ERISA Disability Lawsuit in Fort Lauderdale
Federal Disability Litigation Guided by an Attorney Who Knows How Insurers Think
When a disability appeal comes back denied, the next step is federal court. At Martin J. Sperry, P.A., Attorney Sperry handles that step directly, drawing on more than 45 years of disability insurance experience and a career that began on the insurer’s side. That background isn’t a footnote. It shapes how we read denial letters, anticipate insurer arguments, and build the administrative record that a federal judge can later evaluate.
There are no handoffs here. The same attorney who assessed your claim, built your appeal, and corresponded with the plan handles any federal litigation that follows. No associates take over. No paralegals stand in. If the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida becomes the next stage of your case, Attorney Sperry is the one standing there.
If your ERISA disability appeal has been denied, call us at (954) 324-2340 to discuss whether a federal lawsuit is the right next step. Consultations are free and available by phone, in person, or via Zoom.
Serving Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, & South Florida
We represent clients in Fort Lauderdale, Tamarac, and throughout Broward County and South Florida in ERISA disability disputes at every stage, including federal litigation. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients whose disability claims were wrongfully denied or delayed. In one ERISA case, we recovered $135,000 in disability benefits after the plan denied coverage.
Every client works directly with Attorney Sperry from the first conversation through resolution. You’ll get honest assessments, straightforward answers, and consistent communication from the same person throughout your case.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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- Bruno S.
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
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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.- Duane H.
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. -
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.- Morgan S.
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. -
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.
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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.
Our Settlements & Verdicts
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$350,000 Lump Sum Settlement on Individual Disability Policy
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$135,000 Recovery ERISA Disability Benefits
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$5,000,000 Recovery for Delayed Payment of Insurance Benefits
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$800,000 Recovery for Delayed Payment of Insurance Benefits
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$520,000 Recovery of Accidental Dismemberment Benefits
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$260,000 Recovery of Disability Benefits
How an ERISA Disability Lawsuit Works in Federal Court
Before filing a federal ERISA lawsuit, you generally must exhaust your plan’s internal administrative remedies, which means completing the appeal process. Once that final denial arrives, the case moves into federal court rather than state court. For Fort Lauderdale and Broward County plans, that means the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Division.
One feature of ERISA litigation surprises many clients: there is no jury. A single federal judge decides the case, and in most instances there is no live testimony either. The judge reviews the administrative record built during the claims and appeal process, along with written briefs from both sides. It functions more like a summary judgment proceeding than a traditional trial.
The Standard of Review: How the Judge Evaluates the Denial
The standard a court applies depends on whether the plan document grants the insurer discretionary authority to interpret the plan and decide claims.
- De novo review: When a plan doesn’t include a discretionary clause, the court weighs the evidence fresh and independently, without deference to the insurer’s original decision.
- Arbitrary and capricious standard: When a discretionary clause exists, the court asks only whether the insurer’s decision was arbitrary and capricious, a more deferential standard that favors the plan administrator.
Once a lawsuit is filed, the administrative record closes and no new medical evidence can be submitted. The judge evaluates only what was developed during the appeal, which is why the quality of that record matters so much before litigation begins.
Talk to Attorney Sperry About Your Federal ERISA Options
If your disability appeal has been denied and you’re weighing whether to take the claim to federal court, we can walk you through the realistic options based on your plan documents and the record that exists. Initial consultations are free and available by phone, in person, or via Zoom.
We handle ERISA disability litigation on a contingency fee basis, which means no fee is owed unless we recover benefits for you. Cost isn’t a reason to delay finding out where your case stands.
Contact Martin J. Sperry, P.A. today at (954) 324-2340 to schedule your free consultation.
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Personalized Legal Services
All clients work directly with Attorney Sperry to discuss their unique case.
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Cost-Efficient Approach
No fee unless we reach a resolution and recovery on your case.
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Experience on Your SideOur Attorney brings more than 45 years of experience to every case that we take on.
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Free ConsultationsDon't wait, contact our firm to schedule your free consultation today.
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Seeking Justice for Denied Insurance Claims in South Florida?Get the compensation you deserve with Martin J. Sperry, P.A.! Our experienced Disability Attorney has recovered millions for clients.
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Need Results for Your Insurance Claim in Fort Lauderdale?
Count on Martin J. Sperry, P.A.! Our Disability Attorney has a proven track record, securing millions for clients.
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Seeking Trusted Representation in Fort Lauderdale?
Discover why clients trust Martin J. Sperry, P.A.! Our Disability Attorney is backed by rave reviews for our dedicated advocacy.
