Practice Areas

Because we are a boutique firm, we are able to provide a highly personalized level of service. You will work directly with our attorneys from beginning to end, and we will be available to answer your questions and offer frequent updates. In addition to Social Security disability claims, we can also help you with several other legal remedies and recovery methods. 

Our attorneys at Harris & Riviere can assist you with cases involving:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI is intended for people who become disabled and are no longer able to do substantial work. To qualify, you must have earned sufficient “work credits,” which you will automatically accumulate by working jobs and paying Social Security taxes. Generally, the older you are, the more work credits you will need. Someone at retirement age will need 40 work credits, and you can earn up to four work credits per year. It is often easier to get SSDI benefits if you are older. We frequently handle claims involving cardiac diseases, children’s disability benefits, diabetes, fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, HIV, orthopedic injuries, pulmonary diseases, and other types of disabilities.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You may be eligible for SSI benefits if you have a severe disability that prevents you from working or if you are at least 65 years old. You must also meet strict income and asset limits, meaning you will not be able to get benefits if you still make a substantial income or own a large amount of property. Like with SSDI benefits, SSI is easier to secure if you are older. 
• Workers’ Compensation. If you are injured in a work-related accident, you have the right to report your injuries to your employer, who must carry workers’ compensation insurance if they have more than four employees. Your employer’s insurance company should cover your medical expenses and offer compensation for missed wages. In exchange, you will in most cases be unable to pursue a personal injury claim against your employer. We understand how to approach cases involving COVID-19, healthcare workers, and heart and lung issues.

• Long-Term Disability. Many workers are covered by their employers’ long-term disability insurance policies or choose to invest in private policies. Depending on the specific language of your policy, you may be eligible for 50% to 80% of your wages if you become unable to work for an extended period of time. We can help you navigate the claims process and represent you in communications with the insurance company. 
• Personal Injury. You can file a personal injury lawsuit against any party whose negligence results in injury or other types of harm. Florida law requires you to bring a claim within four years of the accident (or two years from the date of a victim’s passing in cases of wrongful death). We can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, property damage, pain, suffering, loss of consortium, punitive damages, and all other losses. Our firm handles claims involving car accidents, dog bites, wrongful death, slips and falls, and negligent security.
• Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare is a federal program that offers healthcare opportunities for people with qualifying disabilities or people over the age of 65. Medicaid provides healthcare resources to individuals and families with limited income. We can help you determine your eligibility for and apply to either program. 
• Widow/Widower Disability Benefits. If your spouse was eligible for Social Security disability and passed away, you may be entitled to benefits if you meet certain eligibility requirements. We can help you understand and pursue your options in these scenarios. 

Have questions about your eligibility, rights, and options? Call (813) 669-2080 or contact us online to get answers today.