If your short-term disability (STD) claim was denied, delayed, or cut off, you may still qualify for benefits. Many Toronto employees are unfairly told they don’t meet the requirements — even when their doctor confirms they can’t work.
The short-term disability lawyers in Toronto at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP help people challenge insurance companies, get their benefits back, and protect their income. If you live or work in the GTA, you can talk to a Toronto short-term disability lawyer today for free to find out exactly what your options are.
What a Short-Term Disability Lawyer in Toronto Does
A short-term disability lawyer helps when an insurance company:
- Denies your initial STD claim
- Cuts off your benefits early
- Delays approval
- Demands excessive medical info
- Pressures you to return to work too soon
- Misunderstands your job duties or medical restrictions
We deal directly with the insurance company so you can focus on healing — not arguing with adjusters.
ℹ️ Learn more about Short Term Disability Ontario benefits and claims.
When You Should Contact a Short-Term Disability Lawyer
Reach out immediately if:
- Your STD claim is denied
- Your benefits were approved, then stopped
- Your insurer says there’s “not enough medical evidence”
- You’re told you can go back to work but your doctor disagrees
- The insurance company stops responding
- You’re feeling pressured into an early return
We’ll review your denial letter, your policy, and your medical restrictions — and outline your best path forward.
Why Short-Term Disability Claims Get Denied
Insurers rely on many of the same tactics we outline in our Common Reasons for Disability Denials blog, including:
- Saying your symptoms are “subjective”
- Claiming you can return to modified duties
- Cherry-picking medical notes
- Ignoring specialist opinions
- Misinterpreting your occupation
Many Toronto denials involve mental health conditions, chronic pain, and post-concussion symptoms — areas insurers routinely challenge.
Conditions That Often Lead to STD Claims
We frequently assist Toronto employees facing:
- Depression and anxiety
- Burnout / stress leave
- Chronic pain
- Migraines
- Back injuries and musculoskeletal issues
- Heart concerns
- Post-concussion syndrome
- Cancer treatment
- Pregnancy-related complications
If your doctor supports your leave from work, you likely meet STD requirements.
How Much Short-Term Disability Pays
Most Toronto employees receive 55% to 85% of their income, depending on their group policy. Some also combine benefits with Employment Insurance (EI).
If your benefits were cut off too early, you may be owed back pay — and potentially a transition to long-term disability (LTD).
What Happens After Short-Term Disability Ends
If you still can’t work when STD runs out, you may qualify for LTD under your group policy. Our Long-Term Disability Ontario and Long-Term Disability Lawyer Toronto pages explain LTD eligibility in detail, but in short:
- You must still meet your doctor’s restrictions
- The insurer must consider your ongoing medical needs
- A denial at the LTD stage can be legally challenged
If your STD benefits end but your symptoms continue, contact us immediately. Insurers often use this moment to deny LTD.
How Our Toronto Short-Term Disability Lawyers Help
We:
- Review your policy
- Analyze the denial letter
- Communicate with your insurer on your behalf
- Work with your doctor to strengthen medical evidence
- File a legal claim when needed
- Pursue compensation for unpaid benefits
- Operate on a contingency basis (no upfront fees)
With 3,000+ Google reviews across Canada, we’re one of the most trusted disability law teams in the country.
What to Do After a Short-Term Disability Denial
Here’s a simple process — consistent with our Appeals and LTD guidance:
- Do NOT rely on the insurer’s internal appeal
These rarely succeed and only delay legal action. - Get a complete copy of your claim file
We can request this for you. - See your doctor
Updated medical notes help support your claim. - Speak to a Toronto short-term disability lawyer
A quick review can save months of delay.
FAQs About Short-Term Disability in Toronto
Can I be fired while on short-term disability?
You can’t be fired because you’re on disability leave. If that happens, you may also be owed severance pay in Ontario.
Do I need a doctor’s note?
Yes, you need a doctor’s note. Your doctor’s opinion is the key factor insurers must consider.
Should I appeal or contact a lawyer?
A legal claim is usually more effective than internal appeals. We’ll explain your best route.
Will this affect my employment?
No — you have the right to take medical leave.
Speak to a Short-Term Disability Lawyer in Toronto Today
If your claim was denied or cut off, getting legal help early makes a major difference.
✅ At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our team will explain your rights, deal with the insurer, and get the compensation you are legally owed.
📞 Call 1-855-821-5900 or use our consultation form today.