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ERISA Appeals

ERISA Appeals in Sunrise

Building the Record for a Denied Group Disability Claim

An ERISA appeal challenges the denial of benefits under an employer-sponsored group disability plan and generally must be completed before a lawsuit can proceed. At Martin J. Sperry, P.A., we represent Sunrise employees appealing denied short-term disability benefits and long-term disability benefits.

The administrative appeal allows you to answer the insurer’s stated reasons and submit evidence supporting your claim. Martin J. Sperry brings more than 45 years of disability insurance law experience, including prior work on the insurance-industry side. We provide direct attorney access and personalized attention throughout the process.

Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients in disability and insurance matters. That history informs how we assess denial letters, policy provisions, medical evidence, and the record behind an insurer’s decision.

Call (954) 324-2340 for a free consultation about your denied employer-sponsored disability claim or ERISA appeal deadline.

    “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.

Our Settlements & Verdicts

  • $1,950,000 Recovery of Disability Insurance Benefits
  • $5,000,000 Recovery for Delayed Payment of Insurance Benefits
  • $800,000 Recovery for Delayed Payment of Insurance Benefits
  • $260,000 Recovery of Disability Benefits
  • $520,000 Recovery of Accidental Dismemberment Benefits
  • $135,000 Recovery ERISA Disability Benefits

The ERISA Administrative Appeal Process

The process begins with the written denial, formally known as an adverse benefit determination. The letter should identify the reasons for the decision, the plan or policy terms relied upon, and the instructions for submitting an appeal.

Review the Deadline & Denial Reasons

An ERISA plan must provide at least 180 days after receipt of an adverse benefit determination to file an internal administrative appeal. The deadline in the denial letter deserves immediate attention because reviewing the file and developing additional evidence can take time.

We examine each stated reason rather than treating the appeal as a general request for reconsideration. An effective submission responds to the insurer’s analysis and addresses the plan language governing eligibility for benefits.

Request the Complete Claim File

During the appeal window, a claimant may request the complete claim file at no charge. It can show what the insurer reviewed, including medical records, internal notes, evaluations, correspondence, and other material associated with the decision.

The claim file helps identify missing information and points in the insurer’s reasoning that require a direct response. It also becomes part of the administrative record, the collection of materials submitted and considered during the claim and appeal process.

Develop Supporting Evidence

The appeal can include more than a statement that the denial was wrong. Depending on the insurer’s reasons and the available support, relevant evidence may include:

  • Medical records documenting diagnoses, symptoms, treatment, and functional limitations.
  • Treating-provider opinions explaining how the medical condition affects work capacity.
  • Vocational evidence addressing the duties and demands of the claimant’s occupation.
  • Written responses to medical reviews, surveillance, or other reasons cited in the denial.

We work to assemble this evidence during the appeal because later court review is generally tied to the existing record. The submission must connect the supporting material to the plan’s definition of disability and the insurer’s specific grounds for denying benefits.

Insurer Review & Decision

After a disability appeal is filed, the plan generally has 45 days to issue a decision. It may take one additional 45-day extension when special circumstances require more time. The actual schedule depends on the plan and applicable procedural requirements.

The appeal reviewer must be someone who wasn’t involved in the original denial. The decision should state whether the denial is upheld or reversed and explain the basis for that conclusion.

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Discuss Your Sunrise ERISA Appeal with an Attorney

We offer free initial consultations by phone, in person, or through Zoom. You can speak directly with an attorney about the denial, the appeal deadline, and the information available to support your claim.

We handle ERISA appeal matters on a contingency basis, so there’s no attorney fee unless benefits are recovered. We also provide clear, responsive communication about the status of your claim and the next step in the process.

Your denial letter, plan documents, and recent claim correspondence can make the initial discussion more productive when they’re available. Our contact form provides another way to request a free consultation.

Call (954) 324-2340 now to discuss your ERISA appeal before the filing deadline passes.

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