
$725,000
available insurance
coverage. Just prior to
the third trial a
settlement was negotiated
at $675,000 above their
policy limit.


$1.9 Million
litigation for $2 million.
High-speed bus crash.
Bus company sued for
wrongful death of a
56-year-old grandmother.


"Couture Law PA fought
for us when others said
we had no case. I admire
their tenacity & appreciate
their dedication more
words more words."
– R. BALTAZAR

"From the first call to last
handshake they treated
me like a VIP with
personal attention to
details, follow through
from beginning to end."
– T. SALZEIN
Melbourne SSDI Attorneys
We help Social Security Disability Applicants In Brevard County

SSDI is an acronym for the Social Security Disability Insurance program. IT is a government-administered insurance program designed to provide financial benefits for disabled workers. A worker who has a terminal illness or a serious medical condition which prevents him or her from working for at least one year may be eligible. Florida Spouses and children of disabled workers may also qualify to receive financial benefits under this program. Filing the necessary paperwork can be taxing, and many choose to hire a Melbourne SSDI lawyer to help with the process.
To qualify for SSDI, a worker must meet the criteria of two earnings tests: the “recent work test” and the “duration of work test.” These criteria measure the age at which a worker became disabled and the duration of time that a worker was employed prior to becoming disabled. If a disabled worker qualifies for SSDI benefits, the monthly amount will be calculated based on the worker’s average lifetime earnings.
Why seek the assistance of a lawyer?
The SSDI application process can be arduous, complicated and time-consuming. Medical records and work information must be gathered and provided. Multiple forms must be completed either online at ssa.gov or at the applicant’s local Social Security office. The application process usually takes several months. If the application or any accompanying required form is insufficiently prepared, lengthy delays can occur. Let an experienced lawyer from Couture Law work closely with you to ensure that your application is properly prepared. An attorney in Melbourne will be familiar not only with the administrative rules of the Social Security Administration but with local, state and federal laws governing the Social Security Disability process. Further, if an application is initially denied, a Melbourne SSDI attorney can assist the client in determining whether appealing is an option.
SSDI is not SSI
The SSDI program is sometimes confused with the SSI program. SSI stands for “Supplemental Security Income” and is a different disability benefits program available through the Social Security Administration. Rather than the determination of benefits based on an applicant’s work history, SSI awards are based on the applicant’s financial need. A disabled worker who qualifies for SSDI may also qualify for SSI.
Disability determination factors in Florida
The Social Security Administration examines certain questions to determine whether an applicant is truly disabled. Some of these questions are:
- Is the applicant working? How much is the applicant earning?
- How severe is the applicant’s medical condition? Does it limit the applicant’s ability to perform basic work activities, like sitting, standing, lifting or remembering?
- Is the applicant’s medical condition on the list of impairments maintained and updated by the SSA?
- Can the applicant still do the work they once did?
- Can the applicant do any other work? What skills do they have? What level of education do they have?
If applicants are still working, they will likely not qualify for SSDI in Florida. If applicants have chronic medical conditions but are still able to perform basic work activities, they likely will not qualify for SSDI. However, the specifics of each applicant’s situation should be discussed with a Melbourne SSDI attorney prior to ruling out a disability claim.
How much does a personal injury attorney cost?
At Couture Law P.A. you won’t pay a penny unless our personal injury lawyers prevail at trial, or procure a settlement on your behalf. This arrangement is commonly referred to as payment “on a contingency basis.” Suffice to say, we’ll help you fight for every dollar for your pain and suffering.
How much time do I have to file an injury lawsuit?
The period of time from the date of the accident until you no longer can file a claim is known as the “statute of limitations.” In Florida, the amount of time in which statutes expire varies by case type. The statute of limitations for most injury cases is four (4) years. For medical malpractice and wrongful death cases, it’s two (2) years. Always err on the side of caution by consulting with your personal injury attorney.
Do I have a case?
Because no two cases are alike, injury attorneys should gather and analyze all of the facts regarding your case before addressing this question. After tracking down and speaking with witnesses, we’ll give you a fair, honest assessment of your unique situation – and how we can help.