Especially if you already struggle with health issues that impact your daily life and ability to work, navigating the complex world of disability claims can be overwhelming. At Longo Lawyers, we understand the frustration and confusion that comes with denied disability claims and the value of getting the benefits you so rightfully deserve.
Serving clients in Toronto and surrounding areas, our team of dedicated disability lawyers provides informed representation for all types of disability claims. Whether your employer sponsored disability plans, private insurance companies or government benefits like Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D), we have the expertise to guide you through the process and advocate on your behalf.
Disability claims fact is that government programs and insurance companies deny legitimate claims on first application. These denials can be due to administrative errors, lack of medical records, missed deadlines or the knowledge that many applicants will give up rather than fight. Whether you are appealing a decision or submitting a first application, our experience has shown that having qualified legal help increases your chances of a good outcome.
Brain injuries are one of the most difficult topics in disability law because they are complex and sometimes invisible. Concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), these injuries can impact cognitive ability, memory, focus, emotional control, physical capacity. From a disability claims perspective what makes brain injuries especially challenging is that symptoms may not be visible to outside observers even if they severely impact a person’s ability to work and manage daily tasks.
Insurance companies contest brain damage claims, saying symptoms are psychological rather than physical, that they are not related to the claimed impairment or that they are exaggerated. Many rely on standardized tests that fail to capture the many ways in which brain damage can impact ability. They may even point to “good days” as proof the handicap isn’t severe or persistent enough to qualify for benefits.
Longo Lawyers knows these challenges and has developed strategies to overcome them. We start with a thorough review of your medical records and treatment history. Working with neurologists, neuropsychologists and other experts who can document your brain damage and functional consequences, we By means of medical evidence and expert opinions, we build strong arguments showing how your condition affects your ability to continue working and daily tasks.Brain injury disability claims require very detailed documentation of cognitive and neurological impairments. Not often enough are simple medical notes saying you have headaches or memory issues. We help with coordination of functional capacity assessments, thorough neuropsychological evaluations and other specialized tests to scientifically quantify your limitations. This data challenges the insurance company’s strategies to downplay the severity of your illness.
Disability claims must be timely, especially with brain injuries where symptoms can change over time. Deadlines for submitting claims and appeals are everywhere in most insurance plans and benefit packages. Ignoring these deadlines can result to denial of benefits regardless of the strength of your case. Our staff ensures all procedural requirements are met so you can focus on your health.
Knowing the types of benefits Toronto citizens with disabilities have to deal with is important. STD (short-term disability) usually covers the first few months after you become unable to work. Depending on your coverage, LTD (long-term disability) provides benefits for longer periods – sometimes until retirement age. Government programs like CPP-D have their own application process and eligibility requirements. Longo Lawyers will help you identify the benefits you are entitled to and create a plan of action to get all possible support.
Many disability policies have fine print and restrictions that can affect your payments. These can be pre-existing condition exclusions, “own occupation” vs “any occupation” definition of disability, partial disability clauses and restrictions for specific conditions. Our staff reviews your policy to understand its specific provisions and spot potential issues before they arise.
We don’t just support first applications and appeals, we also help clients whose benefits have been unfairly terminated. Insurance companies will always look for reasons to terminate benefits. They will monitor, ask for independent medical exams or demand more documentation. If your benefits have been denied, we can help explain why and create a plan to contest this decision.
Filing for disability benefits with a brain injury can be especially tough because of cognitive problems that can compromise your ability to meet deadlines, gather documents and advocate for yourself. While you focus on your health and recovery, our team will take care of the administrative and legal aspects.For many brain injury survivors, disability payments are life changing. These benefits’ monthly income helps pay for specialist treatments, therapies, accommodations that insurance won’t cover plus essential living expenses. Longo Lawyers knows what’s at stake and works tirelessly to get you what you’re owed.
When it comes to disability matters, our approach is compassionate and strategic. Every client is unique, so we take the time to hear your story, understand your specific challenges and create a customized legal plan. We stay in touch throughout the process to keep you updated on your file and available to answer your questions and concerns.
Whether your disability claim in Toronto is due to a brain injury or another medical condition, contact Longo Lawyers for a consultation. Let us use our knowledge, experience and commitment to work for you to guide you through the disability claims process and get you the benefits you need for your recovery and well-being.