Disability Lawyers in Calgary

Denied Long-Term Disability Benefits?

We know both sides of disability claims

Our team brings 30 years of plaintiff-focused litigation along with nearly 20 years of insurance defence experience, making us a disability law team that understands both sides of every claim.

97% success rate*

50+ years combined experience

Same-day response

Calgary-based

*Past results are not indicative of future results. The outcome of each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.

Plaintiff Experience. Defence Insight.

Your insurance claim has been denied. You need a lawyer who not only understands how the insurer reached that decision but is also prepared to challenge it.

James Ludwar

30 years of plaintiff-focused experience in disability litigation.

Builds strong claims for people whose benefits have been denied or terminated.

Mark Dron

19 years as Senior Counsel for one of Canada’s largest disability insurers.

Reviews claims from the insurer’s perspective, identifying where their process went wrong.

What This Combination Means For You

Gaps in Their Assessments Get Identified

Insurance companies look for specific evidence when reviewing a claim. But they don’t always look at everything and their analysis can fall short. Understanding what they typically rely on and where conclusions may not align with policy terms matters when your income depends on it.

Shortcuts
They've Taken Get Caught

Insurers sometimes rely on flawed medical assessments, misread policy provisions, or ignore evidence that supports a claim. These shortcuts can be recognized when someone has spent years on the other side, reviewing claims, assessing risk, and making those same decisions.

Errors That Strengthen Your Case Get Found

In some cases, errors in how a claim is handled can give rise to additional damages, depending on the circumstances and the evidence. Whether it’s a flawed medical opinion, a misapplied policy provision, or a failure to consider all the evidence, these mistakes can matter.

If your claim was denied or your LTD benefits were terminated, our experience can make a meaningful difference.

Long-Term Disability Law Services

How a Long-Term Disability Lawyer Protects Your Rights

When your disability insurance claim is denied or terminated, you’re left without income while you’re unable to work. The insurance company has made a decision, but that decision isn’t final.

As lawyers for long-term disability claims, we review the insurer’s rationale, examine your policy terms, and build a case based on medical evidence and legal precedent.

Claim Review and Assessment

Appeals and Litigation Strategy

Policy Interpretation

Medical Evidence Coordination

Negotiation and Settlement

Disability Claim Outcomes We've Secured

Case Results

A female professional had been receiving long-term disability benefits for 17 years when the insurer conducted document reviews and investigations, then alleged she was capable of appropriate work and terminated her benefits. We reviewed the file and found several errors the insurer made during the termination process. We secured a seven-figure lump-sum settlement prior to trial.

A woman in her late 40s was wrongfully denied benefits. After retaining us and filing a lawsuit, she returned to the workforce in a part-time capacity that paid substantially less than her previous occupation. The insurer brought a summary judgment application, asking the court to rule she was no longer entitled to disability benefits because she was working and earning over $60,000 per year on a part-time basis. We fought the application and settled the file for a six-figure lump-sum payment.

A woman in her mid-50s was receiving long-term disability benefits but believed the insurance company was wrongfully deducting more Canada Pension Plan benefits than they should have. We reviewed her policy and found discrepancies between what the contract said and what the insurer was doing. We launched a lawsuit and, as part of the settlement, obtained full reimbursement for our client, full reimbursement for another claimant who was also subject to the wrongful deduction, and an agreement from the insurer to stop deducting the specific benefits in question. The insurer also paid 100% of our legal fees.

A man in his mid-40s worked in a physical labour occupation. He became disabled and received approximately three years of long-term disability benefits. During the third year, the insurer sent him for a rehabilitation assessment. The rehab facility determined he was fit for a sedentary occupation, and the insurer terminated benefits. We reviewed the file and identified several errors made by both the rehab facility and the insurer. We filed a lawsuit and negotiated a six-figure lump-sum settlement.

A man in his mid-40s was receiving disability benefits for seven years when the insurer engaged in several rounds of surveillance and then terminated him. He came to us, and we reviewed the file. The surveillance was not as clear-cut as the insurance company suggested. We filed a lawsuit and settled before trial for a six-figure lump-sum settlement

DISCLAIMER: These case summaries are provided for informational purposes only. Every disability claim is unique, and results depend on individual policy terms, medical evidence, and specific circumstances.

Start with a Claim Review

Every case begins with a detailed assessment of your denial, policy, and medical evidence.

Types Of Long-Term Disability Claims We Handle

Disability Claims Across Alberta and Saskatchewan

Whether you need a lawyer for disability benefits under a group plan or a private policy, we represent individuals across both.

Employer-Sponsored Group Disability Plans

Most Canadians who have disability coverage receive it through their workplace. These group policies are issued by insurers like Manulife, Sun Life, Canada Life, and RBC Insurance. If your employer-provided long-term disability claim has been denied or terminated, we can help.

Private Disability Insurance Policies

Professionals, including doctors, dentists, and executives, often purchase individual disability policies with higher benefit amounts and more favourable terms. Some private policies include “own occupation” coverage to age 65, meaning you continue receiving benefits as long as you cannot perform your specific profession, even after the two-year mark.

Denied or Terminated
Benefits

Insurance companies deny long-term disability benefits at two primary points: at initial application or at the two-year definition change. In both cases, they determine that you don’t qualify under the policy terms. We challenge those determinations when they’re wrong.

Mental Health and Invisible Disabilities

Many of our cases involve conditions that are harder for insurers to measure: depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, neurological disorders, and brain injuries. These “invisible disabilities” often require litigation because insurers struggle to assess their impact on your ability to work. We handle these cases regularly.

The Long-Term Disability Claim Process in Calgary

This is what you can expect when you contact Ludwar Law. Working with a long-term disability lawyer follows a clear path from initial review to resolution.

Initial Consultation

We discuss your situation over the phone. You explain what happened with your claim, and we determine whether we can help.

Document Collection

We request your denial or termination letter, your full claim file from the insurer, your policy documents, and your medical records. Depending on the size of your file, some claims span a decade and contain thousands of pages; this review can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

File Review and Strategy

We analyze the insurer’s decision, identify legal and factual issues, and outline a strategy. If the insurer made errors, such as relying on assessments from unqualified reviewers, misinterpreting policy language, or ignoring critical medical evidence, we document those errors and determine how they strengthen your position.

Statement of Claim

If litigation is required, we file a statement of claim. This is the formal legal action that begins the lawsuit.

Discovery Process

Both sides exchange documents, gather medical records, and conduct questioning. This phase allows us to build a complete picture of the insurer’s rationale and any weaknesses in their case.

Mediation

Most disability cases settle at mediation. This is a negotiation facilitated by a neutral third party, where both sides work toward a resolution without going to trial.

Trial (If Necessary)

If mediation doesn’t result in a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. While trials are rare in disability litigation, we have the experience and resources to proceed if that’s what it takes.

Most cases resolve within 18 to 24 months. More complex files, especially those involving multiple policy provisions, lengthy claim histories, or trial preparation, can take longer.

Why Our Team Sees What Others Miss

97% Success Rate*

When we take a case that qualifies under the policy, 97% of the time we obtain compensation for our client.

*Past results are not indicative of future results. The outcome of each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.

Experience on Both Sides of Disability Claims

With 30 years of plaintiff advocacy from James and nearly 20 years of senior defence experience from Mark, our team offers a perspective few disability lawyers can match. We understand both how to build a strong claim and exactly where an insurer’s internal process typically fails.

Calgary-Based, Accessible Throughout Your Case

As a Calgary-based disability law firm, we meet with clients in person when needed. You won’t be passed between offices or only hear from a lawyer right before mediation.

Focused on Full Compensation Over Fast Closures

Some disability cases settle quickly. Others require deeper review. When insurers rely on flawed assessments or misapply policy language, we take the time to identify issues that may increase compensation.

Service Areas

Long-Term Disability Lawyers Serving Calgary, Alberta, and Saskatchewan

If you’re in Western Canada and need lawyers for long-term disability claims that have been denied or terminated, we can help.

We represent clients throughout:

Calgary & Area

Calgary
Cochrane
Canmore
Airdrie
Okotoks
Red Deer

Alberta

Edmonton
Lethbridge
Medicine Hat
Grande Prairie
Fort McMurray

Saskatchewan

Regina
Saskatoon

Calgary

Saskatoon

Regina

Edmonton

FAQs

When should I contact a long-term disability lawyer?

Contact a long-term disability lawyer as soon as your claim is denied or your benefits are terminated. The sooner we review your file, the stronger your position will be. Don’t wait until the limitation period is close to expiring. (Typically the limitation period is 2 years from the date of denial or termination.)

What does an LTD lawyer do if my claim is denied?

We review the insurer’s decision, analyze your policy, assess the medical evidence, and determine whether the denial is justified under the policy terms. If it’s not, we build a case to challenge it, either through negotiation or litigation.

How long do LTD claims take in Alberta?

Most cases settle within 18 to 24 months. Complex files or cases that proceed to trial can take longer.

What is the difference between short-term and long-term disability claims?

Short-term disability typically covers the first few months of a disability—often up to 17 weeks or six months, depending on the policy. LTD benefits begin after that period and can continue for years, often until age 65. Short-term disability claims are rarely litigated. Long-term disability claims, especially those involving the two-year definition change, are far more likely to be disputed.

Do I need a disability lawyer in Calgary for an appeal?

You’re not required to have a lawyer, but having one significantly improves your chances of a successful outcome. Insurance companies have legal teams reviewing your file. You should have experienced representation as well.

What is the two-year definition change?

Most group disability policies define disability in two stages. For the first two years, you qualify for benefits if you cannot perform your own occupation. After two years, the definition changes: you must be unable to perform any reasonable occupation for which you’re suited by education, training, and experience. This is where many claims are terminated, and it’s one of the most common disputes in disability litigation.

Can I sue my disability insurance company?

Yes. If your claim is denied or terminated, and you believe the insurer’s decision is wrong, you can file a lawsuit. Most cases settle before trial, but litigation is sometimes necessary to secure fair compensation.

What happens if my pre-existing condition is cited as the reason for denial?

Pre-existing condition exclusions are common in disability policies, but they don’t automatically disqualify you. We review how the exclusion is worded, whether it applies to your specific situation, and whether the insurer has interpreted it correctly. In many cases, we find ways to challenge these denials.

How much does it cost to hire a disability lawyer?

Most disability lawyers, including Ludwar Law, work on a contingency basis. This means our fees come from a percentage of your settlement or award, not from upfront costs. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you don’t pay legal fees.

Next Steps

Disability Benefits Denied or Terminated?
The insurer's decision can be challenged.

If you need a lawyer for disability claims in Alberta or Saskatchewan, start with a file review so we can identify where the insurer’s assessment went wrong.

Call (403) 670-0055 or email info@ludwarlaw.ca.

Calgary-based. Serving Alberta and Saskatchewan.