What to Do If Your LTD Is Denied in Ontario

If you become seriously ill or sustain an injury, long-term disability (LTD) insurance provides a safety net to ensure your financial stability while you recover. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always approve claims on the first submission, even when they are valid. Knowing what to do if your LTD is denied in Ontario can help you avoid some of the most common mistakes that keep people from receiving benefits. 

Steps to Take After an LTD Denial 

After diligently preparing your claim, receiving an LTD denial can be shocking and worrisome. When it happens, do not panic. Remember that the claims process is complex and that insurance companies cannot arbitrarily deny claims. Be sure to get the decision in writing, with a clear explanation of the reasons for denial, so you can determine the best way to proceed. 

In most cases, this means doing the following:

Do Not Appeal 

Unfortunately, even though your insurer will offer the chance to appeal, it is unlikely that the outcome will go in your favour. Insurance companies control the disability appeal process internally and often drag out the proceedings as long as possible to use up the two-year window for disputing denials. Once that window closes, you no longer have the option to make a legal claim on the money they owe you. 

Hire a LTD Lawyer 

A lawyer who specializes in these cases will know exactly what to do if your LTD is denied in Ontario and will explore different legal options to get you a policy payout. As soon as you receive an LTD denial, get in touch with the experienced LTD lawyers at Chorney Sidhu, who can provide you with legal advice on how to proceed. 

In many cases, filing a court action gives your insurance company two options: Pay the claim or face a long and drawn-out legal battle that will cost more than paying the claim. Most companies choose the first option, offering a settlement during mediation instead of battling you and your lawyer at trial.

Provide Evidence 

In most cases, you will need to collect additional evidence to refute the reasons for the denial. Your legal team at Chorney Sidhu Injury Lawyers can help you with this sometimes overwhelming process by helping you compile a comprehensive medical brief. This is why getting the reasons in writing is so important. It is very common for insurers to deny LTD claims based on the physician’s statement; if your doctor does not adequately make the case for your disability, the insurer will not pay your claim. 

If this is the case, you will need to go back to all the providers who treated you to review the denial and determine whether they agree with the assessment or not. Doctors who disagree with the denial can write new statements to substantiate your claim and provide a better explanation of why their condition keeps them from working. 

Prepare to work closely with your lawyer to produce additional evidence as needed to support your claim, including accident reports, symptom diaries, and receipts.

You Know What To Do. Call Chorney Sidhu and Get Help with Your Disability Claim 

If you are not sure what to do if your LTD is denied in Ontario, reach out to Chorney Sidhu Injury Lawyers at (844) 487-8482 to speak with an experienced injury lawyer about your rights.