Matthew Mayne Donaldson

PRO

Matthew Mayne Donaldson

also known as Matthew M. Donaldson

5.0
228 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 9.5

Licensed for 32 years

Personal injury Lawyer at Brooksville, FL
Practice Areas: Personal Injury, Social Security

31 S. Main Street, Brooksville, FL

Free Consultation

About Matthew

Biography

Over 28 Years Experience Serving Personal Injury and Disability Clientele Throughout Hernando, Pasco and Citrus Counties. Call today! (352) 796-0016

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Personal Injury 75%

33 years

75%
Social Security & Disability 25%

33 years

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 45 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Check

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2022 2021 2020
...
+ 6
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2012

Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 32 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1993

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Matthew Mayne Donaldson

31 S. Main Street, Brooksville, FL, 34601

lowmanlawfirm.com/our-lawyers/matthew-m-donaldson

Lowman Law Firm

275 S.E. US Highway 19, Crystal River, FL, 34427

lowmanlawfirm.com/our-lawyers/matthew-m-donaldson

Matthew Mayne Donaldson's Reviews

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Workers Compensation

Posted by Kevin | August 02, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Workers Compensation

Disability Case

To give some essential background information, I am in my mid-fifties. I was an order puller/tractor-trailer driver in deliveries for seventeen years at a large company with over twenty years experience. I first injured my lower back while at work in 2006. I was treated with physical therapy, and p...ut on light duty until I recovered. In due time, I returned to my position. Then, in late 2010 and 2011, I sustained several more injuries at work; one resulting from a fall and another from a cast-iron tub falling on me. In addition, I severely injured my rotator-cuff in my right shoulder while cutting rebar. In subsequent months, I experienced the nightmare of Worker's Compensation in Florida. As a result, I hired a Worker's Comp attorney. Once again, I was placed on light duty for about six months. I had surgery on my right shoulder. It was completely torn from the bone. Then, while still on light-duty (I was being treated by a pain doctor), I was fired on March 11, 2013. This year would have been my twentieth year on the job, where I planned to retire. All I ever wanted was to get properly diagnosed, treated, and return to regular duty. This never happened. I feel like I was used up and thrown away. My paralegal recommended Matt Donaldson for Disability. My Worker's Comp ran out at the end of 2013. I now have no medical insurance, no income, and I have been living on my savings since 2014. My condition has gotten worse. Several MRI reports reveal herniated discs in the cervical region as well as the lumbar. Also, an MRI of my skull detected a cyst at the back of the brain. I first saw Matt in April of 2013. He agreed to take on my case, as my overall condition was getting worse. My family doctor believed that I was also suffering from clinical depression. My doctor prescribed medication for pain and depression, but I got very sick, as I have a very low tolerance for taking medications in general. I met with Matt at his office several times in the following months to go over my case. Initially, we were supposed to go to court in May/June of 2015. During this time, I was paying out-of-pocket for all my medical expenses. Unfortunately, my "final hearing" (equivalent to a court trial) kept getting postponed. This was due to the enormous volume of cases being heard. Needless to say, I was feeling both anger and frustration, because I was in a state of limbo for over three years. Matt encouraged me to stay positive. His office always kept in contact with me, and I could call anytime when I had questions. They are truly professional, in every sense of the word. Finally, we got a court date (June 1, 2016), just over three years since my employment was terminated. I met with Matt in April/May. He thoroughly briefed me in every aspect of my case. I completed all the remaining paperwork documenting my injuries and condition. The night before my case, I barely got any sleep. I met with Matt about an hour before the hearing. He definitely calmed me down, reiterating that I should just be myself and tell my story. I was fighting for my life. At this point, I must say that Matt Donaldson has real presence, and that hard-to-define quality: charisma. He's at the top of his game. He is tall and distinguished and articulate, and exudes confidence in his ability to argue the case. He looks the part. Like it or not, appearances and impressions do matter, with judges and clients alike. At the final hearing, the burden of proof is extremely high. The presiding judge had only a forty percent or less approval rate. Matt argued my case admirably. He made the point that I was never fully diagnosed and treated under Worker's comp. For instance, I only got one series of injections in my back, instead of three. Matt pointed out that I now suffer chronic pain in my back, neck, and head. I suffer from arthritis in my ankles and spine. Despite the evidence, I don't think I would have "won" my case without Matt.

Posted by AJ | December 10, 2013 | Workers Compensation

I got back my life

I was injured in an automobile accident while on the job. I lost everything as a result of this accident and now live in constant pain. My whole life changed and I lost everything. Mr. Donaldson handled my Social Disability claim. I had spent a long time in the system and was starting to become m...ore angry and depressed as time went on. I had many obstacles to overcome, the biggest one being my age. At forty obtaining disability was a challenge, though medically I was severely restricted on what I could do, and my condition was getting worse. Every step of the way, Mr. Donaldson was with me. He always treated me with respect and as a person. I asked humbled questions, and got sincere and honest answers. Mr. Donaldson made me feel like I was not alone in this battle. He explained everything, he told it to me truthfully, and looked at things from my point of view. I was awarded my benefits and now feel some vindication. I was injured through no fault of my own, and now I finally have some kind of closure for my five year struggle. I truly believe that if I had not had Mr. Donaldson as my attorney for this matter, I would not have been awarded my benefits. I believe that there would not have been another attorney that would have taken care of my situation with such genuine concern and care. Mr. Donaldson advice and guidance helped me to make the right decisions and provided me with options and alternatives. In my eyes, he performed a miracle and gave me what I needed to move on with my life. I will forever be grateful. I would highly recommended Mr. Donaldson for any one who is going though what I went through. The system will defeat you, but Mr. Donaldson is there to help you overcome the many obstacles you face.

See All Client Reviews

Matthew Mayne Donaldson's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Matthew
Bradley David Souders headshot
Bradley Souders

Personal injury lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matt has been practicing law for more than twenty years; and, he has earned the respect of lawyers and judges in the community. He actively keeps himself up to date with the changing laws and he represents his clients with dedication and loyalty, also earning their trust and referrals. I highly endorse this lawyer."

Betty Marion Whitman headshot
Betty Whitman

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Feb 19

Relationship: Co-worker

"Matt is attentive to his clients and loved by them! He knows the law, the system and how to get the best results for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."

George Hartman Brown headshot
George Brown

Unknown lawyer | Jun 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"It is with pleasure that I highly endorse Matt Donaldson. I have known Matt for many years and he is not only a highly skilled and competent attorney but also someone who works well with clients and gets the job done. Matt is well respected in the legal community and known for his honesty and integrity. It is an honor to endorse Matt."

Robert Anthony Green Jr. headshot
Robert Green

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Oct 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Matt is both a well respected and competent legal counselor. The heart of Matt's success lies within his respect and integrity within our legal community. Matt is also extremely involved in our community outside work hours."

Andrew Davidson Spence II headshot
Andrew Spence

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Oct 03

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse Matt Donaldson because he tenaciously pursues justice on behalf of his clients, and he gets them winning results in a cost-effective manner. I recommend Matt to anyone who wants an attorney that cares about their case and treats them with respect. Do yourself a favor, and call Matt if you need representation for a disability case. You will be impressed with his in-depth knowledge of the issues and his ability to get the results that you desire."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Sean Cleary headshot
Sean Cleary

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."

Matthew West Kindel headshot
Matthew Kindel

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Mar 28

Relationship: Co-worker

"Matthew Donaldson seeks social security benefits for the disabled. Anyone who has been disabled for any reason and is seeking SSI or SSDI benefits should seek the counsel of Mr. Donaldson."

Purav Bhatt headshot
Purav Bhatt

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Terri Sharonda Herron headshot
Terri Herron

Unknown lawyer | Jan 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Jacob Jan Sapochnick headshot
Jacob Sapochnick

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Tony Seaton headshot
Tony Seaton

Insurance lawyer | Nov 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Chong Hae Ye headshot
Chong Ye

Unknown lawyer | Aug 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

V. Iyer headshot
V. Iyer

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Attorney Donaldson. He is excellent with his clients and has great reputation in the community."

Joseph M Martinous Jr. headshot
Joseph Martinous

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Jul 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mr. Donaldson as being highly skilled and knowledgeable in the areas of Social Security and Personal Injury Law."

David Laurence Altman headshot
David Altman

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Jul 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

James Donald Garrett headshot
James Garrett

Social Security & Disability lawyer | May 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew Donaldson is a talented and well respected social security attorney who I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a lawyer who really cares about his clients."

David B Kampf headshot
David Kampf

Insurance lawyer | Apr 25

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. He knows the law and knows how to litgate on behalf of his clients. I appreciate that he is always well prepared. He is very professional as well."

Timothy Michael Doud headshot
Timothy Doud

Personal injury lawyer | Jan 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Howard Iken headshot
Howard Iken

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Dec 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Richard Michael Corcoran headshot
Richard Corcoran

State, local, and municipal law lawyer

Stephanie Anne Lowman headshot
Stephanie Lowman

Motorcycle accident lawyer

Bradley David Souders headshot
Bradley Souders

Personal injury lawyer

Adam Robert Bugg headshot
Adam Bugg

Personal injury lawyer

Betty Marion Whitman headshot
Betty Whitman

Litigation lawyer

George Hartman Brown headshot
George Brown

Personal injury lawyer

Paul Donnelly headshot
Paul Donnelly

Criminal defense lawyer

Andrew Davidson Spence II headshot
Andrew Spence

Personal injury lawyer

Matthew West Kindel headshot
Matthew Kindel

Criminal defense lawyer

Purav Bhatt headshot
Purav Bhatt

Criminal defense lawyer

Terri Sharonda Herron headshot
Terri Herron

Family lawyer

Jacob Jan Sapochnick headshot
Jacob Sapochnick

Immigration lawyer

Tony Seaton headshot
Tony Seaton

Personal injury lawyer

John Thomas Coyne headshot
John Coyne

Consumer protection lawyer

Adam Brum headshot
Adam Brum

Personal injury lawyer

Chong Hae Ye headshot
Chong Ye

Car accident lawyer

Joseph M Martinous Jr. headshot
Joseph Martinous

Personal injury lawyer

David Laurence Altman headshot
David Altman

Car accident lawyer

V. Iyer headshot
V. Iyer

Criminal defense lawyer

Edward David Pollard headshot
Edward Pollard

Probate lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.5 (Superb)

Honors

2022

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2020

Clients' Choice Award, Avvo Professional Rating Services

2017

Disability “Top 10" Attorney selection, Florida, The American Institute of Legal Counsel

2015

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

"Nation's Top One Percent", National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2014

VA-Accredited Attorney, Dept of Veteran Affairs

2012

Managing Attorney (S.H), 2012 Florida's Top Ranked Law Firms, Martindale Hubble/Wall Street Journal

2012

"Top Contributer Award, Social Security", Avvo Professional Rating Service

Work Experience

2018 - Present

Injury Attorney, Lowman Law Firm

2007 - 2017

Managing Attorney, Spring Hill Offices, Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett

2003 - 2007

Lead Injury Attorney (Tampa Office), Kennedy Law Group

1993 - 2003

Managing Partner, Rutger and Donaldson

Associations

2015 - Present

National Association of Distinguished Counsel

Attorney Member

2012 - Present

Hernando County Bar Association

Attorney Member

2012 - Present

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Attorney Member

2010 - Present

National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives

Attorney Member

1993 - Present

Florida Bar

Attorney Member

1993 - Present

Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers

Attorney Member

1993 - Present

American Association for Justice

Attorney Member

1993 - Present

United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida

Attorney Member

1993 - Present

Florda Justice Association

Lifetime Member

2003 - 2007

Hillsborough County Bar Association

Attorney Member

1993 - 2003

Clearwater Bar Association

Attorney Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Over 1000 SS final hearings

Fully Favorable or On The Record Awards

See More Legal Cases

Education

1992

University of Miami School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1988

University of South Florida

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2017

Social Security Disability Law

Claimant Preperstion

2013

The great American Teach In

Personal Injury Law

2013

7 Springs Civics Auditorium

Overview of The Three Branches of our Government

2012

The Great American Teach In

"What Does it mean to be a Lawyer?"

2012

Attorney Speaker; Public Forum, "Ask a Lawyer'

Pitfalls of Homeowners and Health Insurance Policies

2012

Attorney Speaker; Public Forum, "Ask a Lawyer"

What really happens in a Jury trial?

2012

Attorney Speaker; Hernando Bar Open Public Forum, "Ask a Lawyer"

Personal Injury

2012

Attorney Speaker; Hernando Bar Open Public Forum, "Ask a Lawyer"

Social Security Disability

2012

Attorney Speaker: Hernando County Forum, "Ask A Lawyer"

Slip & Fall/Premises Liability

2012

Attorney Speaker, Hernando Bar, "Ask a Lawyer" Conference

Understanding your Auto Insurance

2011

CLE Speaker: Introduction to Social Security Law

Social Security Law, the importance of the hearing brief

2011

CLE Speaker: Introduction to Social Security Law

Social Security Disability, Vocational Expert cross examination

2011

CLE Speaker: Introduction to Social Security Law

Social Security Disability, Attorney Fee recovery

2011

CLE Speaker: Introduction to Social Security Law

Social Security Disability, client prep strategies

2011

CLE Speaker: Introduction to Social Security Law

Social Security Disability Hearing Tactics

Publications

2012

Carlson/Meissner Blog The Art of Jury Selection

2011

Carlson/Meissner Website The 5 Step Sequential Evaluation Process

2011

Carlson and Meissner Website Slander and Libel Explained

2011

Carlson & Meissner website Overview of Tort Litigation

2010

Carlson and Meissner website Animal Attack Cases (in Florida)

2010

Carlson and Meissner website Overview of Tort Litigation

Languages

English

Activity

Top Contributor

Matthew earned significant contribution points in 2012.

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution