Qualities to look for and tips on finding the best LTD lawyer in Ottawa to represent you
There are over 55,000 lawyer licensees in Ontario alone, making it the most significant law society in the country. A search through the lawyer and paralegal directory within just 10km of Ottawa will give you 5160 results. While that search is broad, it gives you an idea of how it may require a bit of searching and digging to find the right lawyer, and more specifically, the right long-term disability (LTD) lawyer. Whether you’re filing a claim or looking to appeal a denied claim, there is an LTD lawyer in Ottawa for you. When looking for the best LTD lawyer in Ottawa, there are some things to consider.
Reputation
If a surgeon has a bad reputation, you probably wouldn’t want them operating on you, the same should go for the LTD lawyer in Ottawa that you choose. Your specific case and the law itself influence whether you win or lose your legal battle, but so is the lawyer you hire. The best LTD lawyer in Ottawa for your case should have a good reputation.
The first step to take when finding a lawyer is to make sure they are a member of the Law Society of Ontario. Each province and territory in Canada has a Law Society that ensures that each member practices law ethically and competently. Every lawyer in Ontario is required (with some exemptions), by law, to be a member. You can find the status, practice restrictions, and regulatory proceedings of the LTD lawyer in Ottawa you are considering through their directory. You can do a general search for lawyers in your area through the directory as well.
The LTD lawyer in Ottawa with the best reputation may still not be the best fit for you and your case. If possible, ask family, friends, and coworkers for recommendations. Suppose you already know or have worked with a lawyer who practices in another area of law. In that case, you could also ask them for a referral. If you come up empty-handed for referrals, you’ll have to a bit of research to determine their reputation. Google reviews and reading lawyer’s bios can also help.
Experience
Another important thing to consider when looking for an LTD lawyer in Ottawa is experience. The lawyer you choose should primarily specialize in long-term/short-term disability, or injury and insurance law. Lawyers who practice in multiple areas of the law may not be as knowledgeable or experienced in dealing with LTD claims as a lawyer who dedicates most, if not all, of their time to that specific area. By choosing a lawyer who specializes in LTD, you increase your chances of a successful case and a stronger claim.
Questions you should ask when determining a lawyer’s level of experience:
- How many years of experience do they have?
- Have they worked for insurance companies or have a thorough understanding of how they operate?
- Do they have courtroom experience?
- What is their success rate with cases similar to yours?
It’s important to note that even if a lawyer does not have a lot of experience, it doesn’t mean they’re a terrible lawyer. Young or new lawyers typically work under a senior lawyer or firm and are mentored by them. If an experienced team or LTD lawyer in Ottawa is mentoring them, they could still do a great job representing you.
Resources
Finding the right lawyer doesn’t have to be a stressful process. Deciding to hire an LTD lawyer in Ottawa will ensure that you can prioritize your health and wellbeing. In addition to the considerations listed above, there are plenty of resources you can use to get legal information.
- More information on disability claims
- Legal Aid Ontario
- Law Society of Ontario
- The Canadian Bar Association
- Ontario Legal Information Centre
