Has your long-term disability claim been wrongfully denied? The Hamilton long-term disability lawyers at Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help. Our team has seen countless long-term disability insurance denials and knows how to help you get a favorable resolution to your claim. Contact us today or call (905) 522-9799.
The process of filing a claim or appealing an LTD denial is complicated and can feel daunting. Rest assured that Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers can help; we have recovered millions of dollars for our clients.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with a member of our legal team.
How Can Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers Help with Your Long-Term Disability Claim in Hamilton, ON?
Long-term disability insurers have very specific guidelines for determining eligibility and strict conditions involving what they will cover. There are rules and regulations that you will need to follow throughout the claims process to ensure that your claim is valid; not following these rules exactly may result in a denial or, at the very least, unnecessary delays.
Our personal injury lawyers are familiar with the language of insurance contracts and the practices of insurance companies. When you hire our legal team, we can:
- Work with doctors to gather your relevant medical documents
- Review your contract to check whether your insurer is fulfilling their obligations
- Make sure any appeals paperwork for your claim is filed on time
- Gather sufficient evidence of your condition
- Argue your case in a court of law
- Help get your benefits reinstated
It’s unfair that in a time of need, many people discover their LTD benefits are hard to receive, usually because their insurance company tries to stall or cancel their benefits. Contact us today in Hamilton, Ontario, and get a legal team that knows what to do. Contact us for a free consultation.
Why Should I Hire a Long-Term Disability Lawyer?
Long-term disability claims are complex and often stacked against claimants from the start. Insurance companies know how to exploit policy language and medical ambiguity to delay, deny, or terminate valid claims. That’s why having an experienced long-term disability lawyer on your side can make all the difference.
If your benefits have been unfairly denied or cut off, you have legal rights and deserve a legal team that knows how to enforce them. At our firm, we offer a free consultation to review your claim and discuss your legal options. If we move forward together, we’ll take immediate steps to request your medical records, evaluate your treatment history, and prepare a strong legal strategy.
Don’t take chances. Your best opportunity for success starts with the right legal representation.
Do I Have a Disability Case?
If you’re unable to work due to a medical condition and your long-term disability benefits have been denied, delayed, or terminated, you may have a disability case. The key question is whether your condition prevents you from performing the essential duties of your job and whether your medical documentation supports that.
Many valid claims are denied simply because insurance companies argue that claimants don’t meet their definition of “total disability.” But that doesn’t mean your case is over. If you’ve received a denial letter or are struggling to get approved, it’s time to speak with an experienced long-term disability lawyer.
At our firm, we will assess your situation at no cost. We’ll review your medical history, employment background, and the terms of your disability policy to determine whether you have a strong case.
Can I Apply for Both Short-Term and Long-Term Disability?
Yes, you can potentially apply for both short-term and long-term disability benefits. Most disability insurance plans begin with short-term disability (STD) coverage, which provides income replacement for the first few weeks or months you’re unable to work.
If your condition persists beyond the STD period, you may be eligible to transition into long-term disability (LTD) benefits.
To qualify for LTD, you’ll need to meet specific medical and policy criteria and provide detailed documentation of how your condition prevents you from working. A disability lawyer can help ensure a smooth transition and improve your chances of approval for STD and LTD benefits.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Long-Term Disability Lawyer?
Hiring a long-term disability lawyer in Hamilton doesn’t require any upfront payment. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay if we successfully recover compensation for you. If we don’t win, you owe us no legal fees.
We also offer free consultations, so you can discuss your case without financial pressure. This approach ensures that you get the legal help you need during a difficult time without worrying about added expenses.
With us, there’s no risk and no upfront cost – only support.
What Do I Need to Know to Apply for Long-Term Disability Benefits?
Applying for long-term disability benefits isn’t as simple as filling out a form. Even if your condition seems obvious, insurance companies often look for reasons to deny your claim, so thorough preparation is key.
Make sure your doctor clearly documents how your condition affects your ability to work and perform daily activities. Follow all prescribed treatments and communicate honestly about your symptoms. Strong, consistent medical evidence is essential to support your claim.
Be cautious when completing insurance forms or questionnaires. The wording can be tricky, and mistakes may harm your case. It’s wise to consult a disability lawyer before submitting anything, especially if your insurer seems uncooperative or slow to respond.
A Hamilton disability lawyer can guide you through the process, help you avoid common mistakes, and improve your chances of approval from the start.
What if the Insurance Company is Refusing to Pay Your Benefits?
Has your LTD claim been denied by any of the following insurance companies?
Insurance companies are known for denying LTD applications initially, in the hope that those denied will simply accept they are not covered, and simply leave the insurance companies alone. Although this is unethical behaviour, initial LTD applications can be rejected for many reasons.
Typically, to qualify for long-term disability benefits, you must have a disability (deemed so by a medical professional) that leaves you unable to perform the duties of your job. Unfortunately, many insurance companies unreasonably deny disability benefits to people who qualify, as they know some people will not push back against an initial denial, leading to increased profits for the insurance company.
You do not necessarily need to have a physical disability in Ontario to qualify for a benefit claim. Long-term disability insurance can cover several medical conditions such as chronic pain, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, severe bipolar disorder as well as other invisible disabilities and health conditions. This is one of the major reasons to connect with an experienced long term disability lawyer, as they will help you to explore all the options available to you.
What Should I Do If the Insurance Company Wrongfully Terminates My Benefits After 2 Years?
Your immediate action is critical when it comes to being wrongfully cut from your long-term disability benefits. Any delay will only harm your chances of getting your benefits back!
The first step you need to take is to contact one of our experienced disability lawyers, who will be able to review your situation and determine the best course of action. Our lawyers will help you throughout the entire process, so you will know exactly what needs to be done and when. You will never be alone during this process.
In Canada, disability claimants are entitled to benefits provided they meet the criteria of total disability. The meaning of “total disability” is when you cannot perform the duties of your outlined occupation, even if you can perform other tasks at another job. After two years, disability policies change their meaning; you must be unable to complete the activities of any occupation that you are suited for, depending on your education and experience.
Insurance companies will commonly cut people off their disability benefits after two years, citing that they have found the person to no longer meet the requirements of “total disability”. Although this can happen in some cases, insurance companies are known to unfairly cut benefits and then reinstate benefits once confronted with a court case. Sadly, there are too many Canadians that simply accept their benefits have been terminated, so much so that insurance companies find it ‘cheaper’ to litigate with the few that push back for what is rightfully theirs. Therefore, it is essential that you talk to one of our long term disability lawyers about your benefit termination, and getting your benefits reinstated.
What Medical Conditions Qualify for LTD Benefits?
Qualifying for long-term disability benefits solely depends on the coverage that you have under your insurance policy. The key aspect of qualification is generally whether your injuries or illness prevent you from doing your job. Depending on how long you are affected by your injuries, benefits may only cover you for a brief period, until you are able to work again.
Although long-term disability (LTD) benefit requirements may differ based on your insurance policy, many medical conditions are commonly recognized as qualifying. We frequently assist with claims related to cancer, mental health issues, chronic diseases, and injuries. A list of widely covered conditions can be found at the bottom of this page.
Common injuries that qualify for LTD benefits include:
- Head/brain Injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Chest injuries
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage or soft tissue injuries
- And other disabling injuries
Mental health claims:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD disability
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
Cancer disability claims:
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Brain cancer
- Lung cancer
- Rare cancer
Chronic conditions claims:
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Epilepsy
- Lyme disease
- Substance abuse
Injuries that cause physical disabilities are often cited in long-term disability claims. However, these injuries can be caused by car accidents, truck accidents, bicycle accidents, and even slips and falls. This can complicate claims and create issues, so it is always best to connect with a long-term disability lawyer when facing these combined challenges.
Contact Our Hamilton Long-Term Disability Lawyers for Help With Your Claim
Don’t go through the confusing LTD claims process alone. Our long-term disability lawyers in Hamilton at Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help.
We’ve been helping Ontario clients recover the LTD benefits they deserve for decades. We’re ready to put our experience and skills behind your claim. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with one of our skilled lawyers.
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