Choosing a disability lawyer for an employee or private disability claim is a crucial step. Insurance companies often make the process confusing, especially if your claim has been denied. Asking informed questions empowers you to select a lawyer who’s committed, transparent, and best suited to help you succeed.

Discover the essential questions to ask a disability lawyer for your denied disability insurance claims in Canada. This plain-language, compassionate guide gives you the confidence to choose the right advocate for your disability benefits journey.

Our long term disability lawyers encourage clients to ask questions to their dedicated client service team members who can provide the clarity you need to all your questions.

1. How Much Experience Do You Have in Disability Law?

Always find out how much experience your lawyer has with denied disability insurance claims. Success in these cases requires specific insight into how insurance companies operate.

For more than 35 years, Share Lawyers has helped over 9,000 Canadians secure the benefits they deserve. Seek a firm with a strong record in disability law, not just general practice.

2. How Experienced Are You with Disability Claims?

Ask whether the lawyer regularly handles denied disability insurance claims. Look for real experience in fighting denials and going up against insurers, not just handling new applications. Note that legal actions, not appeals directly to your insurer, often get better outcomes.

Our lawyers only handle disability denials and are fighting the insurance companies every day.

3. Who Will Be Working on My Case?

Clarify exactly who will handle your claim, from intake staff to senior lawyers. Some firms use a team approach, so know who your main contact will be.

Share Lawyers does have a team approach, so you will have 3 lawyers assigned to your file.

4. What Is Your Fee Structure?

Most disability lawyers charge a contingency fee (you only pay if you win). Confirm there are no upfront costs and understand what percentage of the settlement will go toward legal fees.

• Beware: Hourly rates or retainers rarely make sense for these cases.

• Look for: “No win, no fee” or contingency agreements.

Share Lawyers usually only takes on disability cases on a contingency, unless the client specifically asks for a different fee structure.

5. How Long Will My Case Likely Take from Start to Finish?

Most denied disability insurance claims resolve within 8-12 months, but timelines vary with insurer behaviour and case complexity. Your lawyer should outline a realistic timeline and provide regular updates.

At Share Lawyers, we treat each disability case as unique, but your lawyer will give you an estimate and keep you informed at every step.

6. How Will We Communicate?

Ask about preferred methods (email, phone, secure portal) and who you’ll speak with most often. Pick a firm that values clear, regular communication.

Share Lawyers offers a client service team that is available to you to answer questions at all times. Most law firms do not offer this level of service.

7. How Often Can I Expect Updates?

Some clients want weekly check-ins; others prefer only major milestone reports.

Share Lawyers has a dedicated client service team that listens to your needs and follows up regularly.

8. How Will You Handle My Case?

Understanding the process relieves anxiety. Ask if the firm starts with a demand letter, files a legal claim, or seeks mediation. Find out how much documentation you’ll need to provide, and what personal attention you’ll receive.

Share Lawyers will start gathering information as soon as you sign your agreement. We will then file a legal claim to try and speed up the process for you. We know that every day that goes by, you have no income coming in.

9. Can I Speak to Your Past Clients?

Client testimonials offer perspective on communication, compassion, and results.

Check out our 4.9 star rating on Google and Birdeye. We also have reviews posted on Yellow Pages and Yelp.

10. Is Your Free Case Evaluation Actually Free?

A reputable disability lawyer should offer a transparent, no-obligation consultation. You should not feel pressured to commit until you know all your options.

At Share Lawyers, your first consultation is always free and honest—we’ll tell you upfront if you have a case against your insurance company.

Ethan’s Journey: A Client’s Perspective

Imagine Ethan—a dedicated Automotive Mechanic in his early 50s. After breaking his hip, Ethan has been off work for several months and is feeling the pressure as bills start to pile up. He expected his private disability insurance to help, but when his disability claim was denied, he’s left frustrated and unsure about his next steps.

Determined to find support, Ethan starts researching how to find a good disability lawyer. Instead of settling for the first name he finds, he creates a list of essential questions to ask a disability lawyer before making any decisions, focusing on the qualities that matter most:

• Does this lawyer have specific experience with employer or private disability insurance claims?

• Are they transparent about fees—and do they work on a contingency fee basis so that he only pays if he wins?

• What is their communication style, and how often do they provide updates?

• Will he have access to a legal team, or be working with one person?

• Are they able to explain the process from start to finish, including timelines, necessary documents, and possible strategies?

As Ethan interviews several lawyers, he pays close attention to how each firm answers his list of questions. An experienced lawyer calmly explains the steps involved in appealing or disputing a denied claim, outlines expected timelines, and honestly discusses both challenges and likely outcomes. Ethan ultimately feels confident choosing the lawyer who:

• Took the time to answer all his questions thoroughly

• Made the process and expectations clear from the very first meeting

• Offered a no-pressure, no-fee consultation

• Listened to his concerns and valued his input

For Ethan, the difference was not just experience or reputation—it was the willingness of the lawyer to be transparent, approachable, and genuinely invested in helping him move forward. By carefully considering each response and trusting his instincts, Ethan found the right advocate for his disability insurance claim—one who put his needs first and helped him feel supported through every step of the process.

Final Notes

Choosing the right disability lawyer matters. Empower yourself with the right questions, and don’t hesitate to move on if you don’t get clear, honest, and reassuring answers. The right legal team will treat you with compassion and transparency, never ask for upfront fees, and keep you informed throughout your journey for disability benefits.

Remember: You deserve your disability benefits. The right questions—and the right lawyer—make all the difference. If your disability benefits have been denied, contact Share Lawyers today.