Disability Lawyer Vancouver
Vancouver Long-Term Disability Lawyers
Disability Lawyer Vancouver
We Help You Get the Long-Term Disability Benefits You’re Owed
If illness or injury is keeping you from working, our Vancouver
disability lawyers help with long-term disability claims at every
stage — from insurer reviews and requests for medical evidence to
benefits that have been denied or cut off. We deal with the
insurance company, protect your rights and pursue the benefits
you’re owed.
No fees unless we win
No upfront legal fees
Serving Vancouver and the Lower Mainland
Get a Free Case Review
"*" indicates required fields
Confidential. No upfront legal fees.
As Featured On
What Is Happening With Your LTD Claim?
Long-term disability problems can happen at any stage of a claim. You do not need to wait until your benefits are formally denied before speaking with a disability lawyer.
Choose the situation that best matches what you’re dealing with.
My LTD Claim Was Denied
Your insurer refused your long-term disability claim, even though your medical condition is keeping you from working.
My Benefits Are Being Cut Off
You have been receiving LTD benefits, but the insurance company says your payments will stop.
My Benefits Are Ending at Two Years
Your insurer says you no longer qualify after the change from “own occupation” to “any occupation,” even though you are still unable to work.
My Insurer Wants Me to Appeal
You received a denial or cutoff letter and are being told to submit an internal appeal, but you are not sure whether that is your best option.
I’m Being Pressured to Return to Work
Your insurer or employer says you should return even though you, your doctor or both believe you are not medically ready.
My Mental-Health Claim Is Being Questioned
Anxiety, depression, PTSD or another mental-health condition prevents you from working, but the insurer is questioning your symptoms or medical evidence.
You do not have to figure this out on your own. Our Vancouver disability lawyers can review what the insurer is doing, explain your options and help protect your long-term disability benefits.
How Our Vancouver Disability Lawyers Help
When an insurance company questions, delays or ends your long-term disability benefits, you should not have to manage the claim alone. Our Vancouver disability lawyers can step in, deal directly with the insurer and help protect the benefits you depend on.
Review Your LTD Policy and the Insurer’s Decision
We review your long-term disability policy, denial or cutoff letter, medical information and the reasons the insurer says you do not qualify. We explain what the policy actually requires and whether the insurer’s position can be challenged.
Strengthen the Medical Evidence Supporting Your Claim
LTD claims depend on how your medical condition affects your ability to work. We identify gaps in the evidence and help make sure the insurer receives clear information about your symptoms, limitations and ability to perform your job or other suitable work.
Take Over Communication With the Insurance Company
Once we represent you, you do not have to handle difficult calls, letters and requests from the insurer on your own. Our disability law team deals directly with the insurance company and protects your legal rights throughout the claim.
Challenge Benefits That Are Denied or Cut Off
A denial or termination letter does not automatically mean your LTD claim is over. We determine the best way to challenge the insurer’s decision and pursue the disability benefits you are owed.
Address Return-to-Work and Employment Problems
LTD disputes can quickly become employment problems. If your insurer says you should return to work, your employer is pressuring you to come back or your job ends while you are on disability, our firm can address both the disability and employment-law issues.
Getting legal advice early can matter. You do not need to wait until your LTD benefits are formally denied or stopped before speaking with a Vancouver disability lawyer.
When Should You Contact a Vancouver LTD Lawyer?
You do not have to wait until your long-term disability benefits are denied or stopped before getting legal advice.
If the insurance company is questioning your claim, asking for more evidence, pushing you to return to work or preparing to end your benefits, speaking with a disability lawyer early can help you understand what is happening and avoid mistakes that could hurt your claim.
This is especially important if your doctor continues to support your disability but the insurer says you should be able to work.
Get Advice If Your Insurer Is:
Reviewing whether you still qualify for LTD
Asking repeatedly for medical records or forms
Scheduling an independent medical examination
Pressuring you to return to work
Approaching the two-year change of definition
Warning that your benefits will end
Questioning your symptoms or daily activities
Denying or terminating your LTD benefits
LTD BENEFITS DENIED OR CUT OFF
If Your LTD Benefits Are Denied or Cut Off
A denial or cutoff letter does not automatically mean your long-term disability claim is over.
Insurance companies can deny a new claim or stop benefits after they have already been paying you. That does not mean the insurer has correctly applied your LTD policy or fairly assessed your medical condition.
If your doctor says your condition still prevents you from working, speak with a disability lawyer before assuming you have to accept the insurer’s decision.
Why Insurers Deny or Cut Off LTD Benefits
The insurer says you are not “totally disabled”
It says there is not enough medical evidence
It relies on a pre-existing condition or policy exclusion
It says testing shows you can work
It says you can return to your job
It relies on surveillance or your reported daily activities
Your policy is approaching the two-year change of definition
It says you can perform another suitable occupation
Do not assume an internal appeal is automatically your best option. Before appealing, have the denial or cutoff letter, your LTD policy and the medical evidence supporting your claim reviewed so you understand the strongest way to challenge the insurer’s decision.
THE TWO-YEAR LTD CHANGE
Benefits Ending at the Two-Year Mark?
Reaching the two-year mark does not automatically mean your long-term disability benefits should end.
What Changes After Two Years?
Many LTD policies change after about two years. At first, you generally qualify if your medical condition prevents you from doing your own job.
After the change, the insurer may ask whether you can perform another occupation that is reasonably suited to your education, training and experience.
Why Insurers Review Claims at This Point
Insurance companies often review claims closely as the two-year date approaches. They may rely on medical reviews, functional testing, vocational assessments or surveillance to argue that you can return to some form of work.
If your doctor continues to say you are unable to work, the insurer’s decision should be reviewed before you accept a cutoff.
Your health does not suddenly improve because the policy definition changes. If your medical condition still prevents you from working, reaching the two-year mark does not automatically end your right to LTD benefits.
Before Your Benefits End
01
Get the cutoff letterReview exactly why the insurer says your benefits will end.
02
Confirm the end dateKnow when your payments are scheduled to stop.
03
Make sure your doctor is clearYour medical evidence should explain why you are still unable to work.
04
Get legal advice before actingDo not assume you must return to work or automatically submit an internal appeal.
LTD APPEALS
Should You Appeal an LTD Decision?
An internal appeal can sometimes make sense, but it should not be automatic.
When an insurer denies or cuts off long-term disability benefits, it will often invite you to submit more information through its internal appeal process. The same insurance company that made the original decision also controls that appeal.
Before appealing, it is important to understand why your claim was denied, what your LTD policy requires, what medical evidence is missing or being challenged, and whether another legal approach would be more effective.
Before You Submit an Appeal
Have the insurer’s decision letter, your LTD policy and the medical evidence supporting your claim reviewed. A disability lawyer can determine whether an internal appeal is worth pursuing or whether another strategy makes more sense.
Do not ignore deadlines. LTD claims are subject to legal time limits, and relying only on the insurer’s internal appeal process can create problems if important dates are missed.
RETURN-TO-WORK PRESSURE
What If Your Insurer Says You Can Return to Work?
An insurance company saying you can work does not automatically mean you are medically ready to return.
THE INSURER SAYS
“You can return to work.”
The insurer may rely on a medical review, functional assessment, surveillance or its interpretation of your medical records to say you no longer qualify for LTD.
VS.
YOUR DOCTOR SAYS
“You are not ready.”
Your treating doctor may believe your symptoms, limitations or risk of relapse still prevent you from safely and reliably returning to work.
Do Not Return to Work Just Because the Insurer Tells You To
If your doctor continues to support your disability, get legal advice before making a return-to-work decision that could affect your LTD claim.
A disability lawyer can review why the insurer believes you can work, compare that position with the medical evidence supporting your claim and determine how to challenge a cutoff or return-to-work demand.
YOUR JOB MATTERS TOO
LTD Problems Can Become Employment Problems
If your insurer says you can return but your doctor disagrees, your employer may also become involved. You could face questions about medical restrictions, accommodation, a gradual return to work or whether your job can continue to be held.
Samfiru Tumarkin LLP handles both disability and employment law. If your LTD dispute creates problems with your employer, our team can address both issues together.
If your insurer or employer is pushing you back to work before your doctor says you are ready, speak with us before agreeing to a return.
MENTAL-HEALTH LTD CLAIMS
LTD Claims for Anxiety, Depression and Mental-Health Conditions
A mental-health condition can prevent you from working even when there is no scan, blood test or other simple test that proves how seriously you are affected.
Anxiety, depression, PTSD and other psychological conditions can affect concentration, memory, decision-making, sleep, communication, stress tolerance and your ability to perform your job reliably. If those limitations prevent you from working, they can form the basis of a long-term disability claim.
Why Mental-Health LTD Claims Are Challenged
Insurers may question the severity of symptoms, point to normal test results, focus on isolated daily activities or argue that the medical information does not clearly explain why you cannot work.
What Matters to Your LTD Claim
The key issue is how your condition affects your ability to function at work. Medical records should clearly describe your symptoms, treatment, restrictions and the specific demands of your occupation that you cannot reliably perform.
When to Get Legal Advice
Speak with a disability lawyer if the insurer questions your diagnosis, says there is not enough medical evidence, pressures you to return to work or tells you that your mental-health symptoms no longer qualify for LTD.
Your insurer does not get to decide how you feel. The question is whether your medical condition prevents you from performing the work required under your LTD policy.
If your doctor continues to support your disability but the insurance company disagrees, our Vancouver disability lawyers can review the claim and determine how to challenge the insurer’s position.
What Happens Next
How We Help Get Your Disability Benefits Paid
Once we take on your long-term disability claim, we handle the legal, medical and insurance-company issues so you can focus on your health.
01
Review Your Policy and Claim
We review your disability policy, medical information, correspondence with the insurer and any denial or termination decision to understand exactly where your claim stands.
02
Strengthen the Medical Evidence
We identify gaps in the insurer’s assessment and work with the medical evidence needed to clearly show how your condition prevents you from working.
03
Take Over Insurer Communication
We deal directly with the insurance company, respond to requests and demands and protect you from unnecessary pressure while your claim moves forward.
04
Pursue the Benefits You’re Owed
We negotiate with the insurer and take legal action when necessary to pursue unpaid disability benefits and the compensation you are owed.
You do not have to manage the insurance company alone.
Once we represent you, our disability law team takes over the legal
process and deals directly with the insurer on your behalf.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY IN VANCOUVER
How Long-Term Disability Benefits Work in Vancouver
Long-term disability insurance replaces part of your income when an illness or injury prevents you from working for an extended period.
Who Can Qualify for LTD Benefits?
You do not have to be completely unable to function in everyday life to qualify for long-term disability benefits. The important question is whether your medical condition prevents you from performing the work required under your LTD policy.
Claims can involve physical injuries, chronic illnesses, neurological conditions, cancer, chronic pain, anxiety, depression and other mental-health conditions.
When Do LTD Benefits Begin?
Most LTD policies include a waiting period before long-term disability payments begin. During this period, you may receive short-term disability benefits, sick pay or another form of income replacement.
The insurer will review your medical information and determine whether you meet the policy’s definition of disability before approving LTD benefits.
OWN OCCUPATION
During the first stage of many LTD claims, you generally qualify if your medical condition prevents you from performing the essential duties of your own occupation.
ANY OCCUPATION
After roughly two years, many policies change. The insurer may then assess whether you can perform another occupation reasonably suited to your education, training and experience.
Your eligibility does not automatically end when the definition changes. If your medical condition continues to prevent you from performing suitable work, you can remain entitled to LTD benefits.
Your Vancouver Disability Law Team
Meet Your Vancouver Disability Lawyers
Our Vancouver disability clients are supported by lawyers with extensive experience handling long-term disability claims in British Columbia and across Canada. The Western Canada practice is led by Martin Willemse.
Martin Willemse
Managing Partner, Western Canada Practice Leader
Martin leads Samfiru Tumarkin LLP’s Western Canada disability practice and represents people with denied long-term disability claims throughout British Columbia.
Extensive experience with complex chronic illness and disability claims
Has appeared at all levels of court in British Columbia
Recognized as a legal resource by BC disability and medical organizations
VANCOUVER OFFICE
Visit Our Downtown Vancouver Office
Meet with our Vancouver disability lawyers by phone or video from anywhere in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland.
Samfiru Tumarkin LLP
580 Hornby Street, Suite 520
Vancouver, BC V6C 3B6
Disability Lawyers Serving Vancouver and Nearby Communities
Our disability lawyers help people throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland with long-term disability claims, insurer reviews, denied benefits and benefits that have been cut off.
Burnaby
Richmond
Surrey
Coquitlam
North Vancouver
New Westminster
Langley
Other Lower Mainland Communities
DISABILITY INSURANCE COMPANIES
We Handle LTD Claims Against Major Insurance Companies
Our Vancouver disability lawyers deal with Canada’s major disability insurers when benefits are denied, reviewed or cut off. The insurance company may control the claim process, but it does not have the final word on whether you qualify for LTD benefits.
Canada Life
Sun Life
Manulife
Pacific Blue Cross
Desjardins
RBC Insurance
Beneva
Co-operators
Received a denial or cutoff letter from your insurer? We can review the decision, your LTD policy and the medical evidence supporting your claim.
CONDITIONS AND LTD BENEFITS
Medical Conditions That Can Qualify for Long-Term Disability
Long-term disability benefits are not limited to a specific list of illnesses or injuries. What matters is whether your medical condition prevents you from performing the work required under your LTD policy.
Mental-Health Conditions
Anxiety
Depression
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Bipolar disorder
Other serious psychological conditions
Chronic Pain and Physical Conditions
Chronic pain
Fibromyalgia
Back and spinal conditions
Arthritis
Migraines
Serious and Chronic Illnesses
Cancer
Long COVID
Neurological disorders
Autoimmune conditions
Other chronic or disabling illnesses
The Diagnosis Is Only Part of the LTD Claim
The insurer should look at how your symptoms affect your ability to concentrate, sit, stand, move, communicate, manage stress, maintain attendance and reliably perform the duties of your occupation. Two people with the same diagnosis can have very different limitations.
If your doctor says your condition prevents you from working but the insurance company disagrees, our Vancouver disability lawyers can review your claim and the medical evidence supporting it.
VANCOUVER CLIENT REVIEWS
What Vancouver Clients Say About Our Disability Lawyers
People turn to Samfiru Tumarkin LLP when disability benefits are denied, cut off or put at risk. Our Vancouver office has earned more than 500 Google reviews from clients who have trusted our team with important legal matters.
★★★★★
“I was referred to Martin Willemse by my doctor after my disability insurance denial. Martin’s compassion, understanding, and empathy for my invisible illness were exceptional. He made me feel seen and heard, guided me through the process, and secured double what I expected. Watching his expertise and communication skills at mediation was impressive and second to none.”
Tina C. | Travel Consultant
Google Review
★★★★★
“They helped me navigate a challenging legal process after I was cut off from disability benefits, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the outcome. From day one, Martin made me feel valued and heard. Their unwavering support and genuine care for my mental health and well-being made all the difference. Their expertise and dedication led to a successful outcome.”
Maddie S. | Customer Service
Google Review
★★★★★
“Throughout the process of suing my long-term disability insurers, I truly felt that Tamar had my back and my best interests at heart. I felt supported, seen, and advocated for at every step. Her mediation skills and the final outcome went beyond what I thought was achievable. Because of the result she secured, I now have the space and stability to focus on my health recovery, without constant stress.”
Stephanie M. | Senior Lawyer
Google Review
500+
Google reviews for our Vancouver office
If your LTD benefits have been denied, cut off or put under review, speak with our Vancouver disability law team.
DISABILITY CASE RESULTS
Real Disability Cases. Real Results.
Our disability lawyers have taken on major insurance companies across Canada when legitimate claims were denied or benefits were cut off. These cases show how insurer decisions can be challenged.
01
Sandra Bullock
vs. Sun Life
LTD Benefits Reinstated
Sun Life cut off Sandra’s LTD benefits, claiming that because she could care for her disabled son, she could return to work. Samfiru Tumarkin LLP took legal action and, following national media attention, Sun Life reinstated her disability benefits.
Featured by Global News
02
Julie Austin
vs. OTIP
$113,000 Secured After LTD Cutoff
After a brain injury caused by a student assault, Julie was cut off from LTD benefits despite support from her doctors. Our legal team challenged OTIP and secured $113,000 in compensation.
Featured by Global News
03
Mitch Murphy
vs. SSQ / Beneva
Insurer Challenged After Repeated Denials
Mitch was left permanently paralyzed after a serious fall, but his insurer denied his claim three times. Samfiru Tumarkin LLP launched legal action challenging the insurer’s interpretation of his disability and pursued the benefits it had withheld.
Featured by National Post
Your case will depend on your LTD policy, medical evidence and individual circumstances. If your benefits have been denied or cut off, our Vancouver disability lawyers can review the insurer’s decision and explain your options.
Past results are not a guarantee of future outcomes. Every disability claim depends on its own facts and circumstances.
HELPFUL LTD GUIDES
Long-Term Disability Resources
Learn more about common long-term disability problems, what insurance companies can do and the steps you can take to protect your claim.
Long-Term Disability Claim Denied
What to do after your insurer denies a new LTD claim or stops benefits that were already being paid.
Appealing an LTD Decision
Understand the difference between an insurer’s internal appeal and other ways to challenge an LTD denial.
Returning to Work After LTD
What to consider if your insurer wants you back at work, your doctor supports a gradual return or an attempted return fails.
Independent Medical Examinations in BC
Learn why an LTD insurer may request an IME in British Columbia and how the resulting report can affect your claim.
Surveillance and LTD Claims
Insurance companies can use surveillance and publicly available information when reviewing disability claims.
Severance While Receiving LTD
If your employment ends while you are on disability, understand how severance and LTD benefits can affect each other.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Vancouver Long-Term Disability FAQs
Answers to common questions about denied LTD claims, appeals, return-to-work pressure and hiring a disability lawyer in Vancouver.
What should I do if my LTD claim is denied in British Columbia?
Do not assume the insurer’s decision is final. Review the denial letter carefully, keep copies of your medical records and LTD policy, and get legal advice before deciding how to respond. A disability lawyer can determine why the claim was denied and the best way to challenge the decision.
Should I appeal my LTD denial?
An internal appeal can make sense in some cases, but it should not be automatic. The same insurance company that denied your claim also controls its internal appeal process. Before appealing, have the decision, your policy and your medical evidence reviewed so you understand all of your options.
What happens to LTD benefits after two years?
Many LTD policies change after about two years from an “own occupation” definition of disability to an “any occupation” definition. This does not automatically mean your benefits should stop. If your medical condition still prevents you from performing suitable work, you can continue to qualify for LTD benefits.
Can my insurer force me back to work if my doctor says I am not ready?
An insurer can take the position that you are capable of returning to work, but that does not make you medically ready. If your treating doctor continues to support your disability, get advice before returning to work or agreeing to a plan that could affect your LTD benefits.
Can anxiety or depression qualify for long-term disability?
Yes. Anxiety, depression, PTSD and other mental-health conditions can support an LTD claim when their symptoms and limitations prevent you from performing the work required under your policy. The focus should be on how the condition affects your ability to function and work reliably.
How much does a Vancouver disability lawyer cost?
Samfiru Tumarkin LLP offers a free initial consultation for disability claims. There are no upfront legal fees, and you do not pay a legal fee unless we successfully recover compensation for you. The fee arrangement will be explained before you hire the firm.
Do I have to live in Vancouver to hire your disability lawyers?
No. Our Vancouver disability lawyers help clients throughout the Lower Mainland and British Columbia. Consultations can be handled by phone or virtually.
Still have questions about your LTD claim? Tell us what the insurance company has done and our disability law team can explain your options.
GET HELP WITH YOUR LTD CLAIM
You Don’t Have to Deal With the Insurance Company Alone
If your long-term disability benefits have been denied, cut off, put under review or are at risk, tell us what is happening.
Our Vancouver disability lawyers can review your claim, explain your options and help you pursue the benefits you’re owed.
Free Consultation
•
No Upfront Legal Fees
•
No Legal Fee Unless We Win