Discovery goes after client

Court seeks documents to prove depressed’ man couldn’t work.

- Roy Cokayne

iscovery Life is seeking to recover R16 million it paid to a Kwa Zulu-Natal man after he allegedly became unable to perform his nominated occupation as an accountant as a result of depression from 2016. Sunil Pranpath lodged claims under two insurance policies that provided disability and income protection cover as a result of orthopaedic injuries he suffered when he was knocked over by a motor vehicle. Pranpath in February 2015 lodged a mental and behavioural disability claim under both policies, alleging he suffered from major depression and chronic pain, which prevented him from working. Discovery Life accepted the truth and correctness of his statements and approved payment of the benefits in December 2016.

Circumstances can change However, acting judge Anna Annandale said in a judgment handed down in Kwa Zulu-Natal High Court in Durban that it was a contractual requirement for a valid claim that the insured must in fact have suffered and continue to suffer a loss of the majority of their income.

She said such claims were, therefore, constantly under review because it was possible that an insured might recover and regain the ability to work, in which event the insured was no longer entitled to receive disability and income protection benefits.