Free Consultation with a Long-Term Disability Lawyer
When your disability benefits are denied, delayed, or cut off, the financial and emotional impact is immediate. At Unified LLP, our long-term disability lawyers focus on helping people who can’t work because of illness or injury get the benefits they are entitled to under their policies.
We offer a free, confidential consultation to review your short-term or long-term disability claim, explain your options, and outline a strategy. In many cases, we work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay legal fees unless we recover compensation or benefits for you. Insurance companies often deny or terminate legitimate claims. Having an experienced disability lawyer on your side levels the playing field and ensures your voice is heard.
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Who Qualifies for Long-Term Disability Benefits?
Every disability insurance policy is different, but most require you to meet certain conditions before benefits are paid. Common eligibility criteria include:
- Coverage under a disability policy
You’re insured under a group benefit plan through your employer or an individual policy that includes long-term disability (LTD) coverage. - A disabling medical condition
A physical or psychological condition prevents you from performing the essential duties of your job (and later, in many policies, “any occupation” suited to your education, training, and experience). - A completed waiting period
Many policies include an “elimination period” (often several weeks or months) before LTD benefits start, usually following short-term disability or EI sickness benefits. - Ongoing medical treatment
You’re under the regular care of a healthcare provider and following reasonable treatment recommendations.
If your LTD claim has been denied or stopped, our disability lawyers can review your policy, assess why the insurer refused payment, and advise you on the best next steps—including when to pursue a long-term disability appeal.
How We Help When Your Long-Term Disability Claim Is Denied
When a long-term disability claim is denied or terminated, it can feel overwhelming; working with a denied disability claim lawyer can help you navigate the process. Unified LLP guides you through the process from start to finish:
- Initial consultation and document review
We examine your insurance policy, denial letter, medical records, and employment information to understand exactly what the insurer is relying on. - Strategic advice: appeal or sue?
Internal appeals can sometimes be helpful, but they are controlled by the insurer. We’ll advise whether an internal appeal makes sense in your case or whether you should move directly to a legal claim. - Starting a lawsuit
Where appropriate, we commence a lawsuit to seek past benefits, reinstatement of future benefits, and in some cases additional damages. - Negotiation and settlement discussions
Many LTD disputes resolve through negotiation or mediation. We prepare your case carefully so we can seek a fair lump-sum settlement or reinstatement of benefits. - Trial if necessary
If the insurer refuses to be reasonable, our lawyers are prepared to present your case in court.
Throughout, our focus is on reducing your stress and giving you clear, practical guidance so you can focus on your health while we focus on your claim.If your employment has also been terminated, changed, or pressured while you were on disability leave, you may also benefit from speaking with an employment lawyer about your severance and workplace rights.
How Our Disability Lawyers Can Help
Unified LLP’s disability team assists with every step in the short-term and long-term disability process, including:
- Completing and reviewing applications for short-term disability (STD) benefits
- Completing and reviewing applications for long-term disability (LTD) benefits
- Identifying and correcting problems with claim forms and medical evidence
- Challenging denials or terminations of STD or LTD benefits
- Negotiating with insurers to reinstate benefits or reach a fair settlement
- Commencing legal action to recover unpaid benefits and related compensation
Whether you are just considering a claim or have already received a denial letter, speaking with a long term disability lawyer or long term disability appeal lawyer early can help you avoid mistakes and protect your rights.
In many cases, long-term disability disputes overlap with job loss, reduced hours, or pressure to resign. When your health and employment are both at stake, our employment lawyers can work alongside our disability team to address wrongful dismissal, constructive dismissal, and other workplace issues connected to your disability claim.
Short-Term Disability Benefits and Their Role in LTD Claims
Short-term disability benefits provide income replacement for a limited period when you are temporarily unable to work because of illness or injury. They often:
- Cover the first weeks or months after you stop working
- Require you to meet the policy’s definition of “totally disabled” from your own occupation
- Serve as a bridge between employment income and long-term disability benefits
STD claims are frequently denied or cut off on the basis that you are “not disabled enough,” your condition is “subjective,” or paperwork is “insufficient.” These same arguments often appear later in LTD disputes. Our lawyers can:
- Help you transition from STD to LTD or EI sickness benefits where appropriate
- Review your short-term disability decision
- Work with your healthcare providers to strengthen medical evidence
- Challenge unfair denials or early terminations
Common Conditions That Lead to Disability Claims
Both short-term and long-term disability claims can arise from a wide range of physical and psychological conditions, including:
- Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions
- Chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and fatigue syndromes
- Heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions
- Cancer and the side effects of treatment
- Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases
- Back, neck, and joint injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussion symptoms
- Surgery and post-surgical recovery
- Addictions and substance use disorders
This list is not exhaustive. If a medical condition is preventing you from working, it is worth getting legal advice to understand your options.
Why Work with Unified LLP for Disability Claims?
Living with illness or injury is difficult enough without also having to battle an insurance company. Unified LLP’s disability lawyers are focused on making the legal process as clear and manageable as possible. We offer:
- Experience with complex disability claims
Our team has handled a wide range of disability disputes involving both physical and psychological conditions. - Client-centred service
We take the time to understand your health, your work, and your financial situation, and we keep you informed at every step. - Flexible fee structures
Many disability matters are handled on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay legal fees if we recover compensation or benefits for you. - Willingness to go to court If an insurer refuses to act fairly, we are prepared to pursue your rights through litigation.
Looking for a Long-Term Disability Lawyer in Your Area?
Unified LLP offers dedicated long-term disability services province-wide with focus on Toronto, Mississauga, Kitchener, and Barrie.
- Long Term Disability Lawyer Toronto
- Long Term Disability Lawyer Mississauga
- Long Term Disability Lawyer Kitchener
- Long Term Disability Lawyer Barrie
- Short-Term Disability Lawyers Toronto
You can contact us through any of these locations, or simply call 416.787.7678 to be connected with our disability team.
Long-Term Disability FAQs
What does a long-term disability lawyer do?
A long-term disability lawyer or disability benefits lawyer reviews your policy and medical records, explains your rights, and challenges unfair denials or terminations of benefits. They negotiate with insurers and, where necessary, start a lawsuit to recover what you’re owed.
When should I speak to a disability lawyer?
It’s helpful to get legal advice as soon as you receive a denial or termination letter—or even before you apply, if you have a complicated medical history. Early advice can help you avoid mistakes and protect important deadlines.
What types of long-term disability cases do you handle?
We act in claims involving both physical and psychological conditions, including chronic pain, depression and anxiety, heart conditions, neurological disorders, autoimmune disease, and more.
What if my long-term disability claim has already been denied?
A denial is not the end of the story. We can review the insurer’s reasons, gather additional medical evidence where needed, and advise whether to pursue an internal appeal or legal action.
How are legal fees charged in disability cases?
In many cases, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning legal fees are only paid if we recover compensation or benefits for you. We’ll explain the fee structure clearly before you decide how to proceed.
How long does a long-term disability claim or lawsuit take?
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the case and the insurer’s approach. Some disputes settle within months; others take longer, especially if a trial becomes necessary. We’ll discuss likely timelines during your consultation.
Can I change lawyers if my case has already started?
Yes. If you are unhappy with your current representation, you are generally free to retain a new lawyer. We can review your file and explain how a transfer of your case would work.
What should I bring to my first meeting with a disability lawyer?
Bring any denial letters, your insurance policy or benefits booklet, medical reports, and correspondence with the insurer or your employer. These documents help us quickly assess your options and next steps.
