Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are you a part of the WCB?
No. Cumming Consulting Inc is an independent consulting firm that works for the injured client, dealing with WCB on behalf of the worker and representing them in issues of appeal at the WCB. All of our consultants have previously worked for the WCB and had issues with the organization. Our staff's commitment to working for the worker and their experience with the Board have given them the knowledge and expertise required to deal with WCB's misinterpretations and inappropriate application of policies and the Act.
2. Does Cumming Consulting Inc take all clients?
No. We will advise you of your rights and what is the best choice in managing your claim. If we truly feel that we cannot assist you, we will refer you to alternate resources. We will not take your money if we do not feel we can help you get atleast the initial fee back. We will be honest and upfront regarding your entitlement issues with the information provided on the initial intake. Typically non surgical and soft tissue injuries resolve but whether there may be further entitlement available should be discussed with our office.
3. Are payment plans available for Cumming Consulting Inc's services?
No. Initial fees must be paid up front and settlement is payable upon successful decisions as per the contract you sign with Cumming Consulting Inc. We do take VISA, Mastercard, certified cheques, and cash in order to help you with your payments.
4. If I use your services do I have to continue to have contact with WCB?
Yes. If you are a client of Cumming Consulting Inc we will deal directly with WCB regarding the specific issues we find pertinent to your case and issues of appeal. Clients should also contact our office when regarding any problems that arise with the WCB, however, clients are responsible for continuing to adhere to WCB requests such as attending appointments, returning phone calls, etc. We deal with the WCB on the worker's behalf on the issues we identify but it is not our role to take full responsibility for the claim.
5. When can I expect my phone calls to be returned from Cumming Consulting Inc?
We have a high volume of calls, faxes, mail, appointments, and meetings on a daily basis so please be patient and we will get back to you within five business days. Please advise us if you are updating us on a situation, have a general inquiry, or if it is a time sensitive issue to allow us to properly prioritize our messages and return those requiring immediate attention. Issues of appeal take time and we do not provide updates on a regular basis because we too are waiting to hear from the WCB. We will update you when we receive information regarding the issue and your patience is appreciated.
6. Does Gail represent all clients?
With the high volume of clients Cumming Consulting Inc has acquired, Gail is unable to represent all workers. However, Gail has a highly skilled staff of consultants all of whom have over fifteen years of experience working at the WCB in an array of departments. Gail takes clients but also assigns clients to the other consultants who are more then capable of handing your claim and may have more experience and expertise in your area of concern. Each case is reviewed individually by Gail upon intake and, if necessary, assigned to an appropriate consultant. So rest assured, each case is touched by Gail and ultimately watched over during the life of the claim at Cumming Consulting Inc.
7. How long does it take for action?
The day you sign your contract with Cumming Consulting Inc. we notify WCB that we are representing you and we request your WCB file for review. To receive the file from WCB takes approximately a month, upon which we review the file and begin our correspondance with WCB. If necessary, we determine the issues and begin the appeal process. The appeal process can take any amount of time and it is case specific- there is no set time frame. Once we have submitted our initial letter it is out of our hands and up to WCB to respond within a timely manner as dictated by the WCB. So please be patient as it does take time to get action and ultimately resolution.
8. What happens after I am found fit for alternate work and have work restrictions?
WCB is responsible for considering you employable but they are not responsible for finding you a job. You are entitled to cost effective vocational services, such as job search or keyboarding courses, through the WCB and each case is judged on its own merit. This policy is very vague and is open to interpretation and thus open to appeal.
9. Is there a payout from WCB available?
No. This does not exist and you cannot just ask for a lump sum to end your claim and sever your relationship with WCB. WCB is responsible to manage your injury and entitlement as long as the injury or impairment exists.
10. When should I apply for alternate benefits (CPP, EI, LTDI, STDI, etc)?
When a decision has not been made in a timely manner and this is effecting your financial situation and financial stability you should apply for alternate benefits. Do not count on WCB benefits as the appeal process can be lengthy. Ensure that you are self sufficcient, live within your means, and look at alternate income sources so that you are taken care of.
No. Cumming Consulting Inc is an independent consulting firm that works for the injured client, dealing with WCB on behalf of the worker and representing them in issues of appeal at the WCB. All of our consultants have previously worked for the WCB and had issues with the organization. Our staff's commitment to working for the worker and their experience with the Board have given them the knowledge and expertise required to deal with WCB's misinterpretations and inappropriate application of policies and the Act.
2. Does Cumming Consulting Inc take all clients?
No. We will advise you of your rights and what is the best choice in managing your claim. If we truly feel that we cannot assist you, we will refer you to alternate resources. We will not take your money if we do not feel we can help you get atleast the initial fee back. We will be honest and upfront regarding your entitlement issues with the information provided on the initial intake. Typically non surgical and soft tissue injuries resolve but whether there may be further entitlement available should be discussed with our office.
3. Are payment plans available for Cumming Consulting Inc's services?
No. Initial fees must be paid up front and settlement is payable upon successful decisions as per the contract you sign with Cumming Consulting Inc. We do take VISA, Mastercard, certified cheques, and cash in order to help you with your payments.
4. If I use your services do I have to continue to have contact with WCB?
Yes. If you are a client of Cumming Consulting Inc we will deal directly with WCB regarding the specific issues we find pertinent to your case and issues of appeal. Clients should also contact our office when regarding any problems that arise with the WCB, however, clients are responsible for continuing to adhere to WCB requests such as attending appointments, returning phone calls, etc. We deal with the WCB on the worker's behalf on the issues we identify but it is not our role to take full responsibility for the claim.
5. When can I expect my phone calls to be returned from Cumming Consulting Inc?
We have a high volume of calls, faxes, mail, appointments, and meetings on a daily basis so please be patient and we will get back to you within five business days. Please advise us if you are updating us on a situation, have a general inquiry, or if it is a time sensitive issue to allow us to properly prioritize our messages and return those requiring immediate attention. Issues of appeal take time and we do not provide updates on a regular basis because we too are waiting to hear from the WCB. We will update you when we receive information regarding the issue and your patience is appreciated.
6. Does Gail represent all clients?
With the high volume of clients Cumming Consulting Inc has acquired, Gail is unable to represent all workers. However, Gail has a highly skilled staff of consultants all of whom have over fifteen years of experience working at the WCB in an array of departments. Gail takes clients but also assigns clients to the other consultants who are more then capable of handing your claim and may have more experience and expertise in your area of concern. Each case is reviewed individually by Gail upon intake and, if necessary, assigned to an appropriate consultant. So rest assured, each case is touched by Gail and ultimately watched over during the life of the claim at Cumming Consulting Inc.
7. How long does it take for action?
The day you sign your contract with Cumming Consulting Inc. we notify WCB that we are representing you and we request your WCB file for review. To receive the file from WCB takes approximately a month, upon which we review the file and begin our correspondance with WCB. If necessary, we determine the issues and begin the appeal process. The appeal process can take any amount of time and it is case specific- there is no set time frame. Once we have submitted our initial letter it is out of our hands and up to WCB to respond within a timely manner as dictated by the WCB. So please be patient as it does take time to get action and ultimately resolution.
8. What happens after I am found fit for alternate work and have work restrictions?
WCB is responsible for considering you employable but they are not responsible for finding you a job. You are entitled to cost effective vocational services, such as job search or keyboarding courses, through the WCB and each case is judged on its own merit. This policy is very vague and is open to interpretation and thus open to appeal.
9. Is there a payout from WCB available?
No. This does not exist and you cannot just ask for a lump sum to end your claim and sever your relationship with WCB. WCB is responsible to manage your injury and entitlement as long as the injury or impairment exists.
10. When should I apply for alternate benefits (CPP, EI, LTDI, STDI, etc)?
When a decision has not been made in a timely manner and this is effecting your financial situation and financial stability you should apply for alternate benefits. Do not count on WCB benefits as the appeal process can be lengthy. Ensure that you are self sufficcient, live within your means, and look at alternate income sources so that you are taken care of.
