When a person becomes disabled and is unable to work, long-term disability (LTD) benefits can be a crucial source of financial support. However, even if a person has paid for LTD insurance, their claim for benefits may be denied. Here are some reasons why an LTD claim may be denied and what to do if it happens.

Failure to Meet the Policy Requirements
One of the most common reasons an LTD claim may be denied is because the person does not meet the policy requirements. LTD policies have specific guidelines for what constitutes a disability and how long a person must be unable to work before they are eligible for benefits. If the person's disability does not meet these guidelines, their claim may be denied.

Lack of Sufficient Medical Evidence
When applying for LTD benefits, it is important to provide medical evidence that supports the claim. This includes detailed information about the disability, how it affects the person's ability to work, and the treatments that have been tried. If there is not enough medical evidence to support the claim, the insurer may deny it.

Disputes Over the Cause of the Disability
In some cases, the insurer may dispute the cause of the disability. For example, they may argue that the disability is a result of a pre-existing condition, rather than an injury or illness that occurred after the policy was taken out. If there is a dispute over the cause of the disability, the insurer may deny the claim.

Failure to Meet Deadlines
When filing an LTD claim, there are strict deadlines that must be met. For example, the person must file their claim within a certain period of time after becoming disabled. If these deadlines are not met, the insurer may deny the claim.

What to Do if Your LTD Claim is Denied

If your LTD claim is denied, it is important to understand your options. The first step is to review the denial letter and understand the reasons why the claim was denied. It may be possible to appeal the decision or to provide additional evidence to support the claim.

In some cases, it may be necessary to take legal action. A lawyer who specializes in LTD claims can help you understand your rights and options, and can represent you in any legal proceedings.  Hiring a lawyer who specializes in LTD claims can be extremely beneficial. Here are some ways that a lawyer can help you if your LTD claim is denied:

Reviewing the Denial Letter
A lawyer can review the denial letter from the insurance company and help you understand the reasons for the denial. They can also explain your legal rights and options for appealing the decision.

Filing an Appeal
A lawyer can help you prepare and file an appeal of the insurance company's decision. This may involve gathering additional medical evidence, reviewing the policy language, and arguing your case in front of an appeals board.

Representing You in Litigation
If your appeal is denied, a lawyer can represent you in litigation against the insurance company. This may involve filing a lawsuit and presenting evidence in court to support your claim for LTD benefits.

Negotiating a Settlement
In some cases, a lawyer can negotiate a settlement with the insurance company that provides you with the benefits you are entitled to. This can often be a faster and more cost-effective solution than going to court.

A lawyer can provide you with legal advice and support throughout the entire process of appealing a denied LTD claim. They can answer your questions, help you understand your legal rights, and provide guidance on the best course of action to take.

If your LTD claim has been denied, contact us for a Free Consultation.  There is no obligation, so you can meet with an experienced disability denial lawyer that has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of injury victims just like you.   To get started, call us anytime, our phone lines are open 24 hours 7 days per week, or complete our online contact form here.  

Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada and Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries, Catastrophic Injuries, and wrongful death in Canada and the United States.  Andrew is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and  the author of "Are You a Canadian Injured in the United States? Claim the Damages and Insurance Coverage the Right Way". Andrew also hosts a popular podcast and YouTube channel on the subject of personal injury law and the rights of injury victims. 

If you or a loved one sustained serious injuries in an accident, your immediate concern is healthcare.  As a patient at a trauma hospital or other hospital in Ontario, you will likely receive excellent treatment to help you make the best possible recovery from your injuries.  In addition to your immediate healthcare, however, there may be other concerns weighing on your mind.  Common concerns after a serious accident often surround finances related to lost income, and the expenses that will be incurred to support you and your recovery.  You may also be wondering if there is compensation for the pain and suffering that is being endured through no fault of your own.  

If you have been injured due to the negligence of another party, it is essential that you consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.  In fact, we find that the majority of people who are seriously injured do consult and retain a lawyer before they are discharged from hospital.  We are often asked to meet with injury victims and their families at hospitals throughout Ontario, and particularly at St. Michael's Hospital and Sunnybrook.  There are important reasons why you should consider meeting with a lawyer before you return home.   

First and foremost, consulting with a personal injury lawyer while you are still in the hospital can help you understand your legal rights and options. A knowledgeable lawyer can provide you with information about the legal process and what you can expect in terms of compensation for your injuries. They can also advise you on what steps you should take to protect your legal rights.

In addition, consulting with a personal injury lawyer early on can help you avoid making mistakes that could harm your case. For example, you may be contacted by insurance adjusters who are looking for information, or asking you to make decisions. If you are not familiar with the legal process, your interactions with the insurance company may negatively impact on the value of your case.  A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate these situations and ensure that you are not taken advantage of.

Another reason to consult with a personal injury lawyer while you are still in the hospital is that they can help you gather important evidence to support your case. This can include medical records, witness statements, and photographs of the accident scene. By starting the process early, you can ensure that you have all the necessary evidence to build a strong case.

Consulting with a personal injury lawyer can help you focus on your recovery. Dealing with the legal system can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to heal from your injuries. By having a lawyer handle the legal aspects of your case, you can focus on your physical and emotional well-being.

A personal injury lawyer and their team can also help with discharge planning after a hospital stay, so that you have a smooth transition when you leave the hospital. Discharge planning is the process of coordinating the patient's transition from the hospital to their home or a rehabilitation facility, ensuring that they receive the appropriate medical care and support to aid in their recovery. Here are some ways a lawyer and their team can assist with discharge planning:

• Liaising with healthcare providers: A lawyer and their team can communicate with the patient's healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and therapists, to understand the patient's medical needs and ensure that they receive appropriate care after discharge.
• Coordinating with insurance companies: The lawyer and their team can communicate with the patient's insurance company to ensure that they have coverage for the care they need after discharge.
• Identifying appropriate resources: The lawyer and their team can help the patient identify and access appropriate resources for their recovery, such as rehabilitation facilities, home healthcare services, and medical equipment.
• Advocating for the patient's rights: If the patient's insurance company or healthcare providers are not providing the necessary care or resources, the lawyer and their team can advocate for the patient's rights and ensure that they receive the care and support they need.

Affording  a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Serious Injury
After a serious injury, it is understandable that many people may be concerned about how they will afford a personal injury lawyer. Fortunately, there are options available that can make legal representation accessible and affordable.

Our firm offers a contingency fee agreement, which is a common arrangement in personal injury cases. In a contingency fee agreement, the lawyer agrees to represent the client without requiring payment up front. Instead, the lawyer's fee is contingent on the outcome of the case. If the case is successful, the lawyer receives a percentage of the settlement or award as their fee. If the case is not successful, the client does not owe the lawyer anything.  

Contingency fee agreements can make legal representation accessible to people who might not otherwise be able to afford it. They also incentivize the lawyer to work hard to achieve a successful outcome for the client, as the lawyer's fee is directly tied to the outcome of the case.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, we can visit with you in the hospital for a free consultation.  There is no obligation, so you can meet with an experienced personal injury lawyer that has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of injury victims just like you.   To get started, call us anytime, our phone lines are open 24 hours 7 days per week, or complete our online contact form here.  

Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada and Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries, Catastrophic Injuries, and wrongful death in Canada and the United States.  Andrew is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and  the author of "Are You a Canadian Injured in the United States? Claim the Damages and Insurance Coverage the Right Way". Andrew also hosts a popular podcast and YouTube channel on the subject of personal injury law and the rights of injury victims. 

So you hired a personal injury lawyer to help you after a car accident, or other injury claim.  In addition to your lawyer, a paralegal may be involved in advancing part of the claim.  In our most recent YouTube video, we have in depth discussion with paralegal, Alyssa Smith, to discuss the roles of paralegals in personal injury cases.  Alyssa is a licensed paralegal in the province of Ontario and she works closely with clients and lawyers to advance cases.  Alyssa describes some of the important roles that paralegals have in advancing your case.  The combination of lawyers and paralegals is a great team for advancing your case and obtaining the best results.  

In addition to assisting with advancing the case, paralegals can represent clients in applications for insurance benefits and government benefits.  Among other things, Alyssa represents clients in their accident benefits claims, and claims for ODSP, CPP Disability and other benefits and insurance claims.  

We hope you enjoy this video and find it informative..  Check it out below.   If you have been injured in an accident, call us anytime for a Free Consultation at 1-866-234-6093.

Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada and Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries, Catastrophic Injuries, and wrongful death in Canada and the United States.  Andrew is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and  the author of "Are You a Canadian Injured in the United States? Claim the Damages and Insurance Coverage the Right Way".