Catastrophic Injury Attorney in Austin
Your Support After Catastrophic Injury
After a life-changing accident, feeling overwhelmed is natural. At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we help you move forward. Our team stands up for the seriously injured throughout Austin and Travis County, offering guidance, compassion, and practical answers each step of the way.
Many who contact us in Austin have never faced injuries of this scale before. We understand how local medical resources, rehabilitation programs, and regional support networks operate in Travis County. We draw on this knowledge to help you navigate both the legal and day-to-day decisions after a catastrophic injury. You are not alone in this process—we dedicate ourselves to helping clients and their families regain hope and a sense of direction.
Defining Catastrophic Injuries & Their Impact in Texas
Not every injury results in permanent changes, but catastrophic injuries often lead to disability, long-term care, or a sudden change in your ability to work or live independently. In Texas, courts view these as injuries with lifelong consequences. Examples include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
- Severe burns
- Amputations
- Organ damage
- Severe fractures or multiple major injuries
State law considers how an injury limits your mobility, independence, or overall quality of life. Your story matters, and so does your future. We offer practical guidance and steadfast support when you need a serious injury lawyer in Austin who can help you through the legal and personal challenges these injuries create.
Why Choose Smith & Vinson Law Firm for a High-Stakes Injury Claim?
When the stakes are this high, you cannot afford a "settlement mill" firm that just wants a fast deal. You need proven trial lawyers who will force the insurance company to pay what your case is truly worth.
- You Pay Nothing Unless We Win: We handle all catastrophic injury cases on a contingency-fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs, and we only collect a fee if we win your case.
- We Are Trial Lawyers, Not Just Negotiators: Our firm is led by attorneys with decades of high-stakes courtroom experience, including as former prosecutors and a former judge. Insurance companies pay maximum value when they know your lawyers are not afraid of a jury. Our reputation for trial-readiness is our primary leverage.
- We Have a Record of High-Value Results: We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our injured clients, including a $2.5 Million personal injury settlement. We bring this same aggressive, meticulous energy to your catastrophic injury claim.
What to Expect When Working with a Serious Injury Lawyer Austin
Facing uncertainty after a catastrophic injury can be daunting. Our catastrophic injury attorneys in Austin focus on clarity, empathy, and steady support. When you contact our legal team, you can expect:
- Open, respectful communication at every stage
- Honest answers to your biggest questions
- A strategy that fits your life and your goals
- Steadfast attention to detail so nothing gets missed
Your well-being and peace of mind guide how we work. We stay with you so no decision or step in the process ever feels confusing or overwhelming.
Our commitment goes beyond preparing legal documents or appearing in court. We help you understand options for future care, rehabilitation, and adapting your home or work life to your new needs, using Austin-area resources whenever possible. You will always know what comes next, and we help you set clear, realistic goals and timelines, making sure they fit the local context. Whether your case involves negotiation or going before a judge, our support allows you to make confident decisions about your future.
Contact Our Austin Catastrophic Injury Attorneys
Your family's future depends on the outcome of this case. Do not face the insurance companies alone. Contact Smith & Vinson Law Firm to discuss your situation with an experienced catastrophic injury attorney in Austin.
Call (512) 359-3743 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. You will speak with a trial attorney who understands the challenges you face and is ready to fight for you. You pay us nothing unless we win.
Cases We Take
Your Recovery Is Our Priority
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Car AccidentLearn More -
Dog BitesLearn More -
Truck AccidentsLearn More -
Work InjuriesLearn More -
Wrongful DeathLearn More
Fighting for Your Entire Future, Not Just Your Current Bills
A fast settlement from an insurer might cover your first hospital bill, but it's a trap. A catastrophic injury requires lifelong compensation. We work with a network of top-tier life-care planners, medical experts, and economists to calculate the true, full cost of your injury.
We fight for damages that cover:
- All Future Medical Care: Including surgeries, 24/7 in-home nursing, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.
- Lost Earning Capacity: The income you, and potentially a family caregiver, will lose over a lifetime.
- Home & Vehicle Modifications: The cost of making your life accessible, including ramps, lifts, and adapted vehicles.
- Permanent Pain, Suffering & Mental Anguish: Compensation for the profound, permanent impact this has on your quality of life.
We handle the most severe injury cases that permanently alter your life, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis (quadriplegia or paraplegia), severe burns, amputations, and multiple complex fractures.
Navigating Texas & Travis County Laws in Catastrophic Injury Cases
Catastrophic injury cases under Texas law receive extra consideration for the long-term impact on someone's life. State statutes can define compensation differently based on how and why an injury happened, but local Austin courts often have added expectations. In Travis County, court timelines and available resources can shape the process for someone seeking a catastrophic injury lawyer Austin residents trust.
We guide you through these unique regional factors so you know what to expect regarding timing, available local programs, and the involvement of both state and Austin agencies. Our legal approach always matches current Texas rules and specific procedures for Travis County, giving you practical, reliable guidance from day one.
Pursuing a catastrophic injury case in Austin can involve steps that differ from those in other parts of Texas. Local judicial preferences, mediation programs, and available court resources may affect the outcome or speed of your case. We draw on our active involvement in Travis County to provide advice and manage each phase of your claim. By following changes in Texas law and keeping pace with Austin court procedures, we help you anticipate any legal developments and understand the process at every stage. This regional insight ensures our strategies remain effective and relevant for your situation.
Our Process: How We Win Your Case
Our process begins with a free case evaluation and strategy session where we will listen to your story, review the evidence, and give you an honest, clear assessment of your case and your legal options. From there, we launch an immediate investigation, which in a catastrophic case often means hiring accident reconstructionists and other experts to preserve complex evidence. While we build your case, our team works closely with you, your doctors, and life-care planners to calculate the full, lifelong value of your claim. Finally, we move to aggressive negotiation and litigation, sending a powerful, evidence-based demand to the insurance company. We negotiate from a position of strength, and if they refuse to pay what your case is worth, our trial lawyers will file a lawsuit and take them to court.
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“Brad really takes the time to get to know your situation. He was sharp, respectful, and didn’t sugarcoat anything.”- Kayla S.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is considered a catastrophic injury in Texas? A catastrophic injury is one that causes permanent disability, severe physical limitations, or requires long-term medical care. This includes brain or spinal cord injuries, amputations, severe burns, or organ damage.
How long do I have to file a catastrophic injury claim in Austin? In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. For a complex case, it is critical to contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence and build your case.
Will my case go to court? Many cases settle before trial because the insurance company knows we are fully prepared to go to court. Our trial-readiness is what forces a fair settlement. If they refuse to be fair, we are always ready to go before a jury.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident? Texas follows a "modified comparative fault" (or 51% bar) rule. You can still recover damages as long as you are not found to be 51% or more at fault. The insurance company will try to blame you to avoid paying; our job is to prove the other party's negligence.
Can my family be compensated for helping me? In many cases, yes. The at-fault party may be held liable for the cost of in-home care, even if that care is provided by a family member who had to quit their job. We fight to include all of your family's financial losses in the claim.
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$2.5M Personal Injury
Williamson County Live PD Raid: Our firm represented a family in a civil rights and personal injury case after Williamson County deputies staged a raid on their home for the reality show Live PD. The raid caused serious psychological and emotional injuries, leaving the family traumatized by an event that never should have happened.
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$810k Wrongful Death
Our client experienced every parent’s worst nightmare when an intruder entered the family’s home and attacked their young child. Hearing the struggle in the bedroom, the parent rushed in to fight off the attacker, but the child had already suffered catastrophic injuries. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the child later passed away.
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$180k Car Accident
Full Policy Limits Recovered for Injured Child - Our firm recently represented a young girl who suffered significant injuries when a reckless, uninsured driver slammed into her head-on. The at-fault driver carried no insurance, but we refused to let that leave our client without justice.
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$75k Rear-End Collision
At our firm, we are proud to fight for clients who are injured through no fault of their own. In this case, our client was hit from behind when another driver recklessly smashed into her vehicle. She was left with painful injuries and faced mounting medical bills, missed work, and the stress that comes with being hurt in a crash.
Texas Criminal Appeals FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 512-359-3743 today!
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Expungement is a legal process that can remove certain charges from your record, making it as if they never occurred. In Texas, eligibility for expungement depends on the specifics of the charge and its outcome. Certain eligible offenses include dismissed cases, certain juvenile illegal activities, and acquitted charges. If you are eligible, the process typically involves filing a petition with the court and attending a hearing. It's important to consult with a knowledgeable theft attorney to understand your options and the likelihood of success in obtaining an expungement. Smith & Vinson Law Firm can guide you through this process to help clear your name and improve your future prospects.
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A theft conviction can have profound effects on your future, impacting your employment opportunities, educational prospects, and housing applications. Many employers conduct background checks and a conviction might raise concerns about trustworthiness. In terms of education, scholarships and financial aid can be at risk, especially if the program has moral conduct clauses. Additionally, landlords may be hesitant to rent to individuals with criminal records. You need a theft attorney on your side.
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Being falsely accused of theft can be distressing, but it is crucial to remain composed and seek legal counsel immediately. Document your version of events as soon as possible while the details are fresh in your mind. Collect any evidence that can support your claim, such as receipts, witness testimonies, or surveillance footage. Avoid speaking to law enforcement without a lawyer present, as anything you say can be used as evidence against you. Contact Smith & Vinson Law Firm to discuss how our theft attorneys in Austin can help build a strong defense to clear your name and protect your rights.
If you've been hurt due to someone else's negligence—whether in a car accident, slip and fall, or workplace incident—you may have a right to compensation.
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