A spinal cord injury attorney in California represents people who have suffered damage to the spinal cord due to negligence. These injuries are life-changing, affecting movement, sensation, and independence.
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, about 18,000 new cases occur in the U.S. every year, and California’s dense traffic corridors like the I-405 and I-10 contribute significantly to this burden.
At Crown & Stone Law, P.C., our reputation for thorough research and strategy confirms that every case is built on solid medical and legal evidence.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury Under California Law?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is legally recognized as damage to the spinal cord that impairs motor control, sensation, or bodily function. In California personal injury law, SCIs fall under the category of catastrophic injuries, often requiring lifetime care and compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
The most common causes include:
- Motor vehicle crashes on roads and highways like I-5 and US-101
- Slip and fall accidents in unsafe properties across Los Angeles and Orange County
- Acts of violence resulting in penetrating trauma
- Workplace accidents, especially in construction and heavy industry
From a legal perspective, establishing liability requires proving negligence such as, duty, breach, causation, and damages, through medical evidence and accident documentation (such as California Highway Patrol collision reports).
California courts treat SCIs as severe harm, entitling victims to pursue both economic compensation (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic recovery (pain, suffering, loss of quality of life).
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries Recognized in Personal Injury Cases
California law distinguishes spinal cord injuries (SCIs) by severity and impact on daily life. These classifications are central in both medical treatment and legal claims.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
- Partial damage to the cord.
- Some sensation or movement remains below the injury site.
- Common in rear-end crashes on Wilshire Blvd. or sports-related accidents.
Complete Spinal Cord Injury
- Full loss of function below the injury site.
- Victims often require long-term care at facilities like Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
- Considered catastrophic under California personal injury law.
Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia)
- Paralysis of all four limbs, often caused by high cervical injuries.
- Leads to loss of independence and reliance on assistive technology.
- Typically results in multi-million-dollar settlements due to lifetime care costs.
Paraplegia
- Paralysis of lower body and legs.
- Often linked to crashes on the I-405 freeway or workplace falls.
- Requires rehabilitation programs at centers like Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey.
How California Law Handles Spinal Cord Injury Claims
Spinal cord injury (SCI) cases in California fall under personal injury law, which requires proving that negligence caused the injury. Negligence is established through four elements:
- Duty of care: Drivers must follow traffic laws.
- Breach of duty: Texting while driving or failing to maintain safe property conditions.
- Causation: The breach directly caused the spinal cord injury.
- Damages: The injury resulted in measurable harm such as hospital bills, lost income, or need for assistive care.
Wrongful Death
If an SCI leads to fatal complications, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim, seeking damages for funeral costs, loss of support, and emotional suffering.
Because SCIs often result in permanent disability, California courts treat them as catastrophic injuries, a classification that usually justifies higher compensation.
At Crown & Stone Law, P.C., we utilize thorough research to make sure every element of negligence is proven with precision.
A Notable California Case: The Tiphany Adams DUI Head-On Collision
In 2000, 17-year-old Tiphany Adams was a passenger in a vehicle struck head-on by an intoxicated driver in Lodi, California. The high-speed impact was catastrophic, killing other occupants and leaving Ms. Adams with a spinal cord injury resulting in paraplegia.
At Crown & Stone Law, P.C., we approach DUI and high-impact collision cases with rigorous investigation and professional partnerships to make sure that every element, including duty, breach, causation, and damages, is proven with precision.
Statute of Limitations for Spinal Cord Injury Cases in California
In California, the statute of limitations sets strict deadlines for filing a spinal cord injury lawsuit. Most victims have two years from the date of injury to bring a personal injury claim.
Consequences of Missing the Deadline
Courts such as the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles routinely dismiss late claims, even if liability is clear. This makes timing critical in SCI cases.
At Crown & Stone Law, P.C., we file protective claims early to protect our clients’ rights and make sure no deadline jeopardizes their recovery.
Free Consultation With a California Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in California, the stakes are high. These cases often involve lifelong medical care, costly rehabilitation, and profound changes in quality of life. The law allows you to pursue compensation for these losses, but strict deadlines apply.
At Crown & Stone Law, P.C., we are available 24/7 to review your case, explain your options, and protect your rights. Our team combines thorough case research with compassionate advocacy, making sure that every client receives personal attention, not “assembly-line” treatment.
Request your free consultation today, either in person at our Beverly Hills office or virtually anywhere in California.
