Disability Appeals

Disability Appeals Near Oakland Park

More Than 45 Years of Disability Insurance Experience

A disability appeal requires more than asking the insurer to reconsider. The denial letter may dispute the medical support for your claim, your functional limitations, your occupational duties, your eligibility, or whether you meet the policy’s definition of disability. Before submitting a response, we review the insurer’s reasoning and identify the issues the appeal must address.

The denial notice and plan documents typically provide the appeal instructions and deadline. They can also reveal whether the claim involves employer-sponsored ERISA disability benefits or an individually purchased policy. That distinction matters because the governing procedures, available remedies, and potential court review can differ.

Contact our disability denials attorney at (954) 324-2340 to discuss a denied, delayed, or terminated claim before the appeal deadline passes.

Contact Martin J. Sperry, P.A. Today

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“He is highly ethical, extremely knowledgeable, and demonstrates a genuine commitment to the people he serves”
Martin Sperry, is a respected fellow lawyer in the community who consulted me on the case, and his insight was invaluable. He is highly ethical, extremely knowledgeable, and demonstrates a genuine commitment to the people he serves. His professionalism and care truly set him apart.

- Karina A.
“Even after my case he’s always been a phone call away to guide me on legal matters and referred me in the right direction”
Marty is amazing. Even after my case he’s always been a phone call away to guide me on legal matters and referred me in the right direction. Highly recommend him!

- Girasol M.
“He is amazing, professional and truly cares about his clients”
We highly recommend Martin Sperry and his team. Mr. Sperry is very knowledgeable and compassionate. He walked us through the process and was always available to answer any questions. He is amazing, professional and truly cares about his clients. We always felt that we were in great hands and knew he would get us a positive result. We always felt comfortable with him and we felt like family. Thank you Mr. Sperry for all you have accomplished for us. You are amazing!

- Julia S.
“His recommendations and integrity led us to a positive result and we are grateful to have found him”
Martin Sperry is diligent thorough and precise with his explanations and delivery in court. His recommendations and integrity led us to a positive result and we are grateful to have found him

- Bruno S.
“I highly recommend Martin J. Sperry, P.A. He understands the system, and more importantly, he fights for what’s right.”
I want to sincerely thank Attorney Martin J. Sperry for his professionalism, legal expertise, and patience throughout my disability case. His over 45 years of legal experience was evident in how he approached every detail, especially when navigating a complex situation involving misinformation from the insurance company.

What stood out most was his willingness to reassess the case when new facts came to light. He remained objective, thorough, and honest — qualities that are invaluable in legal representation. Thanks to his guidance, my case was resolved with a positive outcome.

If you're facing a long- or short-term disability denial or an insurance-related dispute, I highly recommend Martin J. Sperry, P.A. He understands the system, and more importantly, he fights for what’s right.

- Duane H.
“I cannot recommend my lawyer and his team highly enough”
I cannot recommend my lawyer and his team highly enough. He took over my short-term and long-term disability case and did an absolutely outstanding job getting my claim overturned. From start to finish, the entire process was seamless and handled with the highest level of professionalism.

Communication was impeccable throughout the entire case. I was always kept informed, my questions were answered promptly and clearly, and I never once felt left in the dark. What truly sets him apart, though, is that he never treated me like just another case file. He treated me like a human being — with kindness, respect, and genuine compassion.

During an incredibly stressful and vulnerable time in my life, he was steady, reassuring, and deeply attentive to my situation. He listened, he cared, and he advocated for me every step of the way. His expertise, dedication, and empathy made all the difference, and I am beyond grateful for the outcome he achieved for me.

If you are looking for a lawyer who is not only highly skilled but also truly compassionate and respectful, I wholeheartedly recommend him.

- Morgan S.
“I liked how my case, even though it was not a large case, seemed to hold just as much value to him.”
I highly recommend Marty! He was very attentive to my case and was easy to communicate with. He was also very patient with me throughout the process as I had no knowledge of how short term disability claims worked. He was able to get my appeal approved and in a reasonable time frame. Furthermore he always had time for my questions and concerns and was flexible with allowing me to come to his office if needed which was much appreciated. I liked how my case, even though it was not a large case, seemed to hold just as much value to him.

- Alaina A.
“Marty is amazing! Caring, great communicator, understanding and treats you like family!”
Marty is amazing! Caring, great communicator, understanding and treats you like family! Professional in every sense of the word and knows his law!!! And the best part? He WON my case!!!! I highly recommend him!

- Donna V.

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Our Settlements & Verdicts

$350,000 Lump Sum Settlement on Individual Disability Policy
$135,000 Recovery ERISA Disability Benefits
$5,000,000 Recovery for Delayed Payment of Insurance Benefits
$800,000 Recovery for Delayed Payment of Insurance Benefits
$520,000 Recovery of Accidental Dismemberment Benefits
$260,000 Recovery of Disability Benefits

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How We Prepare a Disability Insurance Appeal

We begin by examining the denial notice, policy or plan language, claim correspondence, and evidence already provided to the insurer. An effective appeal must respond to the insurer’s specific position, not simply restate that the claimant remains disabled.

Our review may include:

Medical records: Evidence documenting diagnoses, treatment, symptoms, restrictions, and functional limitations.
Physician opinions: Explanations connecting the medical condition to specific work-related limitations.
Occupational evidence: Information showing the material duties and demands of the claimant’s occupation.
Policy provisions: The disability definition, eligibility terms, exclusions, and other language cited in the denial.
Claim-file materials: Medical reviews, vocational analyses, surveillance, correspondence, and other relevant records used by the insurer.

Clients work directly with Attorney Sperry and receive clear explanations of their options. We coordinate supporting documentation and prepare a written appeal that addresses each material reason for the denial. The evidence required depends on the facts, the governing policy, and the insurer’s stated basis for its decision.

Insurer-Side Insight Applied to Your Claim

Attorney Sperry previously represented insurance companies, gaining insight into how insurers evaluate medical evidence, interpret policy terms, and defend decisions to deny or delay benefits. We draw on that perspective to examine the insurer’s position and develop a focused response.

Our communication is direct and personalized. We explain what information appears to be missing, what decisions must be made before the deadline, and how the appeal could affect later proceedings. Under our contingency fee structure, clients don’t pay attorney fees unless benefits are recovered.

ERISA Disability Appeal Deadlines & Requirements

ERISA, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, governs many disability plans offered through private employers. After an adverse benefit determination, meaning a formal denial or termination of benefits, claimants generally must receive at least 180 days to request an appeal. The denial notice and plan documents control the specific procedure and deadline, so prompt review is important.

Claimants may request relevant claim documents and submit information they want the plan to consider before the appeal period ends. This stage is critical because the administrative record, the collection of materials considered during the claim and appeal, may shape a later federal court review. Medical, vocational, occupational, and policy evidence should be evaluated before the appeal is finalized.

Not every long-term disability insurance or short-term disability insurance claim is governed by ERISA. Individually purchased policies may follow different contractual and legal rules. A disability denials lawyer can identify the applicable framework and explain the options available under the policy and governing law.

What a Disability Benefit Appeal May Need to Address

Insurers may argue that medical records don’t establish functional impairment, that the claimant can perform the relevant occupation, or that the evidence doesn’t support continuing benefits. Disputes can also arise when the policy’s disability definition changes after a stated benefit period or when the insurer questions eligibility, policy interpretation, procedures, or documentation.

A focused appeal may need to address:

Whether the medical evidence explains specific physical or cognitive restrictions.
Whether the insurer accurately evaluated the claimant’s occupational duties.
Whether medical or vocational reviewers considered the complete record.
Whether surveillance or other claim materials support the insurer’s conclusions.
Whether the decision follows the governing plan or policy language.

Appeals & Federal Court Review for Oakland Park Claims

An administrative appeal and a federal lawsuit are separate stages. The appeal asks the plan or insurer to reconsider its determination. Litigation asks a court to evaluate the dispute under the applicable legal standard. Preparing an appeal with potential litigation in mind doesn’t mean a lawsuit is inevitable, but it does require careful attention to the record.

Oakland Park is in Broward County, within the Southern District of Florida, which holds court in Fort Lauderdale. The proper forum, available remedies, and scope of review depend on the policy, plan, facts, and governing law.

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Direct Attorney Guidance for Oakland Park Disability Appeals

We provide direct attorney involvement rather than passing the central legal work through layers of staff. Attorney Sperry reviews the denial, explains the insurer’s position, and gives clients an honest assessment of their appeal options. This one-on-one approach keeps communication clear while we evaluate important records and deadlines.

Martin J. Sperry, P.A. serves Oakland Park residents and clients throughout Florida in disability insurance disputes. Our prior work representing insurance companies helps us assess both the policyholder’s evidence and the arguments an insurer may use to defend its decision.

Request a Free Disability Appeal Consultation

A free consultation can help you understand the denial, identify the governing policy and appeal procedure, and determine what information may be needed. No attorney can promise the result of an appeal, but prompt review gives you time to make informed decisions before the applicable deadline. Our contingency fee structure means you won’t pay attorney fees unless benefits are recovered.

Call Martin J. Sperry, P.A. at (954) 324-2340 to speak with our disability appeal attorney about your next steps.

Personalized Legal Services

All clients work directly with Attorney Sperry to discuss their unique case.
Cost-Efficient Approach

No fee unless we reach a resolution and recovery on your case.
Experience on Your Side
Our Attorney brings more than 45 years of experience to every case that we take on.
Free Consultations
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