Over the past year, I’ve noticed a significant shift in how my clients approach their long-term disability claims. More and more, people are turning to artificial intelligence tools to help them navigate what is often a confusing, stressful, and deeply personal process.

This change isn’t surprising. When you’re dealing with a long-term disability claim—especially while managing your health—clarity and efficiency matter. AI promises both. And to be clear, there are real benefits to using these tools. I’ve seen them firsthand.

But I’ve also seen where things can go wrong.

Like most tools, AI is neither inherently good nor bad. The value—and the risk—comes from how it’s used.

The Good: Empowerment, Organization, and Communication

Let’s start with what’s working well.

Many of my clients are using AI to help them organize their thoughts, keep track of medical information, and communicate more clearly with their insurers. This can be incredibly helpful.

For example, I’ve seen clients use AI to:

• Summarize lengthy medical reports or insurer correspondence
• Take structured notes from appointments or phone calls
• Draft emails that clearly outline their symptoms, limitations, and concerns
• Turn scattered thoughts into coherent questions for their healthcare providers or insurer

For individuals who are already dealing with fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, or cognitive challenges, this kind of support can be a game-changer. It allows them to participate more fully in their own claim without becoming overwhelmed.

In many ways, AI is helping level the playing field. Insurance companies have teams, systems, and experience on their side. Anything that helps a claimant communicate more clearly and stay organized can be beneficial.

If you’re new to the process, you can learn more about how long-term disability claims work in Ontario here:
👉https://mulqueendisabilitylaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/LTD-Appeals-Guide.pdf

And when used this way—as a support tool—I think AI can be incredibly valuable.

The Problem: When AI Becomes a Substitute for Legal Advice

Where I start to see concerns is when clients move beyond using AI as a tool and begin relying on it as a source of legal advice.

Long-term disability law is complex. It’s not just about what the law says in general—it’s about how that law applies to your specific situation. Your policy wording, your medical evidence, your occupation, your insurer’s practices, and even the timing of events all matter.

AI tools can provide general legal information. Sometimes, that information is accurate. But what they cannot do is apply that information to your unique circumstances in a meaningful, reliable way.

I’ve had clients come to me with detailed explanations they’ve received from AI about:

• Whether they “qualify” for long-term disability benefits
• What deadlines apply to their claim
• How surveillance or insurer requests should be handled
• Whether they should appeal or litigate

On the surface, the answers often sound confident—and sometimes they’re even technically correct.

But here’s the issue: they are not tailored.

And in disability claims, nuance is everything.

The Risk of Misinterpretation

Another challenge I’m seeing is interpretation.

Even when AI provides accurate general information, it still requires the user to interpret and apply that information to their own situation. That’s not easy—especially when you’re already under stress or dealing with health challenges.

I’ve had clients become confused or discouraged after reading AI-generated explanations that don’t quite fit their circumstances. Others have taken steps in their claim based on what they believed was sound advice, only to later realize it created complications.

This isn’t a reflection of the client—it’s a reflection of how complex this area of law is.

Legal information is not the same as legal advice.

For general legal information in Ontario, you can refer to Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO):
👉 https://www.cleo.on.ca

When Information Becomes Anxiety

There’s another piece to this that I think is important to acknowledge: the emotional impact.

Many people turn to AI because they’re looking for reassurance or clarity. But sometimes, the opposite happens.

AI tools can generate a wide range of possibilities—best-case scenarios, worst-case scenarios, and everything in between. They may also pull from generalized or outdated information, or from perspectives that don’t reflect how disability claims are actually handled in practice.

The result?

More anxiety.

I’ve spoken with clients who have gone down a rabbit hole of AI-generated information, coming away feeling overwhelmed, fearful, or convinced that their situation is far worse than it actually is.

If you’re dealing with stress or anxiety related to your claim, resources like the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) may be helpful:
👉 https://www.camh.ca

In reality, their case may be entirely manageable—with the right guidance.

The Gap Between Theory and Practice

One of the biggest limitations of AI in this space is the gap between theory and practice.

AI can tell you what the law says. But it can’t tell you how that law is applied in real-world disability claims—particularly in Ontario, where insurer practices, litigation strategies, and evolving case law all play a role.

For example:

• How an insurer is likely to respond to a particular type of evidence
• When it makes sense to push back versus cooperate
• How to frame information in a way that supports your claim
• What actually matters in negotiations or litigation

These are things that come from experience—working with clients, dealing with insurers, and understanding how cases unfold over time.

If your long-term disability claim has been denied, you can read more about next steps here:
👉 https://www.mulqueendisabilitylaw.com/blog/long-term-disability-denied/

A Balanced Approach

I’m not suggesting that clients should avoid AI altogether. Far from it.

When used appropriately, it can be a powerful tool for:

• Staying organized
• Improving communication
• Preparing questions
• Gaining a general understanding of the process

But it’s important to recognize its limits.

AI should support your claim—not guide it.

Why Individualized Legal Advice Matters

Every disability claim is different. And more importantly, every client is different.

At Mulqueen Disability Law, we take a trauma-informed approach to our work. That means we understand that our clients are often navigating not just legal issues, but significant physical, emotional, and psychological challenges.

Our role is not just to provide legal advice—it’s to provide clarity, reduce stress, and help you understand your situation in a way that feels manageable.

When you speak with a lawyer who understands long-term disability claims, you get:

• Advice tailored to your specific policy and circumstances
• Guidance on what actually matters in your case
• A clear strategy moving forward
• Reassurance grounded in experience—not speculation

And perhaps most importantly, you get information delivered in a way that doesn’t add to your anxiety.

Learn more about our approach here:
👉 https://www.mulqueendisabilitylaw.com

Questions I’m Often Asked About Using AI in Disability Claims

Can I rely on AI to tell me if I qualify for long-term disability benefits?
No. AI can provide general information, but it cannot assess your specific policy, medical evidence, and circumstances in a meaningful way.

Is it okay to use AI to help draft emails to my insurance company?
Yes—with caution. AI can help with clarity, but the content must be accurate and reflect your actual experience.

What’s the biggest risk of using AI for my claim?
Misinterpretation and applying general information incorrectly.

Can AI make my claim stronger?
It can support communication and organization—but not legal strategy.

When should I speak to a lawyer instead of using AI?
Any time you’re making decisions about your claim.

A Final Word

If you’re using AI as part of your disability claim, you’re not alone—and you’re not wrong to do so. It can be a helpful and empowering tool.

But if you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or second-guessing what you’re reading, that’s a sign you may need more than general information.

You may need guidance that is specific to you.

At Mulqueen Disability Law, we take a trauma-informed approach to disability claims. We provide clear, individualized advice in a way that reduces—not adds to—your stress.

Contact us for a Free Consultation

Mulqueen Disability Law specializes in hard-to-prove long-term disability claims for “Invisible Conditions” such as mental illness (depression, anxiety, PTSD) and chronic conditions (pain, neurological, immunological, concussion, post-COVID)  Contact us for a free confidential consultation.

Mulqueen Disability Law is a boutique law firm, focused on litigating long-term disability insurance benefit claims. Courtney Mulqueen and her team of legal professionals are Trauma-Informed Certified and have over two decades of experience exclusively in the area of long-term disability law. She and her team draw on their “insider” experience working for the insurance companies (including, Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, and OTIP), that they now sue for their clients.  

The preceding is not intended to be legal advice. This blog is made available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog, you understand that there is no solicitor client relationship between you and the blog publisher. The blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed lawyer in your jurisdiction. If your disability claim has been denied and you require legal advice, please contact a lawyer specializing in disability law.