Board-Certified Trial Attorney with 150+ Cases Tried to Verdict

Attorney David P. Matthews has been chosen by US News & World Report as one of the Best Lawyers in America from 2016-2023. He has been repeatedly voted by his peers as one of the top trial lawyers in the country and is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization—a rigorous credential held by fewer than 3% of Texas attorneys.

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Trial-Tested Leadership

Mr. Matthews has tried more than 150 cases to verdict, demonstrating the trial readiness that sets Matthews & Associates apart from settlement-focused firms. His courtroom expertise has resulted in significant victories, including a $73 million jury verdict in a vaginal-mesh implant case.

From Defense to Plaintiffs' Champion

Mr. Matthews began his legal career developing insurance coverage opinions and defending carriers in court, handling major subrogation claims ranging from $5 million to $500 million. This defense-side experience provides invaluable insight into corporate strategies. However, for the last 33+ years, he has worked solely for injured plaintiffs, driven by his calling to "stand up and speak for the person that doesn't have a voice."

Founding Matthews & Associates

After 18 years as a partner at Abraham Watkins—one of the oldest personal injury firms in Texas—Mr. Matthews founded Matthews & Associates in 2005. The transition came as he specialized increasingly in complex medical device and pharmaceutical litigation, moving approximately 30 team members to establish a firm focused on mass tort and product liability cases requiring specialized medical knowledge and resources.

Areas of Legal Focus

His firm handles several types of cases for plaintiffs, including:

• Mass Torts
• Defective Medical Devices
• Dangerous Drugs
• Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
• Clergy Abuse Lawsuits
• Zantac Cancer Claims

Nationwide Legal Experience

Mr. Matthews is licensed to practice law in Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, and Mississippi, and prosecutes cases nationwide through pro-vice arrangements with attorneys licensed in virtually every state. His nationwide representation has helped injured people across the country attain some of the largest verdicts and settlements in pharmaceutical litigation against makers of drugs such as Phen-Fen, Rezulin, Vioxx, Bextra-Celebrex, and Roundup.

Comprehensive Litigation Portfolio

Beyond pharmaceutical and medical device cases, Mr. Matthews has extensive experience in:

• Environmental lawsuits and toxic torts
• Employment and civil rights cases
• Premises liability and plant explosions
• Class actions (including hot fuel litigation)
• Nursing home abuse and clergy molestation
• Car and truck accidents
• Mesothelioma litigation

National Recognition & Media Presence

Selected among the best plaintiff's firms in the country by US News & World Report in 2023, Matthews & Associates has secured compensation for thousands of clients nationwide. Mr. Matthews has been featured in Mother Jones Magazine, on CNN and Dateline MSNBC, and interviewed on National Public Radio (NPR). His legal expertise has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Boston Globe, Houston Chronicle, the UK's Daily Mail, and many other publications.

Personal Background & Community Commitment

A product of two teachers from a large Wisconsin family, Mr. Matthews knew in 7th or 8th grade that he wanted to be a lawyer. This background instilled in him the values of education, hard work, and service to others. Married for 25+ years and a father of five, he contributes to several local, national, and international charities, including Human Rights First, where he also serves on the board. He loves music and counts Texas legend Willie Nelson a friend.

Mr. Matthews finds his greatest professional satisfaction in helping others: "Not everyone has an opportunity to talk and convince a jury of what is right. I think that's probably the greatest pleasure I have in life—helping others and working for others and speaking for others in the courtroom."