About Matthew

Biography

Get A Kansas Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyer On Your Side

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident due to the fault or negligence of someone else, you need attorneys you can trust to help you get the medical care and compensation you rightfully deserve. The Kansas-based personal injury lawyers from Bretz Injury Law know how to win cases for our clients.

Whether you've been injured in a car accident or hurt on the job in Hutchinson, Salina, Wichita, Garden City, Dodge City, Liberal or Hays, our knowledgeable team will work with you each step of the way. We have helped injury victims and their families obtain more than $ in verdicts and settlements. A few of our notable case results include:

$50 Million
Wrongful Death
$18.5 Million
Brain Injury
$3.15 Million
Motorcycle Accident
$5 Million
Car Wreck
$3.25 Million
Car Wreck
$2.1 Million
Farming Accident
$8 Million
Assault
$4 Million
Truck Accident
$2.3 Million
Pedestrian Accident
$2 Million
Truck Accident
$1.75 Million
Motorcycle Accident
$2.5 Million
Product Liability Case

In case after case, we consistently secure the money our clients need to live their lives with dignity. That's what drives us to work hard every single day - helping car accident victims and their families get their lives back on track.

The best way to get to know me and find out why I love being a trial lawyer at Bretz Injury Law is to understand where I come from. I grew up with a single mother and three sisters and spent a lot of time with my grandparents. An inquisitive kid, my mom and grandparents pushed and challenged me, helping me develop a passion for learning. With their support, I got my first job at the age of 11, earned the rank of Eagle Scout by 13, and graduated college and started teaching classical and quantum physics at Kansas State University by the age of 20.

One of the side jobs I did as a kid was yard work for a local retired lawyer. I didn’t know what lawyers did, but I admired this man and wanted to be like him. Physics and teaching intrigued me, but I could not get the idea of being a lawyer out of my mind.

I think there are three primary things that have made me who I am as a trial lawyer. The first was an opportunity to get out of Kansas and attend Pepperdine University School of Law in California on a scholarship. I didn’t realize the importance of it at the time, but I received an education from one of the top law schools in the country. For me – a small-town Kansas boy – this was an eye-opening and horizon-expanding experience.

The second career-defining opportunity was lucking into a job during law school with the Los Angeles firm of Erin Brockovich, Delta Force II, and The Twilight Zone fame, Engstrom Lipscomb & Lack. At Pepperdine I learned “the law,” but at EL&L I learned how to be a trial lawyer, litigating aviation and catastrophic injury cases from around the globe.

The third, and by far the most formative event in my life, occurred on Valentine’s Day in 1992. On that day my 16-year-old sister, Marlee, and two of her friends were delivering baskets of flowers when their car was struck by a train, instantly killing all three of the girls. Going through that devastation with my family at the time and in the years since has given me a personal understanding of the crushing pain suffered by those who have lost a loved one. Since then I have devoted both my professional and personal life to helping those who have been seriously injured or who have lost a loved one, and to making the community a safer and better place to live.

My professional and personal lives bleed together. I am on the National Board of Directors for MADD with the singular goal of bringing an end to the mayhem caused by drunk and drugged drivers. I also volunteer time with the United Way, Red Cross, Interfaith Housing, ABATE, and the Training and Evaluation Center of Hutchinson.

Even after 30 years I still enjoy teaching. As a trial lawyer I get to teach juries, insurance companies, and sometimes even defense experts. To help other trial lawyers improve their skills and get better results for their clients, I teach trial lawyers across the country – from Seattle to Atlanta and every place in between - at the Keenan Trial Institute. I’ve also been able to teach through the local community college, the Boy Scouts, and Sunday School.

I handle motor vehicle, premises liability, dangerous and defective product, and nursing home cases. I’ve been fortunate to receive accolades from CNN, Martindale-Hubbell, and AVVO. But the recognition most dear to me was a handwritten note from a client saying: “You treat me like your only client, and I so appreciate that.”

My wife of 29 years, Amy, and I have two compassionate and driven daughters, Lauren and Hannah. Lauren has a master’s degree in speech pathology and is currently in law school at KU. Hannah is in law school in New York.

Helping those whose lives have been torn apart for over 30 years.

EXCELLENT PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS. EXTRAORDINARY RESULTS.

Practice Areas

Car Accident 25%

25%

Motorcycle Accident 20%

20%

Personal Injury 20%

20%

Trucking Accident 15%

15%

Wrongful Death 10%

10%

Brain Injury 5%

Slip and Fall Accident 5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 120 minutes

Contingency

25%-33%

Awards

2015 2014

Licenses

Licensed in Kansas for 33 years

State: Kansas

Acquired: 1992

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in California for 34 years

State: California

Acquired: 1991

Inactive

No misconduct found

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Location

Bretz Injury Law

(620) 322-4119

Mobile

3 Compound Drive, Hutchinson, KS, 67502

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Law Offices of Matthew Lawrence Bretz

225 N Market, Suite 345, Wichita, KS, 67202

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Law Offices of Matthew Lawrence Bretz

100 N Seventh, Suite 207, Salina, KS, 67401

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Law Offices of Matthew Lawrence Bretz

1151 Fulton Terrace # 5, Garden City, KS, 67846

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Law Offices of Matthew Lawrence Bretz

108 N 14th Ave, Ste D3, Dodge City, KS, 67801

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Law Offices of Matthew Lawrence Bretz

150 Plaza Drive, Suite 109, Liberal, KS, 67901

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Law Offices of Matthew Lawrence Bretz

205 East 7th Street, Suite 335, Hays, KS, 67601

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Online Presence

Other places you can find Matthew online.

Matthew Lawrence Bretz's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

24 Client Reviews

5 star (24)

4 star (0)

3 star (0)

2 star (0)

1 star (0)

Showing 1 - 5 of 24 client reviews from Avvo

Posted by Allen | July 29, 2020 | Hired Attorney

Best

Matthew helped me with my legal issues. Things were great and went according to plan. Anytime I needed help, he was there. I recommend him highly. He really cares about what he does!

Posted by Smith | July 12, 2020 | Hired Attorney

Great Lawyer

I have hired Matt on numerous occasions for my legal needs. I have not hesitated to recommend him to my family members, employees and clients. Many of which have used him and were quite satisfied with the results.

Posted by Deb | October 15, 2019 | Hired Attorney

We Found Our Perfect Match

Matt Bretz and his team handled my personal injury case in spectacular fashion culminating in a fair and just settlement well before going to trial. Their successful track record of years of ethical practices and knowledgeable, effective representation served me well. The lawyer you choose does mak...e a difference. I suffered a debilitating injury in a fall due to unsafe conditions while dining in a Kansas tourist town. We tried to negotiate a fair settlement with the proprietor's insurance company ourselves but they offered us only a laughable, token amount to sign off on all claims since their “investigation” concluded that their client was not at fault. My husband had purchased a couple books on the subject of seeking a premises liability settlement without hiring a lawyer, which greatly aided our case. Learning from the many actual case histories detailed Matt’s book, we were able to compose a compelling and eloquent Demand Letter. Still, the insurance company knew they had the upper hand especially since we were out-of-state and out-gunned. So they hoped that we would simply give up in frustration fighting an uphill battle. One of the books that we purchased from Amazon titled “And Justice for All: Win Your Injury Case with Honesty and Integrity” was co-authored by Matthew Bretz and Melinda Young of Hutchinson, Kansas. Besides the book’s excellent content, the law firm of Bretz and Young was a perfect fit geographically since we now needed a lawyer that was licensed to practice in Kansas yet not in the immediate vicinity of the same town. The stars were aligned which led us to call Matt’s office and shortly afterward he pulled off the road to call us for details. He enthusiastically convinced us that he wanted to take this case (for public safety concerns as well) and was confident in a favorable outcome. He followed up by having photos taken of the deteriorating premise conditions the following weekend and he took charge from day one. Matt is a very cordial and compassionate gentlemen but when it came to his negotiating skills in mediation, his tenacity and experience shone through. Mediation is an increasingly common (and often mandated) formal procedure before assigning a court date that often results in early settlement. We quickly learned to appreciate having Matt on our side. The opposing lawyer team tried a couple tricks but Matt saw right through them and put them on the defense. He then cleverly devised a simple yet effective formula of assigning a calculated value of pain and suffering that a jury could easily assign a tangible figure. Just the mention of presenting this to a jury in closing arguments instantly broke the stalemate in mediation negotiations, leading to a quick and rewarding resolution without the time-consuming expense and uncertainty of a jury trial. Regardless of whether or not you might try going it alone, you would do well to purchase a couple books such as Matt’s to educate yourself for one of the most important financial events of your life. Before you say or do something that might jeopardize your case, take the time to research and learn how the legal system works. Most likely if your case rises to a high dollar figure, you will benefit greatly by choosing the right lawyer to achieve a fair and just settlement. We found our perfect match in Bretz and Young.

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Posted by Logun | October 9, 2019 | Hired Attorney

Great Attorney and Great Staff

Matthew Bretz did a great job of getting my case resolved in a timely manner. Great communication with all the staff at Bretz & Young. Would definitely recommend him and his law firm if you have been in a accident.

Posted by Matt | August 12, 2017 | Hired Attorney

The BEST lawyer

Matt and his staff are very helpful. They always answer my questions with a smile and are very responsive. Matt and his staff treat you with respect and in my opinion are the BEST INJURY LAWYERS IN THE COUNTRY! I would highly reccomend MATT BRETZ!

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Matthew Lawrence Bretz's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Matthew

Ashley Leavitt

Personal injury lawyer | Oct 20

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Matt Bretz inspired me to be an attorney. He is friendly, approachable, knowledgeable, and truly cares about his clients. I highly recommend his services."

John O'Brien

Personal injury lawyer | Aug 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."

Ryan Hodge

Personal injury lawyer | Jun 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Matt is a tireless worker for justice. He is a good lawyer and is not afraid to take a case to trial."

Larry Wall

Personal injury lawyer | May 03

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Matt Bretz for more years than I can recall. I have worked with him on several matters. He is one of the brightest lawyers I have met in my 40 plus years of practice. If I were injured and the case was in Hutchinson, Kansas he is the only lawyer I would call. Larry Wall"

Mark Fletchall

Personal injury lawyer | Sep 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matt is an excellent advocate for his clients. I have had the pleasure of working with Matt in the past, and when my family was in need of a personal injury attorney, sending them to Matt was a no brainer! Highly recommend Matt and his team."

Ethan Kaplan

Personal injury lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Co-worker

"I highly endorse Matt Bretz to anyone needing an attorney for their personal injury or workers compensation claims. He is extremely knowledgeable on the law and has proven both with his track record and his many accomplishments that he is an excellent attorney and fights for his clients."

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Ashley Leavitt

Personal injury lawyer

Richard Oswalt

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

Larry Wall

Medical malpractice lawyer

Mark Fletchall

General practice lawyer

Melinda Young

Car accident lawyer

Ethan Kaplan

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Experience

Rating: 10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Lifetime Member, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

2019

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2019

Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America

2019

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2018

Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Reader's Choice Award, Hutchinson News

2017

Super Lawyer, KC Magazine

2017

Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America

2017

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, KC Magazine

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2016

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Reader's Choice Award, Hutchinson News

2016

Reader's Choice Award, Hutchinson News

2015

Reader's Choice Award, Hutchinson News

2015

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2015

Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, KC Magazine

2014

Reader's Choice Award, Hutchinson News

2014

10 Best Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys

2014

Best Lawyer - Personal Injury, Best Lawyers in America

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, KC Magazine

2013

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2013

Best Lawyers - Personal Injury Litigation Plaintiff, Wichita Business Journal

2013

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Reader's Choice Award - Top 2, Hutchinson News

2013

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Super Lawyer, KC Magazine

2012

Reader's Choice Award - Top 2, Hutchinson News

2012

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

Top 100, National Trial Lawyers Association

2012

AV Rated - The highest rating possible for ability and ethics, Martindale Hubbell

2011

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2011

Super Lawyer, KC Magazine

2011

Reader's Choice Award - Top 2, Hutchinson News

2010

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2010

Reader's Choice Award - Top 2 Attorneys, Hutchinson News

2009

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2008

Top 100 Trial Lawyer, National Trial Lawyer's Association

2000

Life Member, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

1998

Fellow, Roscoe Pound Civil Justice Foundation

1990

Dalsimer Moot Court Award, Pepperdine University School of Law

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Work Experience

1997 - Present

Partner, Bretz & Young

1992 - 1997

Partner, Gilliland & Hayes

1989 - 1992

Associate, Engstrom Lipscomb & Lack

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Associations

2000 - Present

Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Lifetime Member

1997 - Present

American Trial Lawyers Association

Member

1997 - Present

Kansas Trial Lawyers Association

Board of Governors

1992 - Present

Kansas Bar Association

Member

1998 - 2000

Roscoe Pound Foundation

Fellow

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Sample of Legal Cases

Fisher v. Renfro

$1,400,000.00 settlement. Prior attorney tried to settle for $200K.

Johnson v. Hardy

$5,100,000 verdict. $100,000 offer before suit.

Herrell v. National Beef

Verdict of $251,197.86. Defense offered $0 before trial.

Duffy v. State Farm

Verdict of $93,000. Defense offered $0.00 before trial.

Confidential v. Confidential

$3,250,000 settlement. No offer from defense before hiring Bretz & Young.

Martin v. State Farm

$392,000 verdict. Defense offered only $5,000 before trial

Root v. Wickham and Shepler

Verdict of $247,200. Defense offered $5,000 before trial.

Chaney v. Armitage

Record setting jury verdict

Confidential v. Confidential

Settlement of more than $50,000,000.00

Foster v. Wal Mart

Verdict in excess of $500,000.00

Brizendine v. Confidential

Record setting settlement.

P.A. v. Confidential

Settlement in excess of $50,000,000.00

K.H. v. Hembree

Settlement in excess of $2,000,000.00.

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Education

1991

Pepperdine Univ SOL

JD - Juris Doctor

1988

Kansas State Univ

BS - Bachelor of Science

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Speaking Engagements

2021

Keenan Trial College

Seeing is Believing

2020

Keenan Trial College

Damages

N/A

Quarterly meeting

Injury claims

N/A

NBI

Personal Injury 101

N/A

NBI

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims

N/A

Annual Meeting

Elder law issues

N/A

Annual Meeting

How to handle claims in such a way that an injured person does not want to retain an attorney.

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Publications

2014

ISBN 978-0-9906143-0-2 And Justice for All: Win Your Injury Case with Honesty and Integrity - Book authored by Matthew Bretz

2002

Kansas Trial Lawyers Association Just What is "Actual Clinical Practice"?

2001

Kansas Trial Lawyers Association Federal Court Supplemental Jurisdiction of State-Law Medical Negligence Claims in Federal EMTALA Suit

2000

Kansas Trial Lawyers Association Establishing Standards of Care and Conduct Through the Use of Guidelines and Regulations

1999

Kansas Trial Lawyers Association Protecting Our Elders from Nursing Home Abuse

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Languages

English

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Activity

158

Legal Answers

Q&A

Am I just out of luck? Not sure if attorney would just end up costing me more..

30 Apr 2025

Q&A

Wife was killed in car accident was told can't see her body is that legal?

27 Jun 2024

Q&A

Who would be at fault?

13 Dec 2023

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