If your long-term disability (LTD) claim was denied, you’re not alone – or powerless. Let us represent you on a no-win no-fee basis.
years of combined disability law experience
cases
settled
If your long-term disability (LTD) claim was denied, you’re not alone – or powerless. Let us represent you on a no-win no-fee basis.
years of combined disability law experience
cases
settled
If you have sustained a long-term disability and are having challenges moving on with your life or getting the critical disability supports that you are owed, our lawyers can help.
If you are like many of our clients, you faithfully paid your premiums for long-term disability (LTD), either through work or a private policy. You rightfully expect that you will be able to draw on them in the case of physical or mental disability. But you are stunned that your insurer has denied your claim outright or cut short your payments.
This is where Lang Lawyers can step in and defend your rights. We do not simply dabble in LTD claims. This is core to our practice. We have years of experience fighting disability claims against the leading disability insurers in Ontario, including Sunlife, Canada Life, Manulife, Great West Life, London Life, Industrial Alliance, SSQ, and Desjardins.
We handle cases for clients with various disabilities.
At Lang Lawyers, we understand the fear and frustration that come with an LTD denial – and we know how to fight for the justice you deserve. We are a boutique law firm focusing exclusively on long-term disability and personal injury claims in Ontario and British Columbia. Our firm is unique in that it’s led by a father-and-son team, Aaron and Josh Lang, who have dedicated their careers to standing up for injured and disabled individuals. With decades of combined experience in disability law, we’ve successfully helped hundreds of clients overturn denials or reach fair settlements with virtually every major insurance company. Our track record includes millions of dollars in recovered benefits and settlements, but what truly drives us is the impact on our clients’ lives – seeing someone get the support they need to rebuild after a setback.
Or click here for our free guide on Insider Strategies for Getting the Disability Benefits you Deserve.
With Lang Lawyers in your corner, you have the power to fight back.
We’ve handled countless LTD cases and know the process inside and out.
You’re not just a case number. We take the time to listen, explain your options clearly, and support you every step of the way.
Our contingency fee structure means zero financial risk for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
From gathering medical evidence to negotiating with insurers, we take on the fight so you can focus on your health.
Or click here for our free guide on Insider Strategies for Getting the Disability Benefits you Deserve.
Here are some of our clients stories. Their cases highlight the challenges many people face – and how, with the right approach, those challenges can be overcome. As you read, you’ll likely find aspects that resonate with your own situation.
This case involved a 24-year-old man who was a passenger in his girlfriends car. They got into a heated argument during the drive and she threatened to crash the car and kill they both. Afraid for his life, he jumped from the moving vehicle and hit the pavement while the car was still in motion. We were able to establish that the injuries he sustained were a direct result of his girlfriends actions, and that he had to jump from the car since he felt that his life was in danger.
This case involved a 23-year-old dental hygienist who suffered a severe shoulder injury in a car accident. She was left with chronic shoulder pain as a result of the injury, which impacted her ability to work as a dental hygienist. She was able to continue working, but only as a receptionist at the dental office, and for considerably less pay that she would have made as a hygienist. The settlement money helped her start up her own dental hygienist business, where she was able to work in a managerial role, without the physical demands of being a hygienist.
LTD case of a surgeon who became unable to preform surgery due to a neurological disorder. His insurance company denied his LTD claim, on the grounds that the medical evidence was inconclusive, and argued that he was faking his condition for monetary gain. With the help of supportive medical experts and pursuasive arguments about our client’s credibility, we were able to convince the insurer to pay a lump sum for all the LTD benefits that were owing, plus benefits for many years into the future.
Or click here for our free guide on Insider Strategies for Getting the Disability Benefits you Deserve.
Dealing with an LTD denial can be intimidating. Remember, you don’t have to face this battle alone. There are resources and people ready to help you turn that “no” from the insurance company into a “yes.”
Start by scheduling a 15min no cost, no obligation assessment call, to see if we’re a good fit and map out your case strategy. Call us on 416-398-2210 or click the button below to assess your case and schedule your session.
This is a session to assess the legal merits of your case, outline potential strategies, and review the next steps for securing the best possible outcome on your case.
If you qualify, we can commence work without charging a fee unless we settle your case. You will no longer need to deal directly with the insurer. We will take over the weight of the legal burden for you, fighting .with vigour to gain you the income replacement benefit you deserve.
With Lang Lawyers in your corner, you have the power to fight back.
The most crucial first step is to take action immediately. Note the date of your denial letter and calculate any deadlines for internal appeals or legal action (in Ontario and BC, you generally have 2 years from the date of denial to take legal action). Put these dates on your calendar. Even if you feel overwhelmed, avoid doing nothing, as inaction benefits the insurer and can cause you to miss critical deadlines, potentially losing your right to benefits altogether. Reach out to a disability lawyer or advocate for an initial discussion of your options as soon as possible. Most offer free consultations.
While it’s okay to communicate with the insurer, it should be done carefully and with a plan, ideally after seeking professional guidance. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect the company’s interests, and anything you say can be used to further justify the denial. Avoid giving recorded statements or agreeing to anything without fully understanding the implications. It’s generally better to keep communication in writing (emails or letters) to create a paper trail of what was said. If you do speak with them, prepare beforehand, stick to the facts, and don’t feel pressured to answer on the spot. If you have a lawyer, they will typically handle most communications for you.
Your health should always come first. Ignoring medical advice and returning to work against your doctor’s recommendations can worsen your condition and negatively impact your LTD claim. The insurer might argue that your attempt to work proves you are not truly disabled. If you feel uncertain about working, discuss a gradual return plan with your doctor first, not the insurer. If a trial return to work is planned with your doctor’s support, inform the insurer in writing that it’s a trial. Most importantly, do not return to work solely to appease the insurance company. Focus on treatment and gathering strong medical evidence.
While well-meaning, family, friends, your family doctor, or a general lawyer may not have the specific expertise needed for LTD claims. Disability law is complex, and insurance companies have specialized tactics. It is crucial to consult with an experienced disability lawyer as early as possible. They specialize in LTD claims, understand insurance policies and tactics, and can advise you on the best course of action, including internal appeals and legal options. Most disability lawyers offer free initial consultations.
While some internal appeals can be successful with compelling new evidence, often the internal appeal process is a dead end that consumes valuable time. Remember that the same insurance company that denied your claim will be reviewing its own decision. Multiple appeals can delay your case and bring you closer to the 2-year legal deadline. Before filing an internal appeal, seek advice from a disability lawyer on whether it is worthwhile. They may advise that moving directly to a legal claim is a better strategy. Importantly, filing an appeal does not extend the 2-year limitation period to sue.
It is crucial to carefully study the denial letter and any claim file notes to understand the exact reasons for the denial. Avoid responding emotionally or simply restating your situation. Instead, for each reason given, think about what specific evidence or arguments can prove them wrong. This might involve obtaining more detailed reports from your doctor that directly address the insurer’s concerns, getting functional capacity evaluations, updated test results, or letters from specialists. Gather new evidence whenever possible and, if necessary, consult with a legal professional to help formulate these counter-arguments.
In both Ontario and BC, there is a firm 2-year limitation period from the date of your initial denial (or termination of benefits) to start legal action against the insurance company. Missing this deadline means you generally lose your right to pursue the claim permanently. Delaying your claim can also weaken your position as evidence can become stale, and financial stress may increase. It’s crucial to act with urgency after a denial, note all relevant dates, and consult a lawyer promptly to understand your legal options and deadlines.
Not necessarily. Many LTD policies have provisions for partial disability, and the definition of “totally disabled” often means you can’t perform the essential duties of your own occupation, not that you are completely unable to do anything. As illustrated in the case study of the elementary school teacher, insurance companies sometimes unfairly deny claims based on partial employment. It’s important to obtain a full copy of your LTD policy to understand the definitions and consult with a disability lawyer who can help you gather evidence to demonstrate that you meet the policy’s definition of disability, even if you are working part-time within your limitations.
Or click here for our free guide on Insider Strategies for Getting the Disability Benefits you Deserve.
In your complimentary consultation, our expert lawyers will review your case, answer your questions and discuss your options. There’s no obligation, and we work on contingency so we don’t charge a fee unless we recover compensation for you.
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