Spinal Cord Injuries Lawyer in California

Life-Changing Injuries Demand Relentless Advocacy

A spinal cord injury (SCI) can change everything in a moment, mobility, independence, work, and family life. When someone else’s negligence causes that injury, you deserve a legal team that understands the full scope of your losses and knows how to prove them. For more than 25 years, the Law Offices of Michael D. Payne has taken on high-stakes cases and recovered meaningful results for seriously injured clients across Los Angeles County and beyond.

Why Spinal Cord Injury Cases Are Different

SCI cases aren’t ordinary personal injury claims. They require:

• Immediate investigation to secure evidence before it disappears
• Medical expertise to explain the level and completeness of injury (tetraplegia, paraplegia; complete vs. incomplete)
• Life-care planning to map out decades of medical needs, equipment, and in-home support
• Vocational and economic analysis to calculate lifetime lost earnings and benefits
• Home and vehicle modification assessments to enable safe, independent living where possible

We invest in the right experts, neurologists, physiatrists, life-care planners, economists, accident reconstructionists, so insurers and juries understand the real costs and the human impact.

Common Causes We See (and How We Prove Them)

Spinal cord trauma often follows high-energy impacts or dangerous conditions. Our firm regularly handles SCI cases arising from:

• Motor vehicle crashes (rear-end, T-bone, rollover, motorcycle, trucking, rideshare like Uber or Lyft)
• Premises liability (falls from height, unsafe stairs/railings, collapsing structures, negligent security)
• Construction and worksite incidents (falls, struck-by events, crane/scaffold failures)
• Medical negligence (surgical errors, delayed diagnosis of spinal compression, anesthesia mishaps, birth trauma)

We move quickly to secure scene photos and video, vehicle “black box” data, incident reports, witness statements, and maintenance/safety records. Where needed, we reconstruct the event to prove fault.

Understanding Your Injury and Your Future Needs

The level and completeness of an SCI shape both medical care and damages:

• Cervical injuries (C1–C8): potential tetraplegia, respiratory involvement, greater attendant-care needs
• Thoracic injuries (T1–T12): paraplegia, trunk control issues
• Lumbar/Sacral injuries (L1–S5): varying lower-extremity impairment, bowel/bladder/sexual function changes
• Complete vs. Incomplete: determines remaining motor/sensory function and rehab potential

We translate complex medical findings into practical, future-focused proof: equipment (wheelchairs, standing frames), therapies, spasticity management, pressure-injury prevention, home health aides, vehicle lifts, and accessible housing modifications.

Compensation and What We Pursue

A fair settlement or verdict must cover both today’s bills and tomorrow’s needs:

• Emergency care, surgeries, hospitalizations, inpatient rehab
• Ongoing therapies (PT/OT, respiratory, speech/cognitive), medications, supplies
• Durable medical equipment and technology (power chairs, cushions, beds, lifts, smart-home adaptations)
• Home and vehicle modifications (ramps, widened doorways, roll-in showers, hand controls)
• Attendant and respite care (part-time to 24/7)
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity (including benefits and career trajectory)
• Non-economic losses (pain, loss of mobility and independence, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life)
• Loss of consortium for spouses/partners
• Punitive damages where the law allows (egregious or reckless conduct)

Insurers “do the math” on catastrophic cases, and then try to pay less. We counter with a meticulously documented life-care plan and credible expert testimony.

What To Do After a Suspected Spinal Cord Injury

• Get emergency medical care immediately. Insist on full spinal precautions.
• Avoid statements to insurers. Refer all calls to your attorney.
• Preserve evidence. Keep photos, contact info for witnesses, vehicles or defective products, and all discharge paperwork.
• Follow medical advice. Gaps in care are used to discount claims.
• Call our firm early. We can protect your rights and begin the investigation while evidence is fresh.

Answers to Common Questions

How long do I have to file a spinal cord injury lawsuit in California?

In many negligence cases, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Medical malpractice and claims against government entities have shorter or different deadlines and special notice requirements. Because timing can be tricky, speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

What if I was partly at fault?

California’s comparative negligence rules may still allow recovery, reduced by your percentage of fault. Never assume you can’t recover, let us evaluate the facts.

Will I have to go to trial?

Many cases settle, but we prepare every claim for trial to maximize leverage and value. If trial is the best path to full compensation, we’re ready.

What if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured?

We explore all coverage sources, at-fault liability, employer or commercial policies, UM/UIM benefits, medical payments coverage, and third parties who contributed to the hazard.

Talk to a Spinal Cord Injuries Lawyer Today

You didn’t choose this injury, but you can choose a legal team that knows how to fight for your future. Call (626) 974-8713 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation and case evaluation. We represent clients throughout Los Angeles County, including West Covina, and across California.