Denied Long-Term Disability Claims: How to Strengthen Your Case in Ontario
If you’ve had a long-term disability (LTD) claim denied in Ontario, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about your next steps. However, a denial doesn’t have to be the end of the road. With the right approach, you can strengthen your case and overturn the decision effectively. In this blog, we’ll explore practical steps to address a denied LTD claim, including gathering evidence, understanding insurer objections, and leveraging legal representation to improve your chances of success.
Understanding Why Long-Term Disability Claims Are Denied
Insurance companies may deny LTD claims for several reasons. These include insufficient medical evidence to prove that your disability affects your ability to work, policy exclusions that do not cover certain conditions, missed deadlines for submitting forms, and insurer surveillance or misinterpretation of your activities, such as what is seen on social media or in public.
Knowing why your claim was denied is critical to building a robust legal strategy. Review your denial letter carefully—it will outline the insurer's reasons and guide you on your next steps.
Steps to Strengthen Your Long-Term Disability Claim
1. Collect Comprehensive Medical Evidence
Insurance companies heavily rely on medical documentation to approve claims. To strengthen your case, obtain detailed medical reports from your healthcare providers that explain how your condition limits your ability to work. Include opinions from specialists, as these assessments often carry more weight, and document your symptoms in a journal to show how your disability impacts your daily life and work capabilities. Hiring the right disability lawyer at the outset will improve your chances of success and will make the litigation process more expeditious.
2. Address Insurer Objections
If you have retained a lawyer well-versed in disability law, your lawyer will know how to respond directly to the reasons for denial outlined in your letter. If the insurer misunderstood your condition, your lawyer should provide additional medical evidence on your behalf. If the denial is based on a policy exclusion, your disability lawyer shall determine the best course of action to overcome the denied claim.
3. Meet Deadlines
Missing policy deadlines could result in losing your rights under the policy.
How a Disability Lawyer in Ontario Can Help
Legal representation can significantly improve your chances of a successful LTD claim. Disability lawyers understand the fine print of insurance policies and can identify areas where insurers may have acted unfairly. An experienced disability lawyer knows how to craft persuasive arguments and present evidence to counter insurer objections. Additionally, insurance companies are more likely to negotiate with legal professionals, and your lawyer can represent you in court if necessary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When challenging an LTD denial, avoid solely relying on correspondence from your insurer that outlines your rights as insurers may not provide clear or complete advice about your rights. Neglecting legal advice is another common mistake. Many claimants assume consulting a lawyer is unnecessary or too costly. However, the lawyers at Aaron Waxman and Associates, PC offer free consultations and only work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you get paid. Finally, ignoring your doctor’s recommendations can be both harmful to your recovery and undermine your disability claim.
How Can Aaron Waxman and Associates, P.C. Help?
At Aaron Waxman and Associates, P.C., we are well-versed in helping clients with their denied long-term disability claims. Our team understands the challenges you face and is dedicated to guiding you through the process. We can evaluate your case and provide tailored legal advice, help you gather compelling medical evidence, and represent you in negotiations or legal proceedings.
Remember, there are no upfront legal fees when you work with us. We’re here to help you get the benefits you deserve.
Conclusion
Facing a denied LTD claim can feel like an uphill battle, but you don’t have to go through it alone. With the right strategy and support, you can build a strong case and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
If you’re struggling with a denied long-term disability claim in Ontario, contact Aaron Waxman and Associates, P.C. today at 416-661-4878 or awaxman@awaxmanlaw.ca for a free consultation. Let us help you fight for the benefits you need.
We offer a free initial consultation that can be arranged at a date and time of your choosing and at your convenience.
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- This blog is for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute legal advice. Please read our disclaimer for further information.
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- Office in Toronto and able to represent people in the province of Ontario
