Long Term Disability Lawyer Toronto

Long Term Disability Lawyer Serving Toronto and All of Ontario

At Grillo Law, our long term disability lawyers have over 40 years of experience litigating STD and LTD benefits claims. We understand the tactics insurance companies use to deny or delay LTD claims, and we’re prepared to fight fiercely on your behalf to ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to – whether that means negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case to court. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries and denied benefits, call Grillo Law at  416 – 614 – 6000 for a FREE consultation. Remember, you will not pay any fees until your case is won or settled.

What Is Long Term Disability Insurance?

Long term disability (LTD) insurance is a policy designed to provide income replacement if you’re no longer able to work and earn an income due to a serious illness or injury. Typically, disability insurance compensates you for between 60% and 85% of your lost income. The policy often sets limits on the amounts paid over time.

Many extended healthcare plans will include Short-Term Disability (hereinafter “STD”) and Long-Term Disability (hereinafter “LTD”) benefits. The entitlement to STD begins after an individual sustains an injury or illness that prevents them from returning to work. It is important to know that the injury or illness doesn’t need to have occurred while at work or as a result of the work.

Do I Need to Purchase Disability Insurance in Ontario?

Depending on what policy you choose, you may receive benefits for temporary illness or permanent disability. Many employers in Ontario offer disability insurance as a fringe benefit. It is also possible to buy your own disability insurance through an agent.

Before you go out and buy disability insurance, you should check what disability insurance you already have. You may have group disability insurance already, and there is no point in over insuring. Many self-employed business people buy disability benefits to ensure that their business costs are covered if they are not able to work. If you are looking to cover your business expenses, it may be worth contacting a short-term disability lawyer or an LTD insurance lawyer.

Understanding Disability Insurance Policies

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Almost all long term disability insurances in Ontario will cover between 60% to 85% of your lost earnings. Long term disability plans only take effect once you have exhausted your leave pay, short term disability insurance, and Employment Insurance sickness benefits.

Disability plans differ. Some will pay you for 24 months if you are unable to work in your own occupation and then beyond 24 months you may receive benefits only if you are unable to work in any occupation. Your experienced long term disability insurance lawyer can explain the differences to you. You must understand the terms and conditions of the disability plan before you sign on the bottom line.

If there are exclusions or clauses that deal with pre-conditions, you must know about them. Make sure that you understand how disability is defined in the plan and how long you’ll wait before you receive benefits. If you are unsure of the terms and conditions of your disability plan, it is best to discuss it with an experienced disability lawyer.

Short-Term Disability Insurance

Short-term insurance will usually protect you for up to six months if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. Some employers provide short term disability insurance for their employees. If your employer participates in a short-term insurance plan, then you would have to apply for benefits through the disability plan.

If you do not have access to disability benefits through your own or your group disability insurance, Employment Insurance sickness benefits may also be available to you. Sickness benefits only take effect once you have worked a certain number of hours. You must also have exhausted your sick leave. Before you sign up with a short-term disability plan, you must investigate the costs and benefits. Find out how much you’ll pay each month and what you’ll receive in benefits. Be sure to check whether these are adjusted for inflation.

Types of Disability Claims

In Toronto, most common long term disability claims are related to disability and life insurance. The extent of a person’s coverage typically depends not just on their inability to do any type of work, but also on the amount of disability benefits specified in their policy. Generally, the more extensive the coverage, the higher the monthly premiums tend to be.

While premiums for LTD insurance can range anywhere from approximately $25 to $200 per month, actual costs will vary based on the policy and insurer. To understand the best options and rates available, it’s advisable to consult an insurer.

Serious injuries, chronic illnesses, and mental health conditions often occur unexpectedly. For many individuals across Toronto, these health challenges can suddenly limit their ability to perform daily tasks, enjoy social interactions, or fulfill the responsibilities of their profession.

These situations are not only physically and emotionally taxing but can also place immense financial strain on individuals and their families. When a medical condition forces someone to stop working, the sudden loss of income can make it difficult to keep up with everyday expenses.

Thankfully, if adequate insurance coverage is in place, individuals who are unable to continue working in their occupation due to a medication condition may be eligible for long term disability benefits. These benefits may be included under an employer-sponsored group insurance plan or through a personal insurance policy—provided the coverage is sufficient and the condition qualifies.

Long-term disability payments generally cover between 60% to 85% of an individual’s pre-disability earnings. Although LTD benefits don’t fully replace a person’s salary, they can provide vital financial support during periods of extended recovery or long-term impairment.

Each LTD policy comes with its own set of terms and qualifying criteria. However, coverage is frequently extended to individuals diagnosed with the following medical and psychological conditions:

• Heart conditions and cardiovascular disease
• Severe or chronic back issues
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or other chronic pain disorders
• Autoimmune conditions like lupus
• Lyme disease
• Psoriatic arthritis and other inflammatory joint disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Paralysis or serious mobility impairments
• Major depressive disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• And other serious physical or mental health conditions

What to Do If Your Long Term Disability Benefits Are Denied

After you submit your long term disability (LTD) claim, the insurance company will assess your application to determine whether you meet the policy’s definition of disability. If they decide that your medical condition meets the eligibility criteria, your disability benefits may be approved.

However, even after an initial approval, LTD benefits are not guaranteed indefinitely. Insurance companies often re-evaluate LTD claims, and your benefits may be cut off if they determine that you no longer meet the eligibility requirements. This often occurs if updated medical documentation is lacking, or if the definition of “disability” under your policy changes—typically after 24 months—from being unable to perform your own occupation to being unable to perform any occupation.

If your insurance provider terminates your long term disability benefits, it is critical to speak with an experienced disability lawyer. Insurers do not have the final word when it comes to your entitlement. Their decision to stop your benefits can be legally contested, and you may still have a valid claim through negotiation or litigation. An LTD lawyer can help you challenge the termination, gather the necessary medical evidence, and fight to have your disability benefits reinstated.

Why Choose Our Toronto Long Term Disability Lawyer

When your disability benefits are denied or delayed, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer. At Grillo Law, our Toronto long term disability lawyers bring a wealth of experience to challenge unfair decisions and secure the benefits you were cut off or denied.

We don’t just treat you as a case number. Our team takes the time to understand your medical condition, your policy coverage, and the financial impact your disability has had on your life. We know that every case is different, and we build a legal strategy to help you get the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.

However, it’s important to act quickly. As with any insurance claim, you have a limited period of time during which you can file your claim. Missing deadlines can be costly and may even jeopardize your right to receive long term disability benefits.

Our Toronto disability lawyers can help you navigate the disability claim process, ensuring that every step – from filing appeals to initial legal proceedings – is done properly and on time.

At Grillo Law, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. We’re here to take the pressure off your shoulders so you can focus on your health while we fight to protect your rights.

Here’s why clients choose Grillo Law for their long term disability claims:

• Decades of Experience: Our firm has successfully resolved thousands of disability and personal injury cases in Toronto and across all of Ontario.
• No Upfront Legal Fees: We work on a contingency basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
• Proven Results: We’ve recovered millions in settlements and judgments for clients whose LTD benefits were wrongfully denied.
• Focused on You: From day one, our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, responsive legal support during one of the most difficult times in your life.

If your long term disability benefits have been denied, cut off, or delayed, contact Grillo Law today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you fight back and move forward.