If your long-term disability (LTD) benefits were denied, cut off, or reduced, you are not alone — and you are not powerless.
Insurance companies in Ontario deny valid LTD claims every day by relying on technical policy language, selective medical reviews, and aggressive interpretations of “disability” under long term disability benefits in Ontario. Once benefits are terminated, insurers rarely reverse course voluntarily.
The long-term disability lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP focus exclusively on helping Ontario claimants challenge unfair LTD decisions and recover the benefits they are owed.
When Should You Speak to a Long-Term Disability Lawyer?
You should speak to an Ontario LTD lawyer as soon as you experience any of the following:
- Your LTD claim is denied at the application stage
- Your benefits are cut off after 24 months
- The insurer says you can work in “any occupation”
- Payments are reduced due to offsets or policy interpretations
- You are pressured to return to work against medical advice
- Surveillance or insurer medical exams are used against you
Why LTD Claims Are So Often Denied in Ontario
Long-term disability disputes are rarely about whether someone is genuinely ill or injured. They are about how insurers interpret — and often misinterpret — policy language.
Common denial tactics include:
- Claiming you no longer meet the definition of disability
- Relying on file reviews by insurer-hired doctors
- Ignoring treating physicians’ opinions
- Misusing the any occupation test
- Arguing that limited daily activity equals work capacity
- Treating return-to-work attempts as proof of recovery
Own Occupation vs. Any Occupation Disability
Most Ontario LTD policies use two definitions of disability:
Own Occupation (First Phase)
During the early stage of your claim, you qualify if you can’t perform the essential duties of your own job.
You do not need to be totally incapacitated to qualify.
Any Occupation (Later Phase)
After approximately 24 months, insurers often argue you must be unable to work in any occupation.
Ontario courts have repeatedly confirmed this does not mean any job at all. The work must be:
- Realistic
- Consistent with your education and experience
- Medically sustainable
- Available in the real labour market
How a Long-Term Disability Lawyer Helps Level the Playing Field
Insurance companies handle LTD claims with legal teams, medical consultants, and internal appeal processes designed to protect their bottom line.
A long-term disability lawyer in Ontario helps by:
- Reviewing your policy wording in detail
- Identifying weaknesses in the insurer’s denial rationale
- Coordinating medical and functional evidence strategically
- Preventing harmful statements or appeal missteps
- Taking legal action when insurers refuse to act fairly
At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we deal directly with major insurers like Sun Life, Canada Life, and Manulife and know how LTD claims are evaluated behind the scenes.
No Upfront Fees for Ontario LTD Claims
We represent long-term disability clients on a contingency basis.
That means:
- No upfront legal fees
- No hourly billing
- You only pay if we recover compensation
Why Choose Samfiru Tumarkin LLP as Your LTD Lawyer in Ontario?
Our team handles every part of your case so you can focus on your health.
Millions Recovered for Denied LTD Claims
We’ve recoverd millions of dollars for Canadians whose long-term disability benefits were wrongly denied, delayed, or cut off by insurers.
Ontario-Focused, Nationally Respected
Our lawyers handle LTD claims across Canada, with deep Ontario-specific experience navigating local courts, insurers, and policy standards.
Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics
Some of our lawyers previously worked for insurance companies. We know how claims are evaluated — and where insurers push the limits.
Canada’s Most-Reviewed Disability Law Firm
With thousands of five-star reviews, clients across Ontario consistently trust us to step in when disability benefits are on the line.
Proven Results in High-Stakes LTD Litigation
From complex medical disputes to wrongful benefit cutoffs, we’ve built a track record of results insurers take seriously.
Not Intimidated by Insurance Companies
We regularly take on Canada’s largest insurers — and they know we don’t back down when our clients’ benefits are at risk.
Speak With a Long-Term Disability Lawyer in Ontario
If your long-term disability benefits were denied or cut off, do not assume the insurer is right.
A short conversation with a long-term disability lawyer in Ontario at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help you understand:
- Whether the denial is legally defensible
- What evidence actually matters
- What steps protect your benefits moving forward