Attorney Serving Victims Of Catastrophic Injuries In Austin And Surrounding Areas

Last updated on March 18, 2026

At The Law Office of Matthew Shrum, PLLC, I offer compassionate legal guidance to people who have suffered from life-changing injuries. At my firm, I put my clients first. 

I am attorney Matthew Shrum, and I have been practicing law since 2006. From my office location in Austin, I serve clients throughout Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County and Bastrop County.

Larger firms often pass clients off to staff members who do not know the details of your case. Here, you always have a direct line to me. I remove financial barriers by offering free consultations and working on a contingency fee basis. If you have a catastrophic injury, I am here to help you seek justice.

What Defines A Catastrophic Injury?

Catastrophic injuries are those that have long-term or permanent consequences for the victim. They involve a total shift in your quality of life and your ability to earn a living. These injuries almost always involve high-stakes medical and financial consequences that last for years.

Catastrophic injury claims need handling from an experienced lawyer. Because the damages are so serious, insurance companies tend to fight these cases with everything they have. They want to minimize the amount they pay out. In my considerable experience as a catastrophic injury attorney in Austin, I have successfully handled many of these complex cases.

Examples Of Severe And Life-Altering Injuries

Catastrophic injuries take many forms, but they all share a common thread of devastation. They often require immediate emergency intervention followed by months or years of rehabilitation. Examples of this type of injury include:

• Traumatic brain injury: A blow to the head that can damage brain tissue and lead to cognitive issues or personality changes.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine, often resulting in partial or total paralysis and requiring lifelong assistance.
• Severe burn injuries: Fire or chemical exposure can cause deep tissue damage and permanent scarring that necessitates skin grafts.
• Amputations: The loss of a limb during an accident or through surgical necessity changes how you function in the world.
• Organ damage: Internal trauma that may lead to the failure of vital organs, transplant surgery or long-term medication.
• Loss of vision or hearing: Sensory loss impacts your independence and your ability to communicate with others.

These injuries often lead to chronic pain and emotional distress. The damage is not just physical. It may affect your mental health and your relationships.

What Should You Do Immediately After A Serious Accident?

The moments following a major accident are often chaotic. However, the steps you take in the initial days can significantly impact your legal claim. To preserve evidence and protect your health, try to:

1. Seek medical attention as soon as you can.
2. Report the incident to the police.
3. Gather witness information, including phone numbers.
4. Take photos of the location, any vehicles involved and your injuries.
5. Save every medical bill, insurance letter and repair estimate.
6. Speak with a catastrophic injury lawyer in Austin.

Taking these steps creates a foundation for your case. It prevents insurance companies from downplaying the severity of your injuries. It also ensures that I have the information I need to start an investigation.

How Does The Negligence Rule Work In Texas?

Texas uses a legal standard called modified comparative negligence. This rule determines how much money you can receive if you are partially at fault for the accident. Under this rule, you can only recover damages if your responsibility is 50 percent or less. If a court finds you are 51 percent responsible, you cannot recover any money at all.

If you are partially at fault, the court reduces your settlement by your percentage of fault. For example, imagine a jury awards you $1,000,000 for your catastrophic injuries. If the jury finds you were 10 percent at fault, you would receive $900,000.

In some cases, the defense will try to blame you for your own injuries to avoid paying the full value of the claim. This is why having a skilled catastrophic injury attorney is so important. I work to prove that the other party bears the majority of the blame. I gather evidence to counter any false accusations made by the insurance company.

If You Lost A Loved One To Wrongful Death, Can You File A Claim?

If you are the spouse, adult child, relative or executor of someone killed in an accident, you may have a wrongful death claim. I understand that no amount of money can truly replace the person you have lost. However, a fair settlement can provide the security you need for the future. I fight to hold negligent parties responsible for the harm they cause.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations In Texas?

You do not have an unlimited amount of time to file a lawsuit after an accident. Texas has a strict statute of limitations, or deadline, for personal injury claims. For most personal injury cases, you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date of the injury. If you wait too long, the court will likely dismiss your case and you will lose your chance to hold the negligent party accountable. Start the process as soon as possible to avoid missing this deadline.

The same two-year limit generally applies to wrongful death claims. In these tragic cases, the clock starts ticking on the date of the person’s death.

Waiting until the last minute can make it harder to find evidence or track down witnesses. When you contact me early, I have more time to build a comprehensive case. I submit all your paperwork by the legal deadlines. This can take the burden of tracking these dates off your plate so you can grieve or heal in peace.

Why Work With Me As Your Personal Injury Lawyer?

Choosing the right catastrophic injury lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make. Catastrophic injury claims involve complex medical data and significant financial stakes. For your best chance at success, you need an experienced lawyer who understands the nuances of the law. My firm has deep roots in the Austin community. I know the local courts and how they approach cases. I draw from two decades of experience to take on the powerful insurance corporations. I have spent nearly my whole legal career fighting for the rights of the injured. You will not find a cookie-cutter approach here. I treat every unique client with the respect and dignity they deserve.

As a solo practitioner, I can give your case my undivided attention. You will always speak with me about the progress of your claim. I believe that clear communication is the key to a strong attorney-client relationship. I handle all the heavy lifting, from filing the initial claim to litigating in court if necessary. In addition, I have a long line of positive outcomes, including high awards and settlements, for life-changing injury claims in Texas. You can trust me to be your voice in the legal system. 

Do Not Hesitate: Consult A Texas Injury Attorney For Free

The Law Office of Matthew Shrum, PLLC, is here to support you through this difficult journey. Let me manage every detail of your legal claim with compassion and dedication. To contact me for a free, confidential initial consultation, please call me at 512-994-0313. You can also send me an email to contact me online. I work on a contingency fee basis. That means you will ow me no fee unless I recover compensation for you.