I have talked about Facebook in the context of lawsuits on numerous occasions on this website. Recently, a Quebec woman made international headlines for her dispute with Manulife regarding her disability benefits.
In this case the woman’s disability benefits through her workplace insurer Manulife were terminated when an adjuster found pictures of her at events and engaged in certain activities.
Manulife has not commented on the matter but did state, “”we would not deny or terminate a valid claim solely based on information published on websites such as Facebook.”
The woman has now hired a lawyer to assist her in the case. Many courts over the last three years have permitted the disclosure of Facebook profiles. Also, insurance adjusters and lawyers are frequently requesting preservation of the pages.
In this case, the woman alleged to be off work due to depression. Facebook photographs are not enough evidence to terminate benefits. Moreover, the woman also claimed that she engaged in the activities based on recommendations from physicians.
Given the amount of media attention this case has already received perhaps, Manulife might want to settle the matter to avoid bad PR.
