Antonio L. Viera

Antonio L. Viera

also known as Tony

4.9
Rating: 9.5

Licensed for 26 years

Social Security & Disability Lawyer at Tampa, FL
Practice Areas: Social Security, Workers Compensation, Personal Injury, Mediation

601 N Ashley Dr #1100-1007, Tampa, FL

About Antonio

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Social Security & Disability 70%

I have handled disability claims for over 17 years. I also accept children's disability cases and some disability cessation claims. All consultations are free and you meet with the attorney personally, not an assistant. We are only paid if we win.

26 years

70%
Mediation 10%

19 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 45 minutes

Contingency

25%-33%


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 26 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1999

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Carlson, Meissner, Hayslett P.A.

601 N Ashley Dr #1100-1007, Tampa, FL, 33602

Carlson, Meissner, Hayslett P.A.

250 N Belcher Rd Ste 102, Clearwater, FL, 33765

Carlson, Meissner, Hayslett P.A.

7614 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey, FL, 34653

Carlson, Meissner, Hayslett P.A.

433 8th Ave W Suite 103, Palmetto, FL, 34221

Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett P.A

5323 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill, FL, 34606

Carlson, Meissner, Hayslett P.A.

3443 1st Ave N, Saint Petersburg, FL, 33713

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Antonio L. Viera's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

207 Client Reviews

Showing 16 - 20 of 52 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | August 19, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability

Your experience may vary, so be wary.

No lawyer is perfect, but Antonio really has much room for improvement. I've hired him based on the astounding reviews to which others have described him as virtually the hidden jewel of disability attorneys in the area. Yet, I must say begrudgingly that my experience hasn't been very positive. ... Now I'm not all too familiar with the legal system nor the process of disability, but what I found unsettling is that communication is very sparse with this attorney as I've only gotten a chance to speak with him on very few occasions. Lawyers indeed have very busy schedules, but each time I attempted to contact him through his cell, I've been told specifically by his paralegal Vicki to speak directly with her instead regarding all my questions. Vicki on the other hand gave me the impression of being rushed whenever I did take my inquiries to her as her responses were very minimal. Perhaps I reached out far too much or at a bad time? Nonetheless, I've learned to keep things short a simple when addressing my concerns as they'll most likely go unanswered. Although, I must give Antonio praise on his understanding of the legal proceedings within disability law. His understanding of how to navigate such a system will leave you feeling confident enough about your case you can't help but feel at ease during the entirety of it all. Take my experience with a grain of salt. Hire him if you must but just keep in mind that even the best of legal representation won't always get you similar results as others have gotten.

Antonio Viera

Replied last August 19, 2019

I appreciate the kind and positive things you said about my understanding of the legal system and my advocacy on your behalf. And i am glad I made you feel confident and at ease with my handling of your case. I regret you had the impression you were unable to speak with me as often as you wanted to. On the one hand, as your review mentions, all of my clients get my cell phone number. Additionally, every client is given my paralegals's direct number, my email, her email and our fax number...We work very hard to make communication with us as easy and convenient as possible. I have a standing rule that any client that wants an appointment to speak with me gets one. Unfortunately, if you do call me on the cell phone, there are times I am unable to answer, or have to ask a paralegal to respond initially. For example, if I have a court day, or in a meeting with another client. Please let me know if this is something you would like to discuss in person, as I always welcome the opportunity.

Posted by Christopher | August 12, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability

Mr. Christopher Casey

Our decision to hire Antonio Viera as our attorney for my wife`s handicapped adult nephew was based on a highly recommendation from a prior client We would also highly recommend Mr. Viera to anyone that was in need of his professional attorney services for social security law. He has always been very... professional and down to earth with my wife and I. He has always kept is informed of the status of our case. He and his staff are always very courteous and friendly to us whenever we call or drop by there office unannounced. Mr. Viera is great attorney to have on your side when pursuing social security benefits. Thank you Mr. Viera

Posted by anonymous | August 09, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability

Great representation from Antonio Viera

Antonio represented my Social Security disability claim professionally. He exceded my expectations for this dificult situation. My sincere gratitude goes out to Antonio and his legal team.

Posted by Patrick | August 04, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability

I hired Tony after I was denied twice from Social Security. During the first consultation he was very thorough with how the claims process works and what I should expect throughout its entirety. At all times he was very understanding and easy to talk to about my complex conditions. During the time wh...ere I needed to submit all my evidence, which where hundreds of medical pages, Tony thoroughly went through all necessary documents and submitted applicable documents for my Hearing. I believe that I only won my case with his help and would highly recommend anyone to him. Not only was he professional, but our communication was on a much more personal level beyond the scope of his duties as a lawyer. Anytime I needed anything, he would always reply in a quick manner.

Posted by Joseph | August 02, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability

I cannot speak highly enough of Mr. Viera

Let me say the most important parts first: Tony is trauma-informed, extremely empathetic, and has had an uncanny ability to help me feel okay during the triggering and demoralizing process of applying for SSDI. I finally found Tony after I filed my second appeal. I was broke, panicked, and extreme...ly sick from years of disability, and I finally admitted that I needed assistance with the further-demoralizing process of applying for SSDI benefits. I believe Tony is a great lawyer. He has nearly two decades of experience with disability law in Tampa. He knows the judges, the numbers, and the odds. He did everything thoroughly and competently, BUT the truly astonishing part of Mr. Viera are his human qualities. He is empathetic to a degree that continues to astonish me. He is kind and confident in a way that made me feel like I was never alone during this horrible process. He is responsive to messages and his supportive tone never wavered. He is a true ADVOCATE, which is exactly what we need when we are at our lowest points and just trying to survive so that we can get some help to heal. My application for SSDI was finally fully approved a few days ago. I am not exaggerating when I say that finding him as an advocate has helped save my life. While I do not think I would have given up, I am not sure how my case would have gone without such a knowledgeable lawyer and good human being at my back to help me through the process. I recommend him fully and without hesitation.

See All Client Reviews

Antonio L. Viera's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Antonio
Betty Marion Whitman headshot
Betty Whitman

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Feb 19

Relationship: Co-worker

"Antonio is fluent in the law, whether Social Security, workers' compensation or personal injury as well as being fluent in Spanish. He is hard working and strives to obtain the best result possible for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Matthew West Kindel headshot
Matthew Kindel

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Dec 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tony works hard for those who can no longer work. He is dedicated to obtaining benefits for those hard-working Americans that, through no fault of their own, have suffered from injury or other malady and can no longer dedicate themselves to providing an income to meet they or their families' needs. It is with great pleasure that I endorse an individual who works at such a noble task."

Andrew Davidson Spence II headshot
Andrew Spence

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Dec 07

Relationship: Co-worker

"Tony is the hardest working attorney out there. He is loved by his clients, and he truly cares about his clients problems and issues. He is both organized and thorough, and he communicates effectively to always keep his client's up to date regarding their case. I absolutely endorse Tony and highly recommend his services to any and everyone who needs counsel. He is a lawyer that you will SWEAR BY, but NEVER AT!"

Andres Oliveros headshot
Andres Oliveros

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Apr 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tony is a hard-working attorney who knows his stuff. He has handled hundreds, if not thousands, of social security claims, and is a subject-matter expert in this field. In addition, he works quickly, and is very responsive to client needs, even meeting them at the hospital or at home, as the situation may require. A top-notch practitioner."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Personal injury lawyer | Jun 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Antonio. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Macy Michelle Jaggers headshot
Macy Jaggers

Social Security & Disability lawyer | May 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Viera is respected by his clients for his compassion and outstanding results and by his colleagues for his knowledge and hard work. I am confident in endorsing him."

William Chris Demas headshot
William Demas

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Mar 06

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Tony is a wonderful attorney and a better person. I have worked with him and against him in many matters and found it a joy. I have sent many Spanish speaking potential clients to Tony and all have thanked me."

Regina Powers Hunter headshot
Regina Hunter

Personal injury lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Robert C. Alston headshot
Robert Alston

Workers compensation lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have had cases with Mr. Viera and he fights very hard for his client. He is well respected in the legal community for his skills."

Ricardo Rivera headshot
Ricardo Rivera

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Sep 13

Relationship: Co-worker

"Tony is an attorney of the highest ethical and moral standards working at the offices of Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett. He is an excellent attorney. I endorse this lawyer."

Deborah S. Moss headshot
Deborah Moss

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Sep 11

Relationship: Co-worker

"Tony is, in a word, terriffic! As his client review indicates he is exceptionally kind and unlike many lawyers is empathetic to his clients. Tony works hard. He loves his work and his results for his clients show it.I heartly endorse this lawyer."

Edward David Carlson Jr. headshot
Edward Carlson

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Paul A Meissner Jr. headshot
Paul Meissner

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Co-worker

"Tony Viera is an excellent attorney of the highest moral and ethical values. He is a great advocate for his Social Security Disability clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Christopher Gerard Frey headshot
Christopher Frey

Workers compensation lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jason Michael Reid headshot
Jason Reid

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Sep 09

Relationship: Co-worker

"No attorney that I know works as hard for his clients as Mr. Viera. This, coupled with his vast knowledge of the law, makes him a fierce negotiator and formidable adversary."

Gary A. Hewetson headshot
Gary Hewetson

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Sep 09

Relationship: Co-worker

"Tony is an extremely hardworking, compassionate attorney who is especially adept at helping his clients through traumatic times. He is experienced, knowledgeable and an outstanding advocate. I endorse this lawyer."

Matthew Mayne Donaldson headshot
Matthew Donaldson

Immigration lawyer | Sep 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Hard worker, good family man, honest as the day is long and a great lawyer."

James Streeter Jenkins III headshot
James Jenkins

Immigration lawyer | Sep 07

Relationship: Co-worker

"I have the pleasure of personally knowing Mr. Viera and would endorse him on any legal issue a client may have. Whether it involves injury, disability, or immigration, Tony always has a way to find an answer for his clients. He is a great resource for both other attorneys and his clients."

Casey K. Carlson headshot
Casey Carlson

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Sep 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Antonio Viera is an excellent attorney who I am proud to work with. I endorse this lawyer."

Terri Fay Cromley headshot
Terri Cromley

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Jul 18

Relationship: Co-worker

"Tony is an excellent attorney. He is very understanding with his clients and is well respected in the legal community. I am honored to work with him in the representation of both social security and workers' compensation clients at Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett."

View All Endorsements
Zachary Dana Peck headshot
Zachary Peck

Criminal defense lawyer

Daviana Marie Braniff headshot
Daviana Braniff

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew Blane Wheeley headshot
Matthew Wheeley

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Betty Marion Whitman headshot
Betty Whitman

Workers compensation lawyer

Matthew West Kindel headshot
Matthew Kindel

DUI and DWI lawyer

Leo David Gomez headshot
Leo Gomez

Workers compensation lawyer

Edgar Joseph Guzman headshot
Edgar Guzman

Personal injury lawyer

Andres Oliveros headshot
Andres Oliveros

Personal injury lawyer

Daniel Antonio Alvarez Sr. headshot
Daniel Alvarez

Unknown lawyer

Andrew Davidson Spence II headshot
Andrew Spence

Workers compensation lawyer

Regina Powers Hunter headshot
Regina Hunter

Divorce and separation lawyer

Robert C. Alston headshot
Robert Alston

Workers compensation lawyer

Jennifer Ann Burns headshot
Jennifer Burns

Personal injury lawyer

Edward David Carlson Jr. headshot
Edward Carlson

Personal injury lawyer

Jacqueline Blanton Steele headshot
Jacqueline Steele

Workers compensation lawyer

Paul A Meissner Jr. headshot
Paul Meissner

Personal injury lawyer

James Streeter Jenkins III headshot
James Jenkins

Criminal defense lawyer

John Larry Hart headshot
John Hart

Personal injury lawyer

James Kevin Hayslett headshot
James Hayslett

Criminal defense lawyer

Ricardo Rivera headshot
Ricardo Rivera

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.5 (Superb)

Honors

2021

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Client's Choice Award, Avvo Professional Rating Service

2015

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

Accreditation to Handle VA Claims, Department of Veterans Affairs

2014

Superb Rating, Avvo

2013

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Avvo 2013 Client's Choice Award in Social Security, Avvo

Work Experience

2010 - Present

Attorney, Carlson & Meissner

2001 - 2010

Attorney, Barrs & Williamson

2000 - 2001

Attorney, Theresa Wigginton General Personal Injury

1998 - 1999

Clerk, Stuart Joiner Jordan Holmes

1998 - 1999

Clerk, Sawyer Johnny

Associations

2011 - Present

National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives

Attorney Member

2010 - Present

Clearwater Bar Association

Attorney Member

2008 - Present

Tampa Bay Hispanic Bar Association

Attorney Member

1999 - Present

Hillsborough County Bar Association

Attorney Member

1999 - Present

Florida Bar

Admitted

2002 - 2005

Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers

Attorney Member

2001 - 2007

Florida Workers' Advocates

Attorney Member

Sample of Legal Cases

I have done over 1,000 social security trials

See More Legal Cases

Education

1999

Stetson University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1995

University of South Florida

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2017

Vincent House Seminar

Qualifying for Disability Benefits

2015

Vincent House

Children With Special Needs: Guide to Federal Benefits

2015

School Conference

Your Immigration Questions Answered

2014

Vincent House

Introduction to Disability Benefits

2014

Florida Hemophilia Association Seminar

The Social Security Disability Appeals Process

2011

Catholic Charities Organization

Obtaining Social Security Benefits

Publications

2016

Carlson Meissner Newsletter Continuing Disability Reviews

2015

St. Petersburg Neighborhood News Do I Qualify for Disability?

2010

Languages

Spanish

English

Activity

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