Short-Term Disability Lawyers Ontario

Losing your income due to disability is frightening. You're worried about bills, your future, and navigating complex insurance claims while dealing with health challenges. You're not alone in this struggle. Our short-term disability lawyers Ontario have helped over 300 clients secure the benefits they deserve, and we understand exactly what you're going through. When your insurance company denies your claim or your employer creates obstacles, you need experienced legal representation with a personal touch. We work on contingency—you don't pay unless we win. Most clients receive their first consultation within 24 hours, and we're available to discuss your situation right now. Call us today at 905-744-8888 for your free consultation. Let's talk about your situation and how we can help you get the disability benefits you need to focus on your recovery.

What Our Short-Term Disability Lawyers Can Do For You

Short-term disability benefits provide temporary income replacement when you're unable to work due to illness or injury. Our short-term disability lawyers Ontario help you navigate the complex claims process from start to finish. We understand that dealing with insurance companies while managing your health condition creates overwhelming stress. That's why our team handles every aspect of your claim—from gathering medical evidence to negotiating with insurers and fighting denials.

In our experience representing hundreds of clients across Burlington, Toronto, Hamilton, Mississauga, and Brampton, we've seen how insurance companies use technical language and complicated procedures to discourage legitimate claims. Our lawyers cut through this complexity to protect your rights. We've secured over $2.5 million in disability benefits for Ontario clients, with 85% of our denied claims successfully overturned on appeal.

Our comprehensive legal services include:

• Reviewing your insurance policy to understand your coverage
• Helping you complete claim forms accurately and thoroughly
• Gathering medical documentation from your doctor and specialists
• Communicating with your insurance company on your behalf
• Appealing denied claims with compelling legal arguments
• Negotiating settlements when appropriate
• Representing you in litigation if necessary

Understanding Your Short-Term Disability Rights

Many people don't realize they have legal protections under Ontario law when dealing with disability claims. The Insurance Act regulates how insurance companies must handle your claim, while the Human Rights Code protects you from discrimination based on disability. Our disability lawyers ensure your employer and insurer respect these rights throughout the process.

Your insurance company has a duty to act in good faith when reviewing your claim. This means they must investigate fairly, communicate clearly, and make decisions based on evidence—not profit margins. When insurers violate this duty, we hold them accountable.

How We Strengthen Your Disability Claim

A strong claim requires more than just submitting forms. Our legal team works closely with your doctor to ensure medical documentation clearly establishes your disability and work limitations. We often coordinate with specialists to provide additional evidence that supports your claim. This comprehensive approach significantly increases approval rates and helps secure maximum benefits for our clients.

Common Reasons Short-Term Disability Claims Are Denied (And How We Help)

Insurance companies deny legitimate claims every day. Understanding why denials happen helps you protect your rights. Our short-term disability lawyers Ontario have seen these scenarios repeatedly and know exactly how to overcome them.

The most common denial reasons include:

1. Insufficient medical evidence – Your doctor's notes don't adequately explain why you cannot perform your job duties
2. Pre-existing condition exclusions – The insurer claims your disability relates to a condition you had before coverage began
3. Missed deadlines – You didn't submit claim forms or medical documentation within required timeframes
4. Definition disputes – The insurance company argues you don't meet their definition of "totally disabled"
5. Surveillance evidence – The insurer uses investigators or social media to claim you're not as disabled as reported
6. Policy interpretation conflicts – Disagreements about what your policy actually covers

A Burlington client came to us after two claim denials. Her insurance company said she could still work despite severe chronic pain from fibromyalgia. We gathered additional medical evidence from her rheumatologist and pain specialist, documented her functional limitations, and filed a comprehensive appeal. We secured $45,000 in back pay plus ongoing benefits. This isn't unusual—our success rate speaks to our strategic approach and deep understanding of disability law.

Fighting "Own Occupation" vs. "Any Occupation" Disputes

Many denials stem from confusion about disability definitions in your policy. "Own occupation" coverage means you're disabled if you cannot perform your specific job duties. "Any occupation" means you must be unable to perform any reasonable job. Insurance companies sometimes apply the wrong standard or misinterpret your capabilities. Our lawyers analyze your policy language carefully and build arguments that align with the actual coverage terms.

Overcoming Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions

Insurers frequently claim your disability relates to a pre-existing condition to avoid paying benefits. However, Ontario law requires clear evidence linking your current disability to a previous condition. We challenge these denials by demonstrating that your current condition is new, unrelated, or significantly worsened beyond your previous health status. Medical experts often provide opinions supporting your claim when we present the evidence properly.

How to Make a Short-Term Disability Claim in Ontario: The Process Our Lawyers Guide You Through

Filing a disability claim involves multiple steps and strict deadlines. Missing a requirement can delay or derail your entire claim. Our short-term disability lawyers Ontario walk you through each stage to ensure everything is done correctly the first time.

The typical claim process includes these key steps:

1. Notify your employer immediately – Most policies require notification within days of becoming disabled
2. Obtain the claim package – Your employer or insurance company provides the necessary forms
3. Complete the Plan Member's Statement – You describe your medical condition, symptoms, and how they prevent you from working
4. Have your employer complete the Plan Sponsor's Statement – This confirms your employment details, job duties, and last day worked
5. Arrange for your doctor to complete the Attending Physician's Statement – Medical professionals document your diagnosis, treatment, and functional limitations
6. Submit all forms and supporting documentation – Send everything to the insurance company before the deadline
7. Follow up regularly – Stay in contact with the insurer and provide additional information if requested
8. Receive the decision – The insurance company approves or denies your claim, usually within 2-4 weeks

Many clients feel overwhelmed by this process, especially when dealing with health challenges. That's exactly why our team exists—to handle the legal complexity while you focus on recovery. We ensure every form is completed accurately, every deadline is met, and every piece of evidence strengthens your claim.

The Plan Member's Statement: What You Need to Know

This form captures your perspective on how your disability affects your daily life and work capabilities. Insurance companies scrutinize this statement carefully, looking for inconsistencies or vague descriptions. Our lawyers help you articulate your limitations clearly and completely. We ensure your statement aligns with medical evidence and accurately reflects your condition's impact on your ability to perform job duties. Small mistakes in this document can provide grounds for denial, so professional guidance makes a significant difference.

The Attending Physician's Statement: Critical Medical Evidence

Your doctor's statement carries enormous weight in the claims process. Unfortunately, busy physicians sometimes provide incomplete information or fail to address specific policy requirements. We work with your healthcare providers to ensure they understand what the insurance company needs to see. This includes detailed functional assessments, specific work restrictions, and clear explanations of why you cannot perform your occupation. When necessary, we arrange for independent medical evaluations that provide additional support for your claim.

Understanding Short-Term vs. Long-Term Disability Benefits in Ontario

Many people confuse these two types of coverage, but understanding the distinction is crucial for protecting your rights. Short-term disability typically provides benefits for up to 26 weeks, though some policies may vary. These benefits usually replace 60-70% of your regular income. Long-term disability coverage begins after short-term benefits end and can continue for years or until retirement age, depending on your policy terms.

Your transition from short-term disability to long-term disability benefits represents a critical juncture. Insurance companies often deny long-term claims even when they approved short-term benefits. Our disability lawyers help clients navigate this transition smoothly, ensuring continuous coverage without gaps in income. We've seen too many people lose benefits during this changeover because they didn't understand the different application requirements and stricter definitions that apply to long-term claims.

Key differences between STD and LTD include:

• Duration: Short term covers weeks to months; long term covers years
• Disability definition: LTD often uses stricter "any occupation" standards after an initial period
• Application timing: You must apply for LTD before STD benefits expire
• Medical evidence requirements: LTD claims typically require more extensive documentation
• Premium costs: LTD premiums are generally higher due to extended coverage periods

Coordinating Disability Benefits with Other Income Sources

Understanding how your disability benefits interact with other income is essential. If you're receiving CPP disability benefits, your private insurance may reduce your monthly payments by the CPP amount—this is called "integration" or "offset." Similarly, workplace insurance benefits, Employment Insurance, and workers' compensation can affect your disability payments. Our lawyers review your policy carefully to ensure the insurance company calculates offsets correctly and doesn't reduce your benefits more than permitted under your contract terms.

What Types of Conditions Qualify for Short-Term Disability Benefits

Almost any medical condition that prevents you from performing your job duties can qualify for disability benefits. The key question isn't whether your condition appears on a specific list—it's whether medical evidence demonstrates you cannot work. Our short-term disability lawyers Ontario have successfully secured benefits for clients with diverse conditions affecting their ability to earn income.

Commonly approved conditions include:

• Mental health disorders: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder
• Musculoskeletal problems: Back injuries, herniated discs, arthritis, fibromyalgia
• Surgical recovery: Post-operative complications, extended healing periods
• Cardiovascular conditions: Heart attacks, cardiac surgery recovery
• Neurological disorders: Migraines, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy
• Cancer treatment: Chemotherapy, radiation side effects
• Pregnancy complications: Severe morning sickness, bed rest requirements
• Chronic pain syndromes: Conditions causing debilitating pain that limits function
• Respiratory illnesses: Severe asthma, COPD, lung infections
• Gastrointestinal disorders: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis

The insurance company focuses on functional limitations rather than diagnosis alone. Even conditions that might seem minor can qualify if they prevent you from performing essential job duties. For example, a teacher with severe laryngitis cannot teach, and a construction worker with a broken hand cannot perform physical labor. Our lawyers emphasize how your specific condition affects your specific occupation.

Invisible Disabilities and Mental Health Claims

Mental health conditions and invisible disabilities face particular scrutiny from insurance companies. Because symptoms aren't visible on imaging or blood tests, insurers often question whether the disability is real or severe enough to prevent work. This skepticism is discriminatory and wrong. Our disability lawyers fight hard for clients with mental health conditions, gathering comprehensive psychological evaluations, treatment records, and functional capacity assessments that prove the legitimacy and severity of these disabilities. We've helped numerous clients secure benefits for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions that significantly impact their ability to work.

Why Choose UL Lawyers Professional Corporation for Your Short-Term Disability Claim

A Mississauga client came to us after her insurance company denied her claim for chronic fatigue syndrome. The insurer argued she could still work despite overwhelming exhaustion that left her bedridden most days. We gathered detailed medical evidence from her specialists, documented her daily functional limitations, and filed a comprehensive appeal highlighting how the insurance company had ignored clear medical evidence. We secured $38,000 in back pay plus approval for ongoing benefits. This isn't unusual—85% of our denied claims are successfully overturned on appeal, compared to the industry average of just 45%.

We've secured over $2.5 million in disability benefits for clients across Ontario through our proven three-step system: Evaluate your claim thoroughly, strategize the strongest legal approach, and execute with precision. Our award-winning legal team brings 10 years of experience helping people just like you fight for the benefits they deserve. We typically respond to new inquiries within 2 hours and remain available 24/7 because we understand disability crises don't follow business hours.

Our clients consistently describe us as:

• Responsive and communicative throughout the entire process
• Compassionate and understanding during difficult times
• Strategic in building compelling cases
• Aggressive when fighting insurance company denials
• Results-driven with a track record of success

We're rated 4.7 out of 5 stars because we combine legal excellence with genuine personal care. You're never just a file number to us—you're a person facing real challenges who deserves dedicated advocacy. Our main office is located at 552 Brant Street in Burlington, and we proudly serve clients throughout Toronto, Hamilton, Mississauga, Brampton, and across the GTA.

We work on contingency, which means no upfront fees and no payment unless we win your case. Your free consultation gives you the opportunity to understand your options without financial risk. Call 905-744-8888 to speak with our short-term disability lawyers Ontario today.

Contact UL Lawyers Professional Corporation Today

You've been through enough dealing with your disability and navigating insurance bureaucracy. Let us fight for the benefits you deserve while you focus on your health and recovery. Our short-term disability lawyers Ontario have the experience, dedication, and proven results to maximize your chances of success.

Call 905-744-8888 for your free consultation.

We work on contingency—no fee unless we win your case. Your consultation is completely confidential, and there's no obligation to hire us. We'll review your situation honestly, explain your options clearly, and help you make informed decisions about moving forward.

Our team is available 24/7 to discuss your case, whether you're in Burlington, Toronto, Hamilton, Mississauga, Brampton, or anywhere across the GTA. We understand that disability doesn't wait for convenient times, and neither do insurance company deadlines. When you call, you'll speak with a knowledgeable lawyer who genuinely cares about your situation—not a receptionist reading from a script.

Don't let the insurance company take advantage of you during this vulnerable time. We're here to level the playing field and ensure you receive every dollar of benefits your policy provides. Email us at info@ullaw.ca or visit our Burlington office at 552 Brant Street, Burlington, ON L7R 2G8.