Ottawa Disability Lawyers

Have you been denied disability insurance benefits?

A disability is a physical or mental handicap that can limit your ability to perform everyday tasks, and in some cases, make it impossible to work. When you or a loved one suffers an injury or an illness that inhibits or prevents you from working, it can feel like your whole world has been turned upside down. You may worry about how you’re going to provide for your family, and this adds psychological and emotional stress to an already difficult situation.

Fortunately, in Canada, people who are disabled and unable to work are eligible for Long Term Disability Benefits (LTD), which can help them pay for expenses and maintain their quality of life. At Auger Hollingsworth, our disability lawyers have helped many clients in Ottawa complete the complicated paperwork involved in an LTD claim. And because we understand how important LTD benefits can be for you and your family, we’re not afraid to fight for your rights every step of the way.

Disability Lawyer Near You

Wondering where to find “the best disability lawyers near me”? You’ve come to the right place! We’ll come to your home or to the hospital to meet with you without any obligation.  We can accommodate you by telephone as well. If you prefer to meet us in person, we have 4 locations in the Ottawa area. Let us know what office is near you and we’ll do our best to accommodate. With Auger Hollingsworth, help after a disability denial is always nearby!

Disability lawyer near you

How to appeal an insurance claim denial

Having your disability insurance claim denied can be frustrating and stressful. Fortunately, if your first insurance claim is denied, there are other options available. But first, it’s important to speak with a disability lawyer in Ottawa to help with your appeal. 

Whether you’ve been denied an insurance claim for private disability insurance or as part of a group disability policy, an experienced disability lawyer in Ottawa can help you by:

  • Reviewing your insurance policy to determine if you qualify for disability benefits.
  • Determining if it’s sensible to conduct an internal appeal of the denial of your benefits.
  • Helping you file a lawsuit if that is your best option.

There is really no replacement for having an experienced lawyer on your team. If you believe you should qualify for LTD benefits and have been denied, then contact a disability lawyer today for assistance.

Am I entitled to Long Term Disability benefits?

Determining whether you qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits can be complicated. To do so, you must meet the test of “disability” for your situation, which can be found in your insurance policy contract. While most insurance companies have similar tests to qualify, you must look at your own specific policy.

Once you determine which disability test is applicable, you must present or gather medical documents that prove you meet the requirements. Unfortunately, doctors and health care providers don’t always complete disability certificates for insurance companies that are sufficient. So, once you have the documents from your doctor, inspect them to check the following:

  • Do you think what is written will be sufficient to meet the disability test?
  • Have all your disabilities been properly identified in the document? This can include mental, physical, and psychological problems.
  • Does the document from your health care provider describe why you are disabled and incapable of working?

Sometimes you will have to go to a specialist in your field of disability to get the proper documentation for LTD Benefits. It can also be useful to provide your doctor or the specialist with a description of your occupation. This can help them determine which tasks you’re incapable of completing because of your disability.

Finally, it’s important that you meet all deadlines for your insurance company. Having a knowledgeable disability attorney on your side to help you determine eligibility and guide you through the process can be extremely helpful. 

How do I prove that I’m disabled?

It is not always easy to prove your disability and begin receiving the benefits you deserve. Sadly, insurance companies are no strangers to making things complicated and doing everything they can to save money, so it’s not uncommon for people to have difficulties obtaining their benefits or even to be denied the benefits they deserve.

To prove that you are eligible to collect benefits through a Long Term Disability insurance policy, you must show that your injury or illness meets the definition of “total disability.” Although definitions can vary slightly between insurance companies, “total disability” means that a person cannot complete the duties of their job for the first two years of their disability. After twenty-four months, the definition of “total disability” changes to mean that you are no longer able to perform the tasks or duties of any job that you were previously suited for.

ottawa disability lawyers

To prove that your injury or illness is a qualifying disability, you must submit a written statement from a doctor or physician that details the cause and extent of your injury. You must also present objective proof, which could mean X-rays, MRIs, surgical documents, or other medical records that prove your injury.

Requirements for receiving LTD benefits

Proving that your injuries or illness led to “total disability” is the most important factor for receiving benefits. However, there are some other steps you may need to take to receive LTD benefits from your insurance policy. They include:

  • Not letting your insurance lapse while you are trying to receive disability benefits. Make sure you keep paying premiums to keep your insurance.
  • In some instances, proving that the injury or illness was not a pre-existing condition.
  • Proving that you were a full-time employee at the time your injury or illness occurred.
  • Making sure that your injury or illness is not excluded from your insurance policy.

Since each insurance company has its own requirements for being eligible for Long Term Disability benefits, it’s best to have an attorney help you through the process.

Common reasons for denial of LTD claims

Any insured person who qualifies as having a “total disability” and who meets policy requirements for filing should be eligible to receive LTD benefits. Unfortunately, many valid claims are denied by insurance companies. Listed below are some of the most common reasons claims are denied in Ottawa:

  • The claimant does not meet the eligibility requirements as outlined by their insurance policy.
  • The claimant missed important deadlines when filing their claim.
  • Not all documents were completed correctly.
  • The claimant failed to provide the required medical proof to their insurance company.
  • Other procedural or clerical errors were made.

You can avoid making mistakes on your claim by hiring an experienced disability insurance attorney to represent you. Attorneys know how insurance companies try to deny claims and will do everything in their power to make sure your claim is approved and you receive the benefits that you and your family need.

What Our Clients Say

“Jessica was empathetic, understanding and able to advocate on our behalf. The process is really difficult to go through and can be exceptionally emotionally draining. Jessica was very easy to work with and really cared about getting what we deserved. We really appreciate everything that she’s done for us! Thank you, Jessica! Colleen and Angela”

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Colleen Accettura
Read more reviews on Google!

Contact our Disability Lawyers in Ottawa, ON today

The disability attorneys at Auger Hollingsworth understand how important disability benefits can be for you and your family. That’s why when you work with us, helping you receive your benefits is our number one priority. 

We offer case evaluations for Long Term Disability Benefits, Short Term Disability Benefits, and Canadian Pension Plan Disability benefits. For a free consultation and assessment of your case, call us today at +1 (613) 233-4529 or contact us online.

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