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Spinal Cord Injury Austin Trial Lawyers

Austin Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Support After A Life-Changing Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury can change every part of your life in a moment. Mobility, work, and day-to-day independence often become uncertain while medical bills and questions about the future pile up. If you need a spinal cord injury lawyer that Austin victims and families can turn to for clear guidance, our team is here to help.

At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, our Austin personal injury attorneys take a strategic, results-driven approach to serious injury cases. We carefully investigate what happened, identify every potentially liable party, and work with trusted medical and financial professionals to understand the full impact of your injury. Our goal is to position your claim for the strongest possible outcome from day one.

We know you may feel overwhelmed, frustrated with insurance companies, and unsure where to start. You do not have to navigate this alone. We offer free consultations to people in Austin and throughout Travis County so you can understand your options before making any decisions.

Speak with trusted Austin spinal cord injury attorneys today. Call (512) 359-3743 for a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue compensation.

Why Injured Clients Choose Smith & Vinson

People with spinal cord injuries and their families come to us because they want a law firm that is both strategic and personal. At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we carefully evaluate every serious injury case we handle. We build a strong position through investigation, evidence development, and collaboration with experienced professionals, then press for accountability from those who caused the harm.

Our attorneys are prepared for the possibility of trial. We negotiate when it makes sense and push for fair resolutions, but we are also ready to present your case in a Travis County courtroom if that is the best way to pursue the compensation you deserve. That readiness shapes how we handle your claim from the start.

Because we are based in Austin, we understand how serious crashes and other incidents happen here and how insurers often respond to catastrophic claims in this area. Clients also appreciate that we offer personalized attention. You are not treated like a file number. Our team takes the time to understand your goals and concerns, and we stay accessible throughout your case.

We represent spinal cord injury clients on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay upfront attorney fees for us to handle your case. Our fee is typically a percentage of any recovery we obtain for you. During your free consultation, we explain how this arrangement works so you can feel comfortable before moving forward.

This page is provided by attorney Brad Vinson of Smith & Vinson Law Firm, whose practice includes serious personal injury matters in Texas state courts. 

Attorney Credentials

The Trial Lawyers Behind This Page

Spinal cord injury claims require attorneys prepared to go up against insurance carriers and defense experts with substantial resources. Here is the verifiable trial background of the lawyers at Smith & Vinson who handle these cases.

2 Texas Super Lawyers
Former Associate Judge
3 Former Prosecutors
Federal Court Admitted
Statewide AG Prosecutor
BBB A+ Accredited

Personal Injury Partners & Associates

Partner & Trial Attorney
Page Author

Co-founder of Smith & Vinson and the attorney who authored this page, Brad is a named Texas Super Lawyer who has recovered millions for clients in catastrophic and serious personal injury cases, including auto, trucking, and premises liability matters. He serves on the Williamson County Criminal Defense Bar board, teaches trial strategy to other lawyers at legal conferences across Texas, and has dedicated experience representing active duty military service members.

  • Texas Super Lawyer (2024–2025)
  • 10.0 Avvo Rating
  • Garland Walker Mock Trial Champion
  • Summer Trial Academy, Best Advocate Overall Award
  • Texas Trial Lawyers Association & Williamson County Bar Association
Partner & Trial Attorney

A former assistant district attorney and former associate judge, Jarrod has recovered millions for injured Texans in catastrophic personal injury cases. Named a Texas Super Lawyer — a distinction held by only 2.5% of Texas attorneys — he is also admitted to practice in the U.S. Federal Courts for the Western and Eastern Districts of Texas and regularly lectures other attorneys on litigation strategy at conferences across the state.

  • Texas Super Lawyer (2022–2026)
  • 10.0 Avvo Rating
  • South Texas College of Law Houston, J.D. — Cum Laude, Top 20%
  • Garland Walker Mock Trial Champion
  • South Texas Law Review, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
  • Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, Prosecutor
  • U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Texas, Law Clerk
  • Texas Trial Lawyers Association & Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association
Senior Associate Attorney

Charles brings over a decade of institutional litigation experience as a lead prosecutor at the Williamson County Attorney’s Office, felony prosecutor at the Brazos County District Attorney’s Office, and statewide prosecutor of public officials across Texas at the Office of the Attorney General. He graduated magna cum laude from Wake Forest University and earned his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law. At Smith & Vinson, he handles depositions, motions, and negotiations for injured clients.

  • University of Texas School of Law, J.D.
  • Wake Forest University, B.A. — Magna Cum Laude
  • Williamson County Attorney’s Office — lead prosecutor, dozens of jury trial verdicts
  • Brazos County District Attorney’s Office — felony cases & juvenile law docket
  • Texas Attorney General’s Office — statewide prosecution of public officials

Personal Injury Case Results

$2.5M Personal Injury — Civil Rights & Serious Psychological Harm
$810K Wrongful Death — Catastrophic Injuries
$400K Personal Injury — Traumatic Brain Injury & Cervical Herniations
$300K Personal Injury — Full Policy Limits, Fractures & Nerve Involvement
$238K Multi-Vehicle Collision — Serious Injuries
$1.2M Premises Liability — Catastrophic Ankle Injury, Defective Stairway

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Results vary based on the specific facts and circumstances of each case. View full case results →

Verify independently: Attorney profiles are publicly listed on Super Lawyers, the Texas State Bar directory, LinkedIn, and Yelp. The firm holds a BBB A+ rating and has been in operation since 2016.

Spinal cord injury cases involve lifelong financial stakes. Get a free, confidential consultation with our trial team — you pay nothing unless we win.

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Turn Your Injury Into Action Get the Compensation You Deserve

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.

How Spinal Cord Injuries Change Life

When you suffer trauma to your spinal cord, it can disrupt the signals that travel between your brain and the rest of your body. Some people lose movement or feeling below the level of the injury. Others face chronic pain, weakness, or changes in bladder and bowel control. Even incomplete injuries can create serious and permanent limitations.

Spinal cord trauma often follows high-impact events. These can include car and truck collisions, motorcycle crashes, significant falls, or other incidents caused by careless or reckless conduct. In the Austin area, many spinal injuries arise from traffic collisions on busy highways and city streets. No matter how it happened, the medical and financial consequences are often long-term.

According to organizations such as the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many people with spinal cord injuries require ongoing care and face substantial lifetime costs. That can involve multiple surgeries, inpatient rehabilitation, assistive devices like wheelchairs, and modifications to the home. Family members may also need to change work schedules or leave jobs to help with daily care.

All of this affects more than just health. It can reshape careers, family roles, and personal goals. When we handle spinal cord injury claims, we pay close attention to how your injury has changed your day to day life so that your claim reflects the full scope of what you are facing.

What Compensation May Cover

In a spinal cord injury case, compensation is not only about paying immediate hospital bills. It should account for the care, support, and financial losses you will likely face over years or even a lifetime. When we build a claim, we work to capture both current and future damages that are tied to your injury.

Medical costs can start with emergency transport, trauma care, and surgery. They often continue through inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient therapy, medications, and follow-up visits. Many clients also need durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, braces, or lifts, along with home or vehicle modifications so they can safely live and travel. In more serious cases, ongoing in-home assistance may be necessary.

Your ability to work may be permanently changed, even if you can eventually return to some form of employment. We look at past and future lost income, career paths that are no longer realistic, and benefits you may miss out on. Your claim can include lost earning capacity, which is the difference between what you could have earned without the injury and what you can reasonably expect to earn now.

Spinal cord injuries also affect quality of life in ways that are not captured by receipts. Texas law allows recovery for losses such as pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages recognize that you have lost experiences and abilities, not just wages. When we present your case, we work to explain these changes clearly and respectfully.

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate you for the measurable financial losses caused by your spinal cord injury. Because these injuries often require extensive treatment and lifelong care, economic damages can represent a substantial portion of a claim.

These damages may include emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, physician visits, prescription medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitation, and future medical care. Compensation can also cover the cost of specialized medical equipment, mobility devices, in-home nursing care, home accessibility modifications, and vehicle adaptations that allow you to maintain as much independence as possible.

Lost income is another important component of economic damages. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your ability to earn a living, you may be entitled to recover both the wages you've already lost and the future income you are reasonably expected to lose over your lifetime.

Non-Economic Damages

Not every loss associated with a spinal cord injury has a clear dollar amount. Non-economic damages are intended to compensate victims for the personal and emotional consequences of living with a catastrophic injury.

Depending on your circumstances, these damages may include compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, permanent disability, physical impairment, and the loss of enjoyment of life. Many spinal cord injury victims can no longer participate in hobbies, recreational activities, or family traditions they once enjoyed. These life-changing impacts deserve to be recognized when pursuing compensation.

Although non-economic damages can be more difficult to calculate than medical bills or lost wages, they often represent a significant part of a spinal cord injury claim because they reflect the lasting effect the injury has on your daily life and overall well-being.

Punitive Damages in Rare Cases

In limited circumstances, Texas law may allow punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, these awards are not intended to compensate the victim for specific losses. Instead, they are designed to punish particularly egregious misconduct and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Punitive damages may be available when a spinal cord injury results from gross negligence, fraud, or malicious conduct, such as an extremely intoxicated driver causing a catastrophic crash. Because these damages are only awarded under specific legal standards, an experienced attorney can evaluate whether they may apply to your case.

Spinal Cord Injury Claims

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most from spinal cord injury clients and families in Austin.

Spinal cord injuries generally fall into two groups. A complete injury means all function is lost below the point of damage. An incomplete injury means some movement or sensation remains, and the outcome depends on where along the spine the damage occurred and how the specific nerve pathways were affected. Cervical injuries near the neck often affect all four limbs, while injuries lower on the spine tend to affect the lower body. Every case is different, and an accurate diagnosis from a treating physician is the starting point for building a claim.

Car and truck collisions on highways such as I-35 and MoPac are among the leading causes, along with motorcycle crashes, pedestrian and bicycle accidents, and slip and fall incidents at stores, apartment complexes, and job sites. Regardless of how the injury happened, the key legal question is always whether another person's carelessness played a role.

The value of a spinal cord injury case depends on medical costs, future care needs, lost earning capacity, and how the injury affects your daily life. We review your records, consult with medical and financial professionals, and then work to pursue compensation that reflects your specific situation.

These cases often take longer than minor injury claims because of the need to understand long term effects and costs. Some settle in many months, while others take longer, especially if a trial is needed. We keep you informed and explain timing as your case progresses.

Texas law generally requires personal injury lawsuits to be filed within two years of the date of the injury under Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. Missing that deadline typically bars recovery entirely, no matter how serious the injury, so it is important to speak with an attorney well before the deadline approaches.

Source: Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Section 16.003

Often, yes. Texas follows a proportionate responsibility rule under Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 33, which allows recovery as long as you are not found more than 50 percent responsible for the accident. Your total award is reduced by your percentage of fault, so a jury finding you 20 percent at fault would reduce your compensation by that same percentage.

Source: Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 33

Many spinal cord injury claims resolve through negotiated settlements, so a trial is not always required. However, some cases do go before a judge or jury. We prepare every case carefully, discuss options with you, and are ready to take your case to court if that becomes necessary.

We typically handle spinal cord injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay upfront attorney fees. Our fee is usually a percentage of any recovery we obtain for you, and we explain the details clearly during your free consultation so there are no surprises.

If a spinal cord injury makes travel difficult, we can discuss options to connect in a way that works for you, such as phone or virtual meetings. Our goal is to make the process as accessible as possible so your family can get legal guidance without added strain.

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, lifetime health care and living costs for a person injured at 25 can range from roughly two million dollars for less severe injuries to more than six million dollars for high tetraplegia, and these figures do not include lost income, pain and suffering, or family caregiving costs. That is one reason a fair settlement has to look decades into the future rather than only at today's bills.

Source: National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC)

Have a spinal cord injury question of your own?Talk to an Austin spinal cord injury attorney at Smith & Vinson Law Firm in a free consultation.

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  • Not Guilty 2nd DWI

    911 caller reported a major rollover, single car accident. EMS and fire arrived on scene. They had to break the window to get our client out of the car. He said he had swerved to miss a deer and had been up close to 18 hours before the crash. Police later arrived on scene, spoke to our client and he admitted to coming from a bar and drinking 2 martinis.

  • Case Dismissed DWI

    Our client was pulled over for failure to signal intent to turn. The arresting officer claimed the vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed (67 MPH in a 30 MPH zone) resulting in a chase. When our client stopped, the officer noted the smell of alcohol on our client’s breath.

  • Motion to Suppress Granted During Trial DWI .11 Blood Warrant

    Second jury trial (first hung 4-2 not guilty). State dismissed mid-trial after we won motion to suppress. Client asleep in driver’s seat of parked truck, engine running. Officers claimed alcohol odor from vehicle but couldn’t specify source.

  • Pre-Trial Diversion DWI Voluntary Blood Draw

    Our Client was pulled over and investigated for DWI. He was asked to perform Standard Field Sobriety Tests and subjected to an eye movement test. He also voluntarily provided a blood sample to be tested. The results were twice the legal limit. Our client has a prior felony conviction. The State waited a full 2 years after the incident and right before the deadline of the statute of limitations were to expire to file the charges against our Client.

  • Motion to Suppress Granted; Case Dismissed DWI 2nd .209
  • Case Dismissed Intoxication Assault

    Our client had allegedly been drinking with friends after work. He woke up in the hospital after an accident that severely injured another person. We fought for our client in our negotiations with the prosecutor on his felony Intoxicated Assault charge and worked with the injured party’s insurance company on a plan to compensate her for her injuries. The felony was ultimately dismissed and reduced to a misdemeanor DWI charge.

  • Case Dismissed DWI

    Our client was stopped for a headlight that had gone out and was then arrested for and charged with DWI. He consented to a breath test and blew a .11. Upon reviewing the dash cam video, we discovered that the field sobriety tests were performed off camera. We knew that the video would not be usable in trial and used this information to pressure the prosecutor during our negotiations.

  • Case Dismissed Felony DWI w/ Child Passenger

    After spending Thanksgiving Day with her family, our client drove home with her daughter in the backseat of her car. She was pulled over for speeding and given a warning. At that point, she should have been free to leave. Instead, a backup officer arrived on scene and demanded that the client step out of the car so he could perform an “investigation.”

  • Pre-Trial Diversion DWI Voluntary Blood Draw

    Our Client was pulled over and investigated for DWI. He was asked to perform Standard Field Sobriety Tests and subjected to an eye movement test. He also voluntarily provided a blood sample to be tested. The results were twice the legal limit.

  • Not Guilty DWI .17 Blood Result

    A soldier on base at Fort Hood hit a parked car in the parking lot of his barracks while attempting to back into a parking space. A bystander called 911, believing the driver to be drunk. Military Police investigated the incident and performed field sobriety tests. The soldier was arrested for DWI and his blood was drawn for analysis. The lab results came back, showing an alleged blood alcohol content of 0.178.

  • Not Guilty DWI .22 Blood Warrant

    This was the 2nd time we tried this case. First one ended in a mistrial last year. 911 caller reported 2 people leaving a restaurant belligerent and stumbling. Officer arrived on scene, conducted field sobriety tests and arrested client for DWI. Client refused to provide a sample. Warrant was obtained and blood came back a .22.

  • NOT GUILTY DWI

    911 caller reported our client passed out in the middle of an intersection. Police arrived on scene, and would later find meth, cocaine, and THC gummies inside the car. There were also two open containers of alcohol in the front console. Client was very groggy and unintelligible but woke up pretty quickly after officers arrived. According to the officers, the client failed the field sobriety test. But, of course, they always say this.

  • Not Guilty DWI .24 Blood Warrant

    Our client, an older male working professional, was stopped for a traffic violation while leaving downtown Round Rock. A major issue arose with the blood analysis conducted by a DPS analyst who had a prior disciplinary history.

  • Probation (was looking at 25 to life in prison) Felony DWI

    Our client was arrested and charged with DWI. The alleged BAC was 0.083. However, because he had 6 prior DWI’s and had previously been to prison multiple times, the client was facing 25 years to life in prison. The client accepted responsibility for the crime and our attorneys set this case for a sentencing hearing in front of the judge, where we put on a strong mitigation case with multiple witnesses. We were able to avoid prison or jail for the client. He was sentenced to probation.

  • Case Dismissed DWI

    Our client was charged with a DWI in Waco when he was caught crossing through a ditch to get to a frontage road during traffic. He admitted to having three drinks and performed SFSTs. However, he refused to provide breath or blood to the officers.

  • Case Dismissed DWI

    Our client left 6th Street at 2:00 AM after celebrating an anniversary and fell asleep at the wheel. He was arrested for DWI at 4:30 AM and blew a .138 on the breathalyzer.

  • Case Dismissed 2nd DWI

    Our client was involved in a vehicle accident in La Grange where she was ejected from the vehicle and had to stay in the hospital. There was alcohol in the car, and she had prior DWIs. The ethanol levels in her blood came back at a .13 so she was charged with Driving While Intoxicated. This client was unaware that she was charged after she left the hospital which resulted in the charge of Bail Jumping. However she maintained that she had only an 8% functioning liver due and upon researching her medical hist

  • Case Dismissed/Charges Reduced DWI With Child Passenger - Felony
  • Case Dismissed DWI

    Our client, a veteran, fell asleep at the wheel and was involved in an accident. He was arrested for DWI and refused to give a breath or blood sample to the police. He came to us concerned that a DWI conviction would put an end to his military benefits. We received a plea offer for a DWI conviction with 15 months of probation, but we knew we could do better.

  • Case Dismissed; Charges Reduced Felony DWI

    Our client was arrested for her fourth DWI with an alleged BAC of 0.168. The State aggressively prosecuted this case and sought prison time. We were able to work with the client on a mitigation strategy that resulted in the State agreeing to drop the felony and offer probation on a misdemeanor, keeping the client out of jail.

  • Case Dismissed DWI

    Our client was stopped by a police officer for driving the wrong way down a one-way street. A Blood Warrant was issued, and the test came back .09. Our client was new to the area and attempting to get a job. Pleading guilty to a DWI was not an option. After negotiating with the prosecutor, our firm was able to get the DWI charge dismissed after successful completion of 18 months deferred prosecution.

  • Not Guilty 2nd DWI

    Our client was pulled over for a traffic violation. Officer smelled alcohol, client admitted to consuming a few drinks. Officer also noted slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. Client performed the SFST’s (roadside tests). Officer said he failed all 3, eye test, walk and turn and one-leg stand. Officer placed client under arrest and asked him for a sample of breath and/or blood. Client refused. Officer did not get a blood warrant.

    If you’re in Travis County and facing charges, I’d absolutely recommend giving this firm a call.
    “Brad really takes the time to get to know your situation. He was sharp, respectful, and didn’t sugarcoat anything.”
    - Kayla S.
    Great defense lawyers.
    “Very professional and efficient throughout my entire case. They took my situation seriously, explained every step, and made sure I felt supported. You can tell they’ve handled serious cases in Travis County before.”
    - Destiny E.
    It’s clear they care about the people they work with, not just the legal outcome.
    “I’ve worked with a few law offices over the years, but Smith and Vinson made the biggest impression. From the first time I heard and met with them, they were professional, kind, and genuinely attentive.”
    - Thomas A.
    My experience with this law firm was fantastic
    “From the first call to the last, they stayed in communication with me and let me know every step of the way. The attorneys at this office and the support staff got my case dismissed with no problems. If you find yourself in a situation, I highly recommend calling this firm.!”
    - Lyndsey O.
    The level of professionalism, expertise, and care I received was spectacular.
    “From our very first consultation, Charlie took the time to truly understand my situation, explain my options clearly, and guide me every step of the way. I highly recommend him and his staff.”
    - Didi C.
    They exceeded all my expectations with their professionalism, compassion, and dedication.
    “The entire staff was incredibly helpful, responsive, and made me feel supported every step of the way. I’m truly grateful for their expertise and care, they made a stressful situation so much easier to navigate.”
    - Cielo J. R.
    Highly Recommend - Professional, Compassionate, and Responsive Team!
    “I had a very positive experience working with Smith and Vinson Law Firm. Jarrod and his paralegal, Paloma, were very organized, professional, responsive, and kept me informed throughout the process. Jarrod is very knowledgeable and experienced, and I especially appreciate his thoughtful consideration and genuine compassion during a very traumatic personal injury time.

    Jarrod was always accessible and prompt whenever I had questions or when matters needed attention, which made a meaningful difference throughout the process.

    Everything was handled with care and attention to detail, and I would highly recommend Jarrod and his team.

    - Ravi K.
    Highly Recommend
    “I am incredibly grateful for the care and support I have received from this law firm. After my car accident, they have treated me with respect and kindness and have exhibited genuine compassion during a very traumatic time. Jarrod took the time to explain processes clearly and was patient when answering all of my questions. Between him and his paralegal, Paloma, I have felt comfortable and informed every step of the way. I cannot thank this team enough for all they have done and continue to do during this difficult time. If you are searching for a team that will stand by you and put in the effort to reach the best possible outcome, I cannot recommend Smith & Vinson enough.”
    - Mariah S.
    Smith and Vinson were incredibly helpful when I needed legal advice.
    “They didn’t waste time, explained everything clearly, and were super prepared. If you need a criminal defense lawyer in Austin, this is a firm you can trust!”
    - Keira C.

Talk To Our Team Today

If you or a loved one is facing a spinal cord injury, you deserve focused legal support and clear information about your options. Speaking with our Austin spinal cord injury lawyer can help you understand how the law applies to your situation and what next steps make sense.

At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we offer free consultations and handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay upfront attorney fees. Our attorneys investigate what happened, work with trusted professionals to value long-term needs, and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.

To talk with an attorney about your spinal cord injury case in Austin or surrounding communities, call (512) 359-3743 or contact us online.

  • AVVO Brad
  • AVVO Jarrod
  • The College of the State Bar of Texas
  • National Trial Lawyers

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