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Stewart D. Matthews
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Stewart D. Matthews
S.D. Matthews & Associates
2817 Regal Road
Suite 105
Plano, TX 75075
Phone: (972) 398-6666 | Fax: (972) 398-6634
http://www.stewartmatthewslaw.com
Focusing on the Client.
Legal Topic
Personal Injury
Preferred New Clients
Injuries from products / wrongful death / trucking accidents / seriously injured clients
Sub-Categories
Personal Injury
- Car/Auto Accidents
- Wrongful Death
- Medical Malpractice
- Construction Site Injuries
- Sports Injuries
- Design Defects
- Manufacturing Defects
- Assault & Battery
- Sexual Assault
- Airplanes
- Buildings
- Mass Transit - Bus, Train, Subway
- Ships & Boats
- Medical Products & Devices
Bar Admissions
TX, May 2003
Bar Number: 24039042
Other Court Admissions
All Texas State Courts - District and County; Federal Courts - Eastern District, Northern District, and Southern District
Association Memberships
TTLA, ATLA, Frisco Bar Association, Plano Bar Association, Collin County Bar Association, DTLA, multiple committees in various organizations.
Continuing Education
I have published articles on various topics, including product liability cases. I have lectured to various groups, and I have been in charge of coordinating the Personal Injury breakout session for the Collin County Bench Bar Association. As always, I enjoy attending other courses where my peers teach from their own experiences. I adhere to the saying, ' A wise man learns from his mistakes, but an intelligent man learns from other's mistakes."
Papers and Publications
Recognizing Product Liability Cases - ATLA
Example Cases
Baseball batting cage - a young man was severely injured by a portable batting cage. This case involved showing the cage was designed in a manner where it could potentially hurt people. This company claimed no other persons had ever been injured by this cage, but our investigation found evidence of a prior concern for safety. A confidential settlement was reached.
A young man was killed when his vehicle blew a tire and the SUV rolled. He left behind a daughter he had not seen born. This is a typical tire de-tread and vehicle stability case. We represent the entire family on this case.
Another young man had his finger severed when it got caught in the gears of an automatic garage door. Again, this was the first case this company claims to have received regarding this product. The solution to fix the problem was simple, but the company never bothered to use it. Just prior to trial, a confidential settlement was reached.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
Texas Wesleyan University School of Law
City:
Fort Worth
State:
TX
Year:
2002
Honors:
Graduation Speaker
Focus and Accomplishments:
Many awards in Moot Court; asked to Judge multiple competitions for Mock Trial; involved in the community in Public School awareness of the Judicial System.
Degree:
B.S.
School:
University of Tulsa
City:
Tulsa
State:
OK
Year:
1987
Honors:
Graduation with Honors
Focus and Accomplishments:
Psychology
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
Texas
Firm Focus and History
We focus on Wrongful Death and permanent or extensive injury cases where the damage that was realized through the fault of another - the fault could be from a products, a company, truckers, accidents, work area accidents, children's toys, sporting equipment, etc.
The Firm was established in 2005 as a solo firm after extensive work with some one of the more well respected firms in Texas focused on products which injure people. This was an exceedingly high volume type firm. We decided to focus on individuals. This kept our clients from becoming only numbers and settlements. There are family issues and stories to each client, and each deserves the attention which will allow that family member of deceased relative or injured individual know they are achieving satisfaction through the law for the negligence of others.
Previous Employment Summary
Initially, I worked as an Associate for other Plaintiff attorneys in Texas. My focus in prior firms has always been product cases where people have been injured or loved ones lost by a faulty product. However, prior to law school, I traveled world-wide designing, selling, and distributing medical implants, specifically spinal implants. I watched mistakes being covered up and good doctors being demonized for bringing those mistakes to light. I also watched companies hide mistakes and decide problems with products only mattered if they were caught. I wanted to see more done to protect us average guys who put their trust in these companies and care providers.
Activities and Awards
I am on several committees for the Texas Trial Lawyers Association.
Judiciary Committee for National Mock Trial Association in Dallas.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
This can help an attorney see other avenues in which to tackle a case. However, it becomes problematic when the client feels his/her way is the only way. I spend time to help my clients understand why we ignore certain aspects and embrace others. There are times it is simply a choice of which path seems more advantageous. No guarantees can ever be made, so I let my clients have as much input as possible, but they do need to remember they hired me for a reason.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I always want to look at documents my clients possess. These often present areas of help or highlight potential problems. It is better I know of a problem before the other side informs me. Thus, I am always willing to look at them for possible help or concerns on a case.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I will take some time to let potential clients know they could handle a case themselves, but my time is how I make a living. If I offered free services, I would go broke.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
There is nothing more fun than being in front of a jury after a case has been developed, and showing them why a client deserves to be compensated for his/her injuries. This is especially satisfying when there is a company which feels it is above the law, and it cares more about profits than the safety of the customer using its product.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
This is a second career for me, but I hit the ground running. Before I graduated law school, I had done more depositions and had more courtroom experience than most seasoned lawyers. I watched companies and people in power positions use their power correctly and watched others abuse it. I know what to look for in those that abuse it, and I enjoy humbling them. At the same time, I am aware of the power my career holds, so I am cautious not to take on cases simply because I can - there needs to be a valid reason for a lawsuit.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
There is only one time an average Joe is equal to an influential company or person with power - that is in a courtroom. Too often the average guy is ignored or stepped on by those with more power. I enjoy giving the average guy a voice when he/she has been hurt by those with power.
What do you like best about your career?
When I see the look of one of my clients after they have finally been vindicated. Sometimes they simply need to be heard, sometimes they want an apology, sometimes they can never be "fixed," but it helps when they have had their day to tell a company what happened to them mattered and it hurt.
Tell us about your law firm:
Because we are a smaller law firm, we are able to offer our clients highly personalized service based on open communication and a free and frank exchange of information. We listen to our clients, understand their concerns, and work with them to design a legal strategy that will achieve their desired goals. We also talk to them, informing them of the status of their case when desired, and we often seek their input before any major steps are taken.
What are your strengths and style?
I can be a docile easy going person to help get a case moving. Or, I can hit the opposing side where it hurts. I will be honest to my clients about their case - they will know their strengths and weaknesses on the case. If there is a problem, they will know it. If there is an advantage, they will know it.
Personal Interests:
Family. I spend as much time as I can with my family.
Office Manager/Assistant
Apryl Thompson
Fax
(972) 398-6634
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
24 Hour Service
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
40% plus expenses on contingency cases
Hourly Rates
$350/hour if not a contingency case
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, and the time depends on the type of case.
Typical Retainer
If not a contingency case, then $2,500, but may vary depending on type of case.
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