$22,000,000 injury settlement.
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Jury holds hospital accountable for serious brain injury.
If you are unable to work due to a catastrophic injury or mental illness, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. The application process can be difficult to navigate on your own, but our team at Burnetti, P.A. is here to help.
Our St. Petersburg SSD attorneys have the experience and resources to fight for you. We know how to navigate the system to get you the benefits you deserve. We are ready to help you get the compensation you need.
Social Security Disability is a federal program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a qualifying medical condition. There are two primary types of Social Security benefits:
These programs are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and are intended to help cover basic living expenses such as housing, food, and medical needs when you are unable to earn a paycheck.
To qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits, you must meet strict eligibility requirements set by the SSA:
The SSA also maintains a “Blue Book” list of impairments that automatically qualify as disabilities if certain criteria are met. Even if your condition is not on the list, you may still qualify if you can prove it severely limits your ability to work.
“People come to us at the hardest moments of their lives. My job is to give them strength, fight for what’s right, and make sure their voice is heard where it matters most—in court.”
Unfortunately, the majority of initial SSD applications are denied. Common reasons for denial include:
At Burnetti, P.A., we can help you avoid these pitfalls by preparing a complete, accurate, and well-documented claim from the start. If your claim has already been denied, we can represent you in the appeals process to fight for the benefits you deserve.
When accidents happen, every moment counts. At Burnetti, P.A., we treat every client like family, providing personalized attention and aggressive representation to protect your rights. Reach out now for a free consultation and start your path to justice.
Navigating the SSD process is complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our St. Petersburg Social Security Disability lawyers can:
Our goal is to take the stress off your shoulders while giving you the best possible chance of securing the benefits you need.
Applying for SSD benefits can be overwhelming. If you are unable to work due to a catastrophic injury or a mental illness, you deserve to get the benefits you need to support yourself and your family. Our experienced Social Security Disability attorneys in St. Petersburg can help you get the benefits you deserve. We are ready to help you get the compensation you need.
Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer and founder of Burnetti, P.A., Doug Burnetti has spent his career fighting for the injured across Florida. Known for his courtroom skill and dedication to justice, he leads a firm built on integrity, strength, and results—recognized by Florida Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell® for excellence in trial advocacy.
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Compassionate, friendly and professional law firm. I was hurt in a car accident and didn’t know where to turn. They dealt with the insurance company on my behalf and that was a tremendous relief. I could concentrate on healing. I am so grateful for their support and help. I definitely am in the best hands. The best law firm if you want a caring knowledgeable attorney on your side. Thank you, Burnetti, PA.
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Initial decisions typically take three to six months. If you appeal a denial, the process may take longer, depending on hearing wait times in Florida.
You may be able to work part-time and earn below the substantial gainful activity limit without losing benefits. The rules differ for SSDI and SSI, so it’s important to speak with an attorney.
Conditions such as cancer, heart disease, severe back injuries, mental disorders, and neurological conditions may qualify. The SSA evaluates each case individually.
You have the right to appeal. The appeals process includes several stages: reconsideration, a hearing before an ALJ, review by the Appeals Council, and finally, federal court if necessary.
While you are not required to have legal representation, statistics show that applicants with an attorney are more likely to be approved, especially during the appeals process.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. It was approved by attorney Doug Burnetti, founder of Burnetti, P.A., a board-certified civil trial lawyer with experience handling cases involving auto accidents, premises liability, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, and product liability.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at 1-800-287-6388.
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