Long Term Disability (LTD) Lawyers
We Can Help if Your LTD Claim is Denied

Lawyer for Long Term Disability Denial Claims

We provide comprehensive legal representation for individuals who have been wrongfully denied long term disability benefits in Ontario, Canada. Our team of experienced LTD denial lawyers is dedicated to helping you get the benefits you are entitled to and protecting your rights during the legal process.

When you are unable to work due to a long term disability, the last thing you want to deal with is the added stress of a denied benefits claim. However, this is a common experience for many LTD policyholders in Ontario. Insurance companies are often more concerned with protecting their profits than with providing the benefits that policyholders have paid for.

At our LTD denial law firm, we believe that everyone deserves access to the benefits they are entitled to, and we are here to help you fight for them. We understand the legal process and have extensive knowledge of the insurance industry, which allows us to provide you with the guidance and representation you need to get the benefits you deserve.

Our LTD denial lawyers have a successful track record of handling complex LTD cases and are committed to using their knowledge and experience to help you get the best possible outcome. Whether you have been wrongfully denied benefits, or you need help navigating the legal process to secure a lump sum buyout of your disability benefits, we are here to help.

We take a compassionate and dedicated approach to each case, and we understand that the legal process can be confusing and stressful. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you, while ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

In addition to our extensive knowledge of the legal process and the insurance industry, our LTD denial law firm is also affiliated with professional organizations, including the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association and the American Association for Justice. These affiliations give us access to the latest information and resources in the field, which allows us to provide you with the most up-to-date and effective representation possible.

If you have been wrongfully denied long term disability benefits in Ontario, we encourage you to reach out to our team of experienced LTD denial lawyers for help. We are here to provide you with the guidance and representation you need to get the benefits you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a Free consultation and learn more about how we can help.

Receiving Long Term Disability (LTD) Benefits

In order to qualify for LTD benefits, you must demonstrate to the LTD provider that you satisfy a ‘test’ that your injuries or disability prevent you from meeting the requirements of your own occupation. It is important to note that in many LTD policies, the test changes after the first  2 years or 104 weeks of receiving LTD benefits. Often, the LTD provider will require you to provide additional medical documentation to support the position that your ongoing injury/disability prevents you from meeting the requirements of any occupation, for which you are reasonably qualified by education, training or experience or some other similar test.   So long as you continue to meet the test, your LTD benefits should pay a replacement income to the age of retirement. It is important to note that the wording of these tests are not standardized and, therefore, may vary from insurer to insurer. 

Denial of your Long Term Disability (LTD) Benefits

There are a number of reasons why your LTD provider may have denied your benefits. Given that LTD policies are administered by privately owned insurance companies, who are profit-driven, there are times when disputes arise over your eligibility to receive LTD benefits.  This can occur even on valid claims, which are frequently denied or delayed.  

If your application has been denied, the reason for denial could be for any number of reasons, including an incomplete application or insufficient medical evidence to support your claim. 

If your LTD benefits provider has been denying or delaying paying your payments, it is important that you speak to a disability insurance lawyer as to your rights and obligations. 

Result Driven Advocacy

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We are focused on results.
​ Maximizing YOUR Recovery is what we do everyday.

Andrew Iacobelli has been certified as a life member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.  

The Million Dollar Advocates Forum is recognized as one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States. Membership is limited to lawyers who have won million dollar verdicts, awards and settlements. 

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How Disability Lawyers Are Paid - No Upfront Costs

We understand that following a disability that prevents you from earning an income, the last thing that you need is the added expense and stress of having to pay a lawyer by the hour to fight for you.  We never ask for any fees upfront.  Our disability lawyers work on a contingency fee basis  - so you pay no fees unless we are successul in your Disability claim.  Request a Free Consultation and our lawyers will explain the process and how we are paid at the conclusion of your case.  

Learn About Your Rights and How We Can Help

Disability Claim Denied?  You do not have to face the consequences alone.  We are a dedicated insurance denial and personal injury law firm that provides compassionate legal counsel.  We are experienced and have helped restore LTD benefits to individuals and families throughout Ontario.

Request a Free Consultation

Top Reasons Why Disability Claims Get Denied

Why Are LTD Claims Denied?
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Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for insurance companies to deny legitimate long-term disability claims. In many cases, they prioritize profits over people. Some of the most common reasons for LTD denials include:

• The insurer claims you are not “totally disabled” under the policy definition
• The insurer alleges insufficient medical evidence
• The claim was denied due to a pre-existing condition exclusion
• Your LTD benefits were approved but then suddenly terminated
• The insurer insists you are capable of returning to work—even when your doctor disagrees

No matter the reason given, a denial does not mean the end of your claim. Many LTD denials can be challenged—and reversed—with the right legal support.

Navigating the world of disability claims can be challenging and frustrating, especially when your claim gets denied.  Let's consider some of the main reasons for Disability claim denials and tips on how to improve your chances of a successful claim.

#1 Understanding Disability Definitions
One of the primary reasons disability claims are denied is due to the claimant not meeting the definition of "disabled" as specified by their insurance policy. Disability insurance policies are contracts written by insurance companies, and they include specific, legally binding definitions of what it means to be disabled. Typically, these contracts require the individual to be totally disabled from engaging in their work.

Change in Definition After Two Years
Many policies include a clause that changes the definition of disability after two years. Initially, you may qualify for benefits if you are unable to perform the duties of your previous job. However, after two years, the criteria often shift to a broader definition, requiring you to be unable to engage in any employment for which you are suited by training, education, or experience. This change gives insurance companies a new opportunity to reassess your claim and potentially deny benefits.

#2 Lack of Medical Documentation
Another common reason for denial is the lack of medical documentation supporting your disability. Insurance companies rely heavily on medical records and the opinions of healthcare providers. Even if you experience symptoms that prevent you from working, the insurance company needs substantial evidence from medical professionals to back up your claim.

It's crucial to have consistent and comprehensive medical documentation. This includes regular visits to your doctor, detailed medical records, and ongoing treatment plans. Without this, the insurance company may argue that there is insufficient evidence to support your claim.

What To Do If Your Disability Claim Is Denied
If your claim is denied due to insufficient medical documentation, there are still options available. Seek ongoing medical attention and work with your healthcare providers to ensure all symptoms and treatments are thoroughly documented. New medical records can help build a stronger case if you decide to appeal the denial.

#3 Inconsistencies in Claims
Inconsistencies in your claim can also lead to denial. This happens when there is a discrepancy between your reported symptoms and your activities. For instance, if you claim to be unable to work due to a disability but are seen engaging in activities that contradict this, the insurance company may deny your claim.

Maintaining consistency in your statements and actions is critical. Ensure that all information provided to your doctor and the insurance company aligns with your reported symptoms and limitations. Inconsistent claims can undermine your credibility and lead to a denial.

What Conditions Qualify for Long-Term Disability?
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We represent clients with a wide range of medical conditions that prevent them from working, including:

• Chronic pain and musculoskeletal injuries
• Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety
• Neurological disorders, including MS or Parkinson’s
• Cancer
• Cardiac conditions
• Autoimmune diseases
• Traumatic brain injuries

Even if your condition is not visible, you still have the right to seek LTD benefits if it prevents you from performing the duties of your job.


We Help You Fight Back Against Unfair Disability Denials

​At Iacobelli Law Firm, we have experience standing up to insurance companies on behalf of disabled individuals. Whether your claim was denied from the outset or your benefits were cut off after months or years of payment, we can help.
We will:

• Review your disability policy and denial letter
• Work with your healthcare providers to gather the medical evidence needed
• Challenge the insurer’s conclusions with strong legal arguments
• Negotiate a settlement or take the matter to court if necessary

Our goal is to help you get the financial support you need so you can focus on your health—not paperwork and red tape.

Denied Long Term Disability Claim - Should You Appeal?

If your long term disability claim has been denied, you will probably receive a letter from the insurance company explaining the denial and your right to appeal the denial of your long term disability benefits.  In our experience, there is no benefit to filing an appeal.  Instead, you should consult with a lawyer to assess the strenght and merits of your claim and then proceed by suing the insurance company.    From our experience, this is the better course than utilizing the insurance company appeals process.  That process, while it sounds like a good idea, is more often just another opportunity for the insurance company to further delay your claim.  

Don't be misled by your insurance company - their interest will not change.  Asking the insurance company to reconsider their decision almost never yields any benefit to the disabled party.  In some cases, this process can actually result in the time running out to file a lawsuit agains the insurance company, 

How Much Time Do I Have To Sue for Denied Disability?

Once your application for Long Term Disability is denied, you only have 2 years to file a lawsuit.  This is a statute of limitations and is the law in Ontario.  The time limits are strict.  With few exceptions, failure to meet the strict timelines for filing a lawsuit will result in you being barred from bringing a claim, and the Long Term Disability Insurer will not have to pay

Get Help Now with a Free Consultation

If you believe that your Long Term Disability insurance provider has wrongly terminated or denied benefits, you have a limited time to take action. Many LTD policies have time limits for bringing a lawsuit against the insurance company, and there are also statute of limitations for commencing a lawsuit. 

For a free consultation with a lawyer, contact Iacobelli Law Firm. 

In recognition that serious injuries commonly result in serious financial hardship, we offer contingency fee retainers, so that you pay No Fee unless you win. 

Long Term Disability Carriers

We have litigated and won Long Term Disability Benefits that have been denied by the major disability insurance carriers.  We know who their adjusters are and which firms they hire to defend their denied claims.  Let us put our experience and knowledge to work for you to obtain the denied disability benefits that you deserve.  

There are several long-term disability (LTD) insurance providers in Ontario. Some of the most notable include:  

• Manulife Insurance Disability Claims Denied: Manulife is one of the largest insurance companies in Canada, with a wide range of LTD products and a strong reputation for financial stability.  
• Sun Life Insurance Disability Claims Denied:  Sun Life is another major player in the Canadian insurance market, offering comprehensive LTD coverage and a variety of optional benefits.  
• Canada Life: Known for its flexible LTD plans .
• Desjardins Insurance: A large insurer with a particularly strong presence in Quebec and Ontario.  
• RBC Insurance: A well-established insurer with a wide network of advisors and a variety of LTD plans.  
• Blue Cross Blue Shield:  A major player in the Canadian insurance market, especially when it comes to health and disability coverage.
• Empire Life: A mid-sized insurer with a focus on individual LTD plans.  

Expertise in Long Term Disability Claims

Our Lawyers are Experienced in Fighting for Denied Long Term Disability Benefits.
​Call us for a Free Consultation

We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients.

You pay us nothing up front and only pay if we recover money for you.

We are a recognized leader in our community and serve clients throughout Ontario.