We understand how stressful denied disability benefits can be and use our insurance industry knowledge to get you results.
Injuries and illness can cause you to stop working. And even if you can return to work, the cost of your healthcare might continue.
Helping you pay for these expenses is the reason for disability coverage. But getting access to that coverage isn’t guaranteed. Insurers often deny payment or benefits to people whose disabilities are supported and well-documented by their healthcare team. The impact of being denied benefits isn’t only financial. It can take a physical and emotional toll on you and your loved ones.
If your disability benefits have been denied — or stopped entirely — our experienced lawyers can help.
Wrongful denial of Long-Term Disability claims
Wrongful termination of Long-Term Disability benefits
Requiring unreasonable job retraining
Requiring unreasonable medical treatment or examinations
Incorrect calculation or recalculation of the benefit amount
Our job is to deal with insurance companies and medical providers on your behalf so you can focus on your well-being.
You deserve the peace of mind and the ability to get the healthcare you need.
Your recovery is our priority.
There is no charge to speak with us about your case. Call us or fill out the form — it’s fast, and it’s free. We want to know how you or your loved one has been hurt so we know how best to help. And it’s important to remember: In most cases you will never be asked to pay for our help until the end of the case. Learn more about contingency fees here.
Your Lerners lawyer and supporting legal team will collect needed information from you and others about the nature of your injury and begin preparing your case. We also work to ensure important insurance forms are filled out properly and timely and that all requirements are met.
We not only support you with legal expertise but also work to connect you with rehabilitation and medical professionals to treat your injuries and speed up your recovery. While you recuperate, our lawyers ensure you secure what you need to enjoy the best possible quality of life in the wake of your injury.
Each case is different, and Ontario’s legal and insurance systems can move slowly; however, we work hard to ensure that your case moves forward as speedily as possible without compromising on what we need to do to guide it to a successful result. A legal case can require some patience, but we will update you throughout so that you understand what is happening at every stage of your case. We will continue to advocate on your behalf for as long as necessary.
Paying for legal representation can vary depending on several factors, including the lawyer’s fee structure, the nature of the case, and the financial situation of the injured person. It’s important to discuss fee arrangements and potential costs during an initial consultation. In our contingency fee retainers (no fee unless we recover money by settlement or award), you won’t be charged for our services. We can’t promise you a specific outcome — this can be an involved and complicated process, but we can promise to remain at your side from start to finish and never give up. Click here to learn more about contingency fees.
Yes, you can be fired while on long-term disability, but there are legal considerations and protections in place to prevent unfair dismissal. It’s crucial to understand your rights and seek legal advice if you believe your termination was discriminatory or unlawful.
Long-term disability claims can be denied for various reasons, which often depend on the specific circumstances of each case. If your long-term disability claim is denied, it’s important to carefully review the denial letter to understand the specific reasons provided by the insurance provider. You may have the right to appeal the decision or take other actions to challenge the denial, such as seeking legal advice or filing a complaint with relevant regulatory bodies if you believe the denial was unfair or unjustified.
While a denied long-term disability claim should not result in automatic termination, it may impact your employment indirectly through discussions about accommodation and return to work. It’s important to understand your rights, communicate openly with your employer, and seek legal advice if you encounter difficulties or discriminatory treatment related to your disability.
When you have a case against your long-term disability insurer, whether it’s for a denied claim, termination of benefits, or other disputes, steps that may be taken include: consultation with a lawyer; review of denial or termination; pre-litigation negotiations; commencement of legal proceedings; discovery process; mediation or settlement conference; trial; and appeals. Throughout this process, it’s important to maintain open communication with your lawyer, follow their advice, and be prepared for various stages of dispute resolution. Each case is unique, and the specifics of what you can expect will depend on the facts of your case, the policies involved, and the legal strategies pursued by your legal representation.
While appealing a denied long-term disability claim can be a challenging process, it offers the opportunity to potentially overturn the denial and secure the benefits you deserve. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and seek professional legal advice to determine the best course of action based on your individual circumstances. Making informed decisions can help you navigate the challenges of a denied claim and ensure you access the support you need.
Receiving long-term disability payments can potentially affect your pension depending on the type of pension plan you have and the specific terms outlined in the plan documents. To understand how your specific long-term disability payments may interact with your pension benefits, it’s crucial to review the details of your pension plan documents, insurance policies, and consult with a financial advisor or pension expert.
It is very likely. Frequently, insurance companies handling long-term disability claims require that claimants undergo an independent medical examination. Overall, while it can be a pivotal part of the long-term disability claims process, understanding your rights and the implications is crucial. In many cases, your legal representative can advise on whether the assessment is appropriate, and suggest options for responding to an insurer booked examination. Working closely with your medical team and a legal representative can help you navigate this aspect of your claim effectively.