Long-Term Disability Lawyers for Toronto and the GTA

If your long-term disability insurer denied or cut off your benefits, you do not have to accept that decision. An LTD lawyer can challenge the denial, deal with the insurer, and pursue the benefits your policy promised. Merricks Law Group takes on disability insurers so you can focus on your health and your household.

Why insurers deny valid claims

Long-term disability benefits are paid under a private insurance policy, and denials are common even when a person genuinely cannot work. Insurers often point to their reading of the medical evidence, gaps in treatment, surveillance, or the wording of the policy’s definition of disability. A denial letter is the insurer’s position, not the last word.

The definition of disability is where cases turn

Most policies change the test partway through a claim. Early on, you may only need to show you cannot do your own occupation. Later, many policies switch to an any occupation test, which is harder to meet. Understanding which test applies to you, and building the medical record around it, is often the difference between a paid claim and a denied one.

Deadlines matter here too

LTD disputes are subject to time limits, including the general two-year limitation period under Ontario’s Limitations Act, 2002, and your policy may set its own deadlines on top of that. Do not let an internal appeal run the clock down on your right to sue. Get advice before deadlines pass.

Why LTD matters more after the 2026 auto reform

If your disability followed a car accident, the July 1, 2026 auto insurance changes make this area even more important. Income replacement is no longer a mandatory accident benefit in Ontario, so for many people a private LTD policy is now a key source of income protection after a serious injury. Coordinating an LTD claim with any available accident benefits takes care, and we help clients do exactly that. You can read how the benefits side works on our motor vehicle accidents page.

What to do next

Keep a copy of your policy and every letter from the insurer. Keep up with your treatment and follow your providers’ advice. Save proof of the denial and its date. Do not miss an appeal deadline. Then book a free consultation so we can review the policy language and the denial with you.

A denial is not the end of the road. Let us take the insurer on while you focus on getting better. Book a free consultation with a Merricks long-term disability lawyer today. Call 416-986-3036, or reach us any time at 905-624-4878. No fees unless we win. Take Back Control of Your Life.®

FAQ:

• Can I do anything about a denied LTD claim? Yes. Denials can be challenged, and many are reversed with the right medical evidence and legal pressure.

• What does “own occupation” versus “any occupation” mean? Many policies first ask whether you can do your own job, then later whether you can do any job you are suited for. The later test is harder to meet.

• Is there a deadline? Yes. A general two-year limitation period applies, and your policy may impose its own deadlines. Get advice early.

This article is general information, not legal advice, and does not create a solicitor-client relationship.