When insurance companies deny or undervalue valid long-term disability (LTD) claims, Ottawa residents need strong legal allies. At Van Dyke Law, we fight for your right to fair benefits, guiding you through complex appeals and standing up to insurers who prioritize profits over people.
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Long-term disability (LTD) insurance offers financial assistance to those unable to work because of a significant illness, injury, or medical issue.
LTD policies typically cover the following common conditions:
Insurance companies have teams dedicated to minimizing payouts—but when you have Van Dyke Law on your side, we:
With our team handling the legal battle, you can focus on your health.
A long-term disability lawyer in Ottawa can help you prevent denials. However, if the worst-case scenario occurs, we can also assist you in finding other benefits, such as EI or CPP.
The claimant is unable to prove the seriousness of their condition or how it affected their capacity to work.
How We Help: At Van Dyke, We gather doctor’s reports, diagnostic tests, and specialist statements to build an ironclad case.
Some policies demand you’re unable to work any job, even one far outside your skillset. These strict definitions can result in claim denials, even when you cannot work. Strict interpretations of policy terms can lead to your disability claim being rejected.
How We Help: By examining policy wording, inconsistencies, restrictive clauses, and insurers’ narrow definitions, we aim to secure fair assessments and prevent the underpayment of claims by insurance companies.
Insurance companies have strict time limits for submitting applications, filing appeals, and providing required documents..
How We Help: We meticulously review every detail of your application or appeal. Our team diligently manages all deadlines and ensures paperwork is completed meticulously. This proactive approach helps prevent errors that could negatively impact your claim.
At Van Dyke, we challenge unfair denials by taking the proper steps.
We guarantee your appeal is comprehensive, submitted promptly, and compelling, maximizing your opportunity to obtain the benefits you are entitled to.
Van Dyke Law stands out as a trusted and experienced advocate for individuals across Ontario. Whether you need assistance with extending your recovery or are considering returning to work, we work tirelessly for your long-term disability claim in Ottawa.
Our team offers complimentary consultations and is here to address your questions, explain your options, and provide guidance on a confident path forward. Contact us today.
“I work hard to build trust with my clients, communicating regularly so that they know I have their back.”’
– Frank Van Dyke
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LTD benefits can last depending on your insurance policy. Some policies pay benefits for a fixed period (such as two or five years), while others continue until age 65 if you remain disabled under the policy’s definition.
“Own occupation” means you are unable to perform the duties of your specific job. “Any occupation” is a stricter standard and means you must be unable to work in any job for which you are reasonably suited.
Yes. While mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD are valid reasons for LTD claims, insurers often scrutinize them. Denials commonly occur due to alleged lack of medical evidence or policy limits on mental health coverage.
If your long-term disability (LTD) benefits are cut off, review the denial letter, gather updated medical evidence from your doctor, and consult a disability lawyer to avoid wasting time on internal appeals. You may need to file a lawsuit to challenge the decision.
Appeal deadlines are set out in your policy and can be strict, sometimes as short as 60 or 90 days. Missing a deadline can jeopardize your claim, so it’s important to act quickly.
You are not required to have a lawyer, but insurers are experienced in handling appeals and minimizing payouts. A lawyer can help meet deadlines, gather evidence, and communicate with the insurer to strengthen your appeal.
Long-term disability lawyers’ costs vary based on case complexity. At Van Dyke Law, we offer free initial consultations and a contingency-fee basis, meaning no legal fees unless your claim is successful.
In some cases, yes. CPP Disability or EI sickness benefits may be available, but they can affect your LTD payments. Insurers often require you to apply for CPP Disability, and any approved amounts may be deducted from LTD benefits.
Strong medical evidence required to support an LTD claim typically includes doctors’ and specialists’ reports, diagnostic testing, treatment records, and functional capacity assessments that show how your condition prevents you from working.
Yes. Insurers may use surveillance to assess claims. This is one reason consistency between your medical records, daily activities, and reported limitations is critical throughout the claims process.