notice, do not account for bonus or benefits, or include broad non-disparagement and confidentiality clauses that can be tightened. A short review can save you from a costly signature.

What not to do:

  • Do not vent on social media. Screenshots travel and can complicate your case.
  • Do not assume the first severance number is final. It is often a starting point.
  • Do not resign or accept a demotion without advice if your employer “offers” new terms after the fact.
  • Do not ignore medical needs. If the situation has affected your health, see your doctor and keep those records.

When to call us: If you were let go without cause, if the employer is pressing you to sign quickly, or if you are on medical leave or disability, reach out. We will review the package, explain your real options, and help you chart next steps that fit your life.

Talk to Tim Today — Free Consultation

Tim Louis & Company
2526 West 5th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 1T1
Phone: (604) 732-7678
Email: timlouis@timlouislaw.com
Website: timlouislaw.com

We’ll review your severance offer and explain your real options in plain language, and with no pressure.

English y español disponibles.

How Severance Works in British Columbia

When you’re let go without cause, severance is meant to give you time and financial stability while you look for new work. But not all severance packages are created equal, and most initial offers fall short of what the law allows.

The Two Layers of Protection

  1. Employment Standards Act (ESA) — the legal minimum
    The ESA sets out the bare minimum notice or pay in lieu that employers must provide. It’s based only on how long you’ve worked there with up to a maximum of eight weeks. For many people, that’s only a small fraction of what’s fair.
  2. Common Law — “reasonable notice”
    Common law is built on years of BC court decisions. Judges look beyond the ESA minimum and consider your personal circumstances:
  • Age – Older workers often face longer job searches.
  • Role – Senior or specialized positions take longer to replace.
  • Tenure – Longer service means greater entitlement.
  • Job market – Economic conditions and available roles matter.

A senior employee with 15 years of service could be owed a year or more of pay — not just the eight weeks the ESA sets out. That’s the difference between minimum rights and what’s truly fair.

Micro-FAQ

How much severance am I entitled to?
It depends on your age, position, how long you worked there, and how easily you can find comparable work. We can estimate your “reasonable notice” in a short consultation.

Is vacation pay included?
Yes. Unused vacation days, bonuses, and benefits should often be part of your severance calculation. These details can make thousands of dollars’ difference.

What if I was on disability leave when I was let go?
You may have both a wrongful dismissal and a long-term disability claim. The law protects you from being penalized for illness or injury.

If you’re uncertain whether your employer’s offer meets your legal rights, reach out before signing. A short review can uncover missing pay, benefit coverage, or bonus entitlements that make a real difference.

Related Resources:

Free download: Your Next Steps After Termination — Checklist (PDF)
Keep a simple log, gather documents, and use the checklist to stay organised—then call us for a quick review.

Wrongful Termination

Constructive Dismissal & Toxic Workplaces

Sometimes a job does not end with a clear “you are terminated.” Pressure builds until you feel you have no real choice but to leave. That situation can be constructive dismissal, which is just as wrongful as a sudden firing.

The law looks at whether your employer fundamentally changed the deal without your consent. Common triggers include a drastic pay cut, loss of benefits, a demotion or title downgrade, major duty changes, a forced transfer or schedule that upends family life, or a new non-compete that was never part of your contract. Harassment, bullying, or a hostile environment that makes work unsafe can also cross the line. If your health is affected, speak to your doctor and keep records. No one should get sick from their job, legally or emotionally!

Here is the hard part. If you resign too quickly, the employer may argue you “quit.” If you stay too long, they may say you accepted the changes. The path is narrow and the timing matters. Before you take any step, get advice. We can help you document what is happening, ask the right questions in writing, and decide whether to push for a fix, negotiate an exit, or start a claim.

If you feel you are being pushed out, do not carry this alone. Save emails, write a simple timeline, and call us. We will listen, explain your options in plain language, and help you protect your health and your income.

 

Terminated While on Disability or Medical Leave

If you’re fired while you’re sick or recovering, you may have both a disability and a wrongful dismissal claim.

Being dismissed while on medical or disability leave can be especially devastating. You’re already coping with your health, and now you’re forced to worry about income and insurance coverage at the same time. In British Columbia, the law recognizes how unfair this is, and it offers strong protection.

Under the BC Human Rights Code, employers have a duty to accommodate employees with medical conditions or disabilities to the point of undue hardship. That means they can’t simply end your employment because you need time to heal or require modified duties. Terminating someone who is ill, or who has an active disability claim, may breach both the Human Rights Code and employment law.

You may have two overlapping claims:

  • A wrongful dismissal claim, for being terminated without proper notice or cause.
  • A disability claim, if your insurer denied or discontinued benefits improperly, or if your employer interfered with your coverage.

Tim Louis & Company has decades of experience handling both the employment law side and the long-term disability (LTD) side. That combination is rare and powerful, because the facts often overlap.

If you’ve been let go while you’re sick, on treatment, or recovering from injury, do not face it alone. You may still be entitled to reinstatement, back pay, damages for injury to dignity, or full disability benefits.

Call us for a free, confidential review of your situation. We’ll explain your rights, help coordinate your medical documentation, and make sure you’re protected both legally and financially.

 

Real BC Outcomes — Lessons from Recent Cases

When it comes to wrongful dismissal, context drives outcomes. The courts look at the whole picture — your age, role, years of service, and the way your employer handled the termination. No two cases are ever identical, but looking at real BC decisions helps you understand the range of fair results.

Case

Year

Notice Period

Key Factors

Lesson

Okano v. Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd.

2022

24 months

Long-term service (35 yrs), age 61, specialized airline position, limited job market

The upper limit of notice in BC (24 months) reaffirmed; employers must consider age and re-employment prospects.

Chu v. China Southern Airlines

2023

20 months + aggravated damages

Managerial role, manner of dismissal caused distress, lack of transparency

Courts will add damages when terminations are handled in bad faith or with humiliation.

R. v. Construction Co. (anonymized)

2021

9 months

Mid-level technician, 8 years’ service, quick re-employment

Mitigation (finding new work fast) can reduce notice length.

D. v. Retail Chain

2020

12 months

Age 55, 15 years, minimal retraining options

Older workers and long service often justify higher awards.

M. v. IT Firm

2019

4 months

2 years’ service, professional role

Even short service can attract several months’ notice depending on skill set.

Why Each Case Is Unique

Notice is not a formula. It’s about context. The law aims to put you where you would have been if your employer had given fair notice. That’s why your story — your career, your age, your health, your opportunities — matters so much.

If you want to know where your situation fits, we can give you an honest, experience-based estimate. It’s quick, confidential, and built around your real facts.

How Tim Louis & Company Helps

Experience. Integrity. Results.

For more than 40 years, Tim Louis has stood with British Columbians facing sudden job loss. Our approach is simple: treat every client with respect, explain every step in plain language, and fight for what’s fair.

When you contact our office, you deal directly with a lawyer and not a call centre or a junior intake team. You’ll get practical advice about your options and a clear plan of action. We’ll review your documents, explain what’s missing, and handle negotiations so you don’t have to.

Our fees are transparent, and our communication is honest. You’ll never feel rushed or pressured. Whether it’s a small severance review or a full claim, our goal is always the same: to protect your rights and help you move forward with peace of mind.

Book your free consultation today.

Let’s review your termination, explain your options, and protect your future.
Tim Louis & Company — Employment & Disability Law for British Columbians.
📞 (604) 732-7678 📧 timlouis@timlouislaw.com 🌐 timlouislaw.com

FAQs

Being let go without proper notice or pay in lieu. It’s about adequacy, not simple unfairness.

Most claims must start within two years in BC. Don’t delay—deadlines can be shorter in some situations.

Yes. Apply for EI right away. Your claim and EI can run at the same time.

Often yes. Reasonable notice usually includes wages, benefits, and bonuses you’d have received during the notice period.

Some clauses fail to meet ESA standards and won’t limit you. We’ll review the wording and explain your true rights.

Further Reading & Community Support

From our site

Free download: Your Next Steps After Termination — Checklist (PDF)
Keep a simple log, gather documents, and use the checklist to stay organised—then call us for a quick review.

Closing Reflection

Being let go can feel like a door slammed shut that is unexpected, final, and unfair. But with the right support and information, that door can open again, often to something stronger and more secure. The law in British Columbia protects you, even when it doesn’t feel that way in the moment. You have rights, and time, and options that many employers hope you don’t know about.

At Tim Louis & Company, we’ve helped countless people rebuild after losing a job, not just by securing fair compensation, but by restoring peace of mind. If you’re unsure what your rights are, reach out. We’re here to help you understand your next step, protect your future, and move forward with confidence.

Take the Next Step — Get Trusted Legal Help Today

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BC Wrongful Dismissal — Linkable Case Snapshot (2019–2025)

Wrongful Dismissal in BC: The 24-Month Cap, $150k Bad-Faith Damages, and 6 Data-Points Journalists Can Cite (2019–2025)

Why this dataset?

Courts in BC decide “reasonable notice” by context (role, age, tenure, job market, manner of dismissal). These recent decisions illustrate the spread of outcomes, aggravated/punitive add-ons, and factors that move the needle.

From Tim Louis

“The upper limit for common-law reasonable notice is 24 months, absent exceptional circumstances.”


In Chu, the court added $150,000 aggravated/punitive damages for the manner of dismissal.

BC Case Snapshot (2019–2025)

Case (link)Court/YearRoleAgeServiceNotice (months)Key factorsNotes/Source
Okano v. Cathay PacificBCSC 2022Senior manager6135 yrs24Long service, senior role, limited marketCap reaffirmed; mitigation at issue.
Chu v. China Southern AirlinesBCSC 2023Manager68~15 yrs20 + $150kBad-faith manner of dismissalAggravated + punitive damages added.
Moffatt v. Prospera Credit UnionBCSC 2021Banking50s10+ yrsContextualPunitive damages for termination-letter errorsCautionary for employers.
Verigen v. Ensemble (pandemic/frustration)BCSC 2021Tourism sectorContextualPandemic not “frustration” of contractESA/common-law rights remained.
Gent v. Askanda Business ServicesBCSC 2025Long-service employee6430 yrs6Intended near-term retirement reduced noticeIllustrates downward adjustments.
Valle Torres v. Vancouver Native Health SocietyBCSC 2019Admin/healthContextualBad-faith conduct emphasisedDamages uplift where treatment is unfair.

Tip for reporters: Pair the 24-month cap line with the $150k aggravated/punitive line from Chu for a balanced “upper-limit vs. bad-faith consequences” angle.

Curated, quotable insights

  • “BC courts keep the 24-month notice cap—exceptions are rare.”
  • “Manner of dismissal can multiply damages, not just notice
  • “Pandemic hardship alone didn’t void contracts; notice still applied.”

How to use this dataset

  • Cite the decision + year + factor (age, tenure, role, market, employer conduct).
  • Contrast ESA minimums vs common-law notice when explaining outcomes.
  • Contextualize with mitigation (job-search efforts) and duty of good faith.
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