Fredericton Long Term Disability Lawyers
Long term disability (LTD) benefits are designed to support workers in Fredericton and across New Brunswick when medical conditions prevent them from working. Sadly, many people find themselves in disputes with insurers who deny valid claims, delay payments, or cut off benefits unfairly. At NOVA Injury Law, our LTD lawyers fight for your rights and make sure you receive the financial support you’re entitled to. We understand how stressful it is to face health challenges while dealing with insurance battles, and we’re here to help.
About NOVA Injury Law
At NOVA Injury Law, your story matters. Since 2006, we’ve built a practice centered on blending medical insight and legal skill to help injury victims. We believe strong representation begins with understanding both your injuries and how they change your life.
With 8 amazing lawyers and over 25 incredible team members, we invite you to:
- Check out our founder Jeff Mitchell’s story of how NOVA started.
- Meet our incredible lawyers.
- Learn why NOVA Injury Law is known as The Doctor-Lawyer Law Firm™.
- Hear our clients’ stories.
- Learn about our charitable initiatives in our local communities.
At NOVA, our team handles all kinds of injury cases, including:
- Personal Injury
- ATV Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Birth Injuries
- Boat Accidents
- Bus Accidents
- Dog Bites
- Medical Malpractice
- Nursing Home Abuse
- Property Damage
- Rideshare Accidents
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Employment Law
- Wrongful Termination
How do I qualify for LTD benefits in New Brunswick?
To qualify, you need medical documentation showing you cannot perform your job. This may include doctor’s notes, diagnostic imaging, treatment records, and specialist reports. Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD are also valid reasons for LTD if properly documented. Many workers in New Brunswick also ask how LTD interacts with employment insurance (EI) or workplace disability coverage. While EI may cover the short term, LTD is separate, and insurers cannot deny your benefits simply because you received EI first.
When should I apply for LTD after I stop working?
Insurers impose strict deadlines, and missing them can lead to automatic denial. Typically, you must apply within weeks or a few months of leaving work. Some Fredericton residents delay applying until their EI ends, which can complicate their LTD claim. The safest approach is to apply as soon as your doctor removes you from work. Our LTD lawyers guide clients through the application process to ensure timely and accurate filings.
What should I do if my LTD application is denied?
If your claim is denied, you can appeal. Appeals involve addressing the insurer’s reasons for denial, providing additional medical evidence, and sometimes filing a lawsuit. In New Brunswick, many workers feel their employers pressure them to return to work before they’re ready, adding to the stress of appealing a denial. Having a lawyer on your side makes the process easier and increases your chances of success. We handle appeals from start to finish, allowing you to focus on your health.
Why did my LTD benefits stop after two years?
Many Fredericton residents are surprised by the “any occupation” rule. For the first two years, LTD covers you if you cannot do your own job. After that, insurers assess whether you can perform any occupation suited to your skills, education, and experience. Many insurers use this standard to cut people off unfairly. Our LTD lawyers fight these terminations by gathering strong medical and vocational evidence to prove ongoing disability.
Can my employer terminate me while I’m on LTD?
Yes, you remain an employee while receiving LTD, but termination is possible in certain circumstances. In New Brunswick, we see a disproportionate number of cases where workers feel pressured by employers to return before they are ready. If you’ve been threatened with termination or believe your employer is acting unfairly, we can review your case and take steps to protect your rights.
Are LTD benefits taxable, and can I claim the Disability Tax Credit?
If your employer paid the premiums, your LTD benefits are taxable. If you paid the premiums yourself, they are generally tax-free. Many clients also qualify for the federal Disability Tax Credit, which reduces taxes owed. Our LTD lawyers in Fredericton explain how taxation affects your benefits and help you access available credits for financial relief.
Should I accept a lump-sum settlement offer?
Sometimes insurers offer lump-sum payments to close LTD claims. While tempting, these offers are often less than the true value of your benefits over time. Accepting a buyout means giving up future payments. If your benefits are already inadequate, a low settlement could leave you struggling financially. We review settlement offers carefully and help you decide whether a buyout is in your best interest.
Do I need a lawyer to handle an LTD dispute?
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but insurers have teams dedicated to minimizing payouts. In New Brunswick, where workers often face pressure from both insurers and employers, having a lawyer is especially important. At NOVA Injury Law, we work on a contingency basis — meaning no upfront costs, and you only pay if we win. With a lawyer, you have an advocate who knows how to fight back.
What happens if I try to return to work while on LTD?
Some LTD policies allow gradual or part-time returns to work. However, insurers sometimes use these attempts as evidence that you can return to full-time employment. Our Fredericton LTD lawyers help clients manage these transitions carefully, ensuring their benefits aren’t cut off unfairly.
Free Consultation with Fredericton Long Term Disability Lawyers
If your LTD claim has been denied, delayed, or terminated, call 902-442-8853 today for a free consultation. Our Fredericton LTD lawyers are available 24/7, and you don’t pay unless we win your case.
