Christopher Smith is a Board Certified Workers Compensation attorney serving the Tampa and surrounding areas. Additionally, Mr. Smith represents individuals in connection with claims for Social Security disability benefits. Smith has been practicing workers compensation law in the Tampa Bay and representation of injured workers, he is committed to the protection of their legal rights. He has been Board Certified in Workers Compensation law 1, 2003 legislative changes have severely impacted workers rights and drastically transformed the way insurance companies process claims. It is imperative that injured workers understand the full range of benefits available to them under the law, and obtain qualified representation to consultations to individuals throughout West Central and Southwest Florida. Social Security Disability The Social Security Administration SSA has established programs to assist individuals who have become disabled as a result of injuries or medical conditions. According to the SSA, an individual who, by virtue of a disabling condition, is unable to work for 12 consecutive months is entitled to apply for benefits under either Social Security Disability SSD individuals who have been working consistently in employment covered by the Social Security system. SSI has no such limitation test. Mr. Smith handles only SSD cases, and does not accept SSI cases for representation. Mr. Smith has represented individuals in connection with SSD claims since 1994. There are no fees or costs paid in Social Security Claims unless the claim has been accepted by the SSA. The fee amount is based upon 25 of the benefits current serving president of Florida Workers Advocates, an association Mediations Mr. Smith has been a certified court mediator since 1998. He has performed mediations in workers compensation cases throughout West Central Florida. His standard rate