Long-Term Disability Lawyer – Hamilton

If you’re unable to work due to a serious illness or disabling condition, your focus should be on recovery, not battling disability insurance companies. In Hamilton, Ontario, many people rightly expect their disability insurance to provide financial support when they need it most. But too often, that support never arrives.

Claims are delayed, cut short, or outright denied, which can threaten your stability and health during recovery.

At DWA Law, we understand how high the stakes are. Our Hamilton disability lawyers bring a deep understanding of disability insurance law and the insurance industry’s tactics. We’re here to help you fight back, whether your disability insurer has sent a denial letter, cut off your LTD benefits, or accused you of exaggerating a medical condition, such as chronic pain.

What Conditions Qualify for Long-Term Disability Benefits?

Long-term disability insurance should ideally cover any injury or condition that hinders someone from working, and there are numerous physical, emotional, and mental health issues that may qualify individuals for long-term disability insurance benefits. However, specific disability insurance policies can outline certain exclusions.

If you have contracted an illness or have been involved in an accident that prevents you from working, you should contact a long-term disability lawyer to discuss your situation. You may be eligible for compensation, including CPP disability benefits or short term disability benefits, depending on the nature and duration of your condition.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Long-Term Disability Claims?

At some point in life, many people are faced with being wrongfully denied disability benefits.

When this happens, it is important to have experienced Ontario disability lawyers by your side. An experienced Hamilton disability lawyer from DWA Law will guide you through the entire process, ensuring that your rights are respected every step of the way. This includes gathering supporting documentation and preparing your case in the event of a denied disability claim.

At DWA Law, we offer a free consultation to discuss your situation. We believe that everyone should have access to justice, particularly when their ability to earn income is at stake. Our legal team understands the tactics commonly used by insurance companies to deny claims, and we work diligently to counter them with effective legal arguments.   

Having legal support from a firm with a strong track record in disability cases provides peace of mind. Whether you’re just starting the claims process or your benefits have been wrongfully terminated by your disability insurance company, DWA Law is here to stand up for your rights.

Passionate – Dedicated – Professional

Disability Insurance Coverage

If you become sick, injured, or unable to work for any medical reason, disability insurance protects your income by providing benefits equivalent to a large proportion of your lost income.

Disability Benefits

Under most group policies, benefit payments are made for two years if the claimant cannot perform the duties of their own occupation, and after two years, if they cannot perform the duties of any occupation that is reasonably suitable. Private disability policies may follow this common structure, but there are variations.

Whether it is a group plan or an individual disability insurance policy, it is critical to read the fine print to understand your entitlements. If you’re unsure whether your situation meets the policy criteria, a DWA personal injury lawyer can review your coverage and advise on next steps.

Short and Long-term Disability Benefits

When you are unable to work due to a disability, you deserve timely and full compensation.

Insurance plans typically include both short-term and long-term disability benefits. Short term disability benefits are designed to support workers immediately following an injury or illness, while LTD benefits cover an extended period if the condition persists.

Your medical condition must be supported by documentation from your treating physician. If your claim for long term disability (LTD) is denied or your benefits are cut off without justification, you may have the right to sue for the full amount owed. A denied long term disability claim may also be challenged through legal action.

2-Year Limitation Period for Denied Disability Claims

If your claim has been denied and you intend to file a lawsuit, there is a two-year limitation period from the date of the denial letter. Few people realize this deadline exists, and missing it can result in the forfeiture of valid claims.

If your insurance company denied your claim or terminated your benefits, contact a Hamilton disability lawyer today to evaluate your options and preserve your right to seek justice.

Passionate – Dedicated – Professional

Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims

Long-term disability claimants need to provide your insurance company with the following information.

Medical Records

These confirm the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis provided by your doctor.

Employment History

Your employment history will be reviewed in order to establish your previous income levels and future earning capacity.

Current Employment Information

Itemizing your regular tasks will help insurance examiners understand why your disabling condition prevents you from working. 

Passionate – Dedicated – Professional

Why You Need Hamilton Disability Lawyers

Incomplete information or simple missteps can derail your claim. A knowledgeable lawyer can assess your case and identify any weaknesses before you submit or re-submit your claim.

If your disability claim is denied, we will review all documentation, obtain independent opinions when necessary, and seek to have the decision overturned.

We are one of the few disability law firms serving Hamilton that combines the knowledge of personal injury and insurance litigation, giving us insight into how to challenge claim denials involving financial stress, medical bills, and financial risk tied to prolonged disability. 

Common Reasons Used by Insurance Companies to Deny a Disability Claim

Insufficient Medical Documentation

A common tactic used by insurance companies is to say that your medical documents and medical evidence don’t properly support your claim without providing a specific explanation.

You Are Not “Totally Disabled”

Insurance companies often use this kind of misleading language to deny claims. Some people believe this term means that you need to be completely paralyzed or in a coma in order to qualify. But that is not true. If your condition prevents you from performing your job, you should qualify for disability benefits.

“You Can Do Similar Work”

Insurance companies will sometimes take away someone’s disability benefits because they claim that the person can move into a similar occupation. If your insurance company adopts this approach, and it runs contrary to your doctor’s advice, contact your disability lawyer.

“We Have Surveillance On You”

Unfortunately, this intimidation tactic is quite common. Insurance companies claim that they catch people performing tasks or activities that purport to prove that the person is not actually disabled. If your insurance company ends your benefits or denies your claim as a result of surveillance they collected, contact a long-term disability lawyer as soon as possible.

Passionate – Dedicated – Professional

DWA Law – Trusted Hamilton Long-Term Disability Lawyers

If you are having an issue with your disability coverage, the DWA Law team will defend your interests if you have experienced any of the following situations:

  • Unreasonable demands from your insurance provider in order to receive or maintain benefits
  • Wrongful denial of disability claims
  • Wrongful termination of disability benefits
  • Improper calculation of disability benefits
  • Violations of privacy rights

At DWA Law, we understand the challenges individuals face when dealing with insurance companies regarding long-term disability issues. Our dedicated team of experienced lawyers has tirelessly fought for countless clients, achieving fair resolutions that address the unique struggles they have encountered. Our proven track record reflects our steadfast dedication to ensuring justice is served for each and every client we represent.