Denied Long-Term Disability Benefits? How a Disability Lawyer Can Help You Fight Back

Posted on by David Goldberg Posted in Insurance DenialsTagged ,

When you’re unable to work because of an illness or injury, long-term disability (LTD) benefits are supposed to provide financial security. Unfortunately, many people in British Columbia find themselves in the same situation where their LTD claim is denied or their LTD benefits are cut off, even when their doctors support that they cannot return to work.

If you’ve been denied your LTD benefits, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Insurance companies often use complicated language and strict deadlines that make the process confusing. The good news is that you don’t have to face this alone; an experienced long-term disability lawyer can help you fight back and protect your rights.

Common Reasons Long-Term Disability Claims Are Denied

Insurance companies deny LTD claims for many reasons, including:

  • Lack of medical evidence: The insurer may argue that your doctor’s notes are not detailed enough, or that your condition doesn’t meet their definition of
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How to File an Insurance Claim for Chronic Pain Conditions

Posted on by Ben Tarnow Posted in Chronic Pain, Insurance Denials, Long-Term DisabilityTagged , ,

Understand What Counts as “Chronic Pain” For Insurance

Insurers don’t approve benefits for medical conditions; they approve benefits for functional limitations. Chronic pain labels vary (chronic pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome/CRPS, neuropathic pain, post-surgical pain), but what matters is how your symptoms limit the essential duties of your job (own-occupation) or any suitable work (any-occupation) after the policy’s change-of-definition date. Your claim should connect credible medical evidence to real-world restrictions: lifting, standing, keyboarding, attendance, pace, and reliability.

People often think that merely confirming you have a medical condition can suffice when applying for insurance coverage and benefits, but that is simply not the case. You need to ensure you have the evidence to convince your insurance company that you are entitled to the insurance coverage and benefits you are applying for.

Pre-claim Prep: Build the Record of Your Chronic Pain Before You Press “Submit”

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What to Expect When Hiring an Insurance Lawyer for a Denied Insurance Claim

Posted on by David Goldberg Posted in Insurance DenialsTagged , ,

A denied insurance claim can feel like the floor dropping out from under you, right when you need help the most. Whether it’s a denied long-term disability (LTD) or short-term disability (STD) claim, a critical illness or life insurance payout that’s been refused, or a mortgage disability/accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) claim stuck in limbo, an experienced insurance lawyer can change the trajectory of your case. Here’s what to expect from the moment you reach out for help to the point your claim resolves.

A focused intake and policy triage

Your first meeting should feel practical and reassuring. Expect your insurance lawyer to gather the essential information regarding your policy, the denial letter, claim forms, medical records, and a timeline of events. They’ll identify the type of claim (LTD/STD, life, critical illness, mortgage protection, AD&D, etc.) and spot immediate issues, such as notice requirements, proof-of-loss deadlines, and limitation … Continue reading

Understanding Long-Term Disability Buyouts

Posted on by Graham Taylor Posted in Insurance Denials, Long-Term Disability

The intent and purpose of long-term disability (benefits are to provide financial protection and income replacement to individuals who are unable to work for an extended period due to a disabling illness or injury. Unlike short-term disability or sick leave benefits, LTD benefits are designed to support individuals whose medical conditions prevent them from performing the essential duties of their occupation—or, in some cases, any occupation—for a prolonged duration. The overarching goal is to ensure that disabled individuals can maintain a basic standard of living and financial stability while focusing on recovery or long-term management of their condition by providing these individuals with a guaranteed monthly benefit to support them financially through a difficult time.

While long-term disability benefits are often, as the name implies, long-term, sometimes insurance companies will attempt to close an ongoing claim without denying a disability by offering an insured a buyout of their long-term disability … Continue reading

The Impact of B.C.’s New Sick-Note Ban on Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Claims

Posted on by Ben Tarnow Posted in Long-Term Disability, Short-Term DisabilityTagged , ,

British Columbia has moved to eliminate the routine doctor’s note for short-term sick leave. Under Bill 11, recent amendments to the Employment Standards Act [RSBC 1996] CHAPTER 113 clarify that employers cannot require a physician’s sick note for brief illnesses.

For lawyers handling short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) claims, these changes raise important questions. How will the lack of mandatory sick notes for short absences affect the evidence supporting insurance claims? Will insurers adjust their documentation requirements? And how should litigation strategies adapt in light of this development?

Background: B.C. Bans Sick Notes for Short-Term Leave

B.C.’s new law represents a significant shift in employment standards. Prior to the change, employers could ask for “reasonably sufficient proof” of illness, which often meant a doctor’s note​.

Bill 11, introduced by Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside in April 2025, amends the Employment Standards Act to prohibit employers from requesting a … Continue reading