Disability Lawyer Vancouver

Disability Claim Denied?

Vancouver’s Long-Term Disability Lawyers

We take on the insurer.
You focus on your health.

Our long-term disability lawyers in Vancouver have helped thousands of individuals get the disability benefits they are owed after being cut off or denied. If you are looking for a firm devoted to standing up to your insurance provider, our team is ready to protect your rights.

No Win, No Fee Guarantee
Over 20 Years of Experience

Canadians Helped

60,000+
Clients Across BC and Canada

Google Reviews

500+
5-Star Google Reviews

Millions Recovered

$Millions+
Recovered for Clients

No Fee Guarantee

No Fee
Until We Win

As Featured On








Samfiru Tumarkin LLP Vancouver Long-Term Disability Lawyers Team

Long-Term Disability Lawyers in Vancouver

If your long-term disability benefits have been denied, cut off, or delayed in British Columbia, Samfiru Tumarkin LLP is here to stand up for you. Our experienced long-term disability lawyers in Vancouver routinely represent clients in complex claims against major insurance companies, including Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Pacific Blue Cross, Desjardins, RBC Insurance, Beneva, and others.

As a core part of our broader British Columbia disability law firm, our Vancouver team handles everything from physical injuries and chronic pain to severe mental health or neurological conditions. We know exactly how to challenge insurance denials and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Experience That Works for You

Insurer Experience

Extensive Insurer Experience, On Your Side

Many of our disability lawyers previously worked directly for major insurance companies. Today, we resolve cases strictly for individuals fighting back against insurers. We use that insider knowledge to understand exactly how insurance companies review claims, weaponize medical evidence, and execute denials.

Employment Law Integration

We Understand the Employment Issues, Too

An insurance denial almost always ripples into your workplace, threatening your job security, group health coverage, and severance rights. As one of Canada’s leading employment law firms, we can protect your disability claim and your workplace rights simultaneously under BC employment standards.

Invisible Disabilities

We Take Invisible Disabilities Seriously

Conditions like depression, severe anxiety, PTSD, fibromyalgia, and Long COVID are frequently dismissed by insurance companies due to a lack of “objective” laboratory tests. We excel in building robust cases by combining clinical evidence, treatment logs, and proof of real-world functional impairment.

Disability Benefits Denied? We Can Help.

We Deal With the Insurer. You Focus on Your Recovery.

Once you retain Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, you do not have to navigate the insurance company’s tactics alone. We step in, absorb the legal pressure, and give you the space you need to focus on your health.

01

No More Insurance Company Pressure

We completely take over all calls, emails, dense letters, strict deadlines, and adversarial tactics from the insurer.

02

You Focus on Getting Better

Your singular priority is your health and rehabilitation. Our priority is holding the insurance provider accountable to pay what you are owed.

03

A Dedicated BC Lawyer

You work directly with a skilled disability lawyer who deeply understands BC insurance law, your medical history, and what is at stake.

Why People Choose Us

When your long-term disability benefits are denied in British Columbia, results matter—but so does the experience of getting there. We move rapidly, reduce your personal burden, and fight relentlessly for your compensation.

Fast Results

Results Without the Wait

Every month cut off from disability benefits inflicts severe financial strain. Our Vancouver disability lawyers focus on moving claims through the legal system as fast as possible, bypassing traditional layout delays.

High Success Rate

99%+ Success Rate

More than 99% of our disability claims are resolved successfully. That means the vast majority of our clients secure their required compensation without unnecessary litigation uncertainty.

No Travel, No Fees

No Travel. No Fees Unless We Win.

Our 100% digital process is customized for individuals too ill, anxious, or overwhelmed to commute. You get elite legal representation from home—and you don’t pay a dime in legal fees unless we win your case.

Meet the Team Fighting For You

When you retain our firm, you gain the combined strength, extensive experience, and national reputation of Canada’s leading disability law firm.

Martin Willemse

Martin Willemse

Managing Partner, Western Canada

Sivan Tumarkin

Sivan Tumarkin

National Co-Managing Partner

James K. Fireman

James K. Fireman

National Practice Leader

Tamar Agopian

Tamar Agopian

Partner, Disability Lawyer

Albert Klein

Albert Klein

Partner, Disability Lawyer

Medical Conditions That Qualify for Disability

Disability isn’t always visible, and insurance companies often unfairly deny claims for conditions that are difficult to “prove” with a simple test. Whether your condition is physical, psychological, or chronic, if it prevents you from working, you deserve compensation. A seasoned disability lawyer in Vancouver can help you navigate the medical evidence required to secure your benefits.

What Our Clients Say

4.7★★★★★

500+ Google Reviews

★★★★★

“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.”

★★★★★

“Mr. Martin Willemse and his legal assistant proved themselves to absolutely be subject matter experts in disability law, more than capable to achieve excellent settlement results when holding unscrupulous companies accountable to the law and their own policies. They are motivated primarily by compassion for people going through the hardest times of their lives. You can, and should, trust their advice.”

★★★★★

“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.”

★★★★★

“Sivan Tumarkin and his team were empathetic, very helpful, professional and prompt. There was no waiting around for responses or information. Within minutes of emailing my query I had an answer. I would highly recommend them to anyone having insurance claim issues.”

★★★★★

“After I was denied my insurance LTD benefits, I felt powerless and vulnerable. That’s when James Fireman took on my case. He took everything off my shoulders to fight on my behalf so that I could focus on my health and healing. I cannot speak highly enough of the professionalism, compassion and transparency. In the end I received a settlement that far exceeded my expectations.”

★★★★★

“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.”

Watch Our Disability Lawyers in Action


LIVE
Live Show

Join our lawyers live to get the latest on disability claims, changes, and your rights.

WATCH LIVE


TV SHOW
TV Show

In-depth episodes with lawyers & experts on disability law and benefits.

WATCH EPISODES


SHORTS
Shorts

Quick tips and explanations to help you understand your claim.

WATCH SHORTS


The Pocket Disability Lawyer App

Answers and insights in your pocket. Find out if we can help you with your claim.

ACCESS THE APP

Real Disability Cases. Real Media Coverage. Real Results.


Sandra Bullock Case

Sandra Bullock

vs. Sun Life

Sun Life cut off Sandra’s LTD benefits claiming she could work because she cared for her disabled son. After legal action and media attention, Sun Life reinstated her benefits.


Julie Austin Case

Julie Austin

vs. OTIP

After a brain injury caused by a student assault, Julie was cut off from LTD benefits. She secured $113,000 in compensation and continues to fight for the benefits she deserves.


Mitch Murphy Case

Mitch Murphy

vs. SSQ / Beneva

After a debilitating fall left Mitch paralyzed, his insurer said he wasn’t “paraplegic enough.” We fought back for the benefits and justice he deserved.

Total Amount Recovered for Clients

$Millions+

Successful Claims Include:

  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Brain Injury
  • PTSD
  • Back Injury
  • Chronic Pain & Fibromyalgia

Free Consultation

Serving Vancouver & Across the Lower Mainland

We believe that no matter where you live in British Columbia, you deserve a strong legal team in your corner. Our disability lawyers proudly advocate for clients throughout the Greater Vancouver Area and beyond. Simply select your city below to connect with us:

Frequently Asked Questions


What should I do if my claim is denied in British Columbia? +
Do not rely on internal insurance appeals. The insurer’s appeals process is often used to run out your clock. Under the BC Limitation Act, you generally have a strict 2-year window from the exact date of your first written denial letter to file a formal legal claim in court. Contact a Vancouver long-term disability lawyer immediately to protect your right to sue.
Can I sue the insurance company? +
Yes. If your insurance provider has breached their contract by unfairly denying, delaying, or cutting off your benefits, you have the legal right to file a lawsuit against them to recover the compensation you are owed.
What does “change in definition” mean? +
Typically, after 24 months of receiving LTD, the policy definition changes from being unable to perform your “own occupation” to being completely unable to perform “any occupation” for which you are suited by education, training, or experience. Insurance companies routinely use this 2-year milestone to cut off vulnerable claimants.
What if the insurer says I’m not totally disabled? +
You do not need to be bedridden or paralyzed to qualify as “totally disabled”. If your medical symptoms prevent you from reliably performing the essential duties of your job, you meet the legal threshold. Our legal team regularly challenges and defeats biased assessments from insurance company doctors.
How much does a Vancouver disability lawyer cost? +
We operate strictly on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront retainers, hidden costs, or hourly bills. We only get paid if we successfully resolve your case and secure your settlement compensation. Learn more about our fees →.
Can a short-term disability lawyer in Vancouver help switch me to LTD? +

Yes. If you are currently handling an STD claim on your own, it is critical to prepare for the transition to Long-Term Disability (LTD). Insurance providers routinely deny or cut off short-term benefits specifically to prevent you from rolling onto an LTD policy.

Our short-term disability lawyers in Vancouver manage the interaction between short-term roadblocks and long-term policies, stepping in early to force insurers to honor your contract terms.

Denied By Your Insurer?

Get a Free Case Review From Vancouver’s Disability Lawyers

Time limits apply strictly to insurance denials across British Columbia. Don’t let your provider run out the 2-year clock on the benefits you are legally owed. Tell us what happened, and let our strong legal team fight for you.

✓ 100% Confidential
✓ No Upfront Costs