Howard R. Blitstein is a partner at Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP. He is a long-term disability lawyer, benefit denials lawyer, motor vehicle accidents lawyer, medical malpractice lawyer, and accident benefits claims lawyer in Toronto and across Ontario. He is recognized in the annual peer-reviewed Canadian legal directory for personal injury law and brings a thorough, evidence-focused approach to every file he handles.
Called to the Ontario Bar: 2002
Howard’s Toronto LTD practice includes claims involving chronic pain, mental health diagnoses, physical disability, and other conditions that insurers frequently dispute. He understands that a disability denial often arrives at the moment when a client’s income has already stopped and their physical or psychological situation is already at its most difficult. His approach is to provide both genuine compassion for the client’s circumstances and rigorous preparation of the medical and legal record that the case requires.
He holds a BA (Honours) and an LLB from the University of Western Ontario. Outside his legal practice, he co-chairs the “Law Slam Tennis Challenge,” which raises thousands of dollars annually for Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and Pro Bono Law Ontario.
Howard has been listed in the annual peer-reviewed Canadian legal directory and recognized in the peer-reviewed publication for personal injury law. He is a member of the OTLA, the Advocates’ Society, the Ontario Bar Association, the Toronto Lawyers Association, and the Medico-Legal Society.
Cases Howard Handles
- Long-term disability denials and cut-offs lawyer
- Short-term disability disputes lawyer
- Mental health and psychiatric disability claims lawyer
- Motor vehicle accidents – car, truck, motorcycle lawyer
- Medical malpractice lawyer
- Accident benefits (SABS) disputes lawyer
- Slip and fall / occupier’s liability lawyer
- Catastrophic and serious injury claims lawyer
Awards and Recognition
- Listed in the annual peer-reviewed Canadian legal directory – Personal Injury Law
- Lexpert® Ranked Lawyer – 2026
- Top Personal Injury Law Firms in Canada – Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP (Canadian Lawyer Magazine, annually since 2011)
Professional Memberships
- Ontario Trial Lawyers Association
- The Advocates’ Society
- Ontario Bar Association
- Toronto Lawyers Association
- Medico-Legal Society
Community Involvement
- “Law Slam Tennis Challenge” – Co-Chair (raises thousands annually for Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and Pro Bono Law Ontario)
Education
- Called to the Ontario Bar: 2002
- LLB – University of Western Ontario, Faculty of Law (2001)
- BA (Honours) – University of Western Ontario (1998)
Contact Howard Blitstein in Toronto
Call: 877-771-7006 | Direct: 416-361-7568
Email: hrblitstein@hshlawyers.com
Website: hshlawyers.com/team/howard-r-blitstein/
Free Consultations · Contingency Fee Basis · Home and Hospital Visits · Multilingual Services
FAQ’s
What types of LTD claims does Howard Blitstein handle in Toronto?
Howard handles the full range of long-term disability claims – physical injuries, chronic pain, mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, PTSD), Long COVID, and other conditions that prevent a claimant from returning to work. He handles both denials of new claims and terminations of ongoing benefits.
How quickly should I contact a lawyer after my LTD benefits are denied?
As soon as possible. Ontario limitation periods apply to LTD claims, and they can be shorter than other personal injury claims depending on the terms of the disability policy. Delay can affect your ability to pursue your rights. A free consultation is available with no obligation.
What is the Licence Appeal Tribunal and does Howard Blitstein appear there?
The Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT) hears disputes about accident benefits (SABS) claims in Ontario. It replaced the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) arbitration process. Howard handles both LAT proceedings for accident benefits disputes and civil court proceedings for long-term disability denials under group benefit plans.