Spinal Cord Injury Types and Compensation in California
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This page was written and reviewed by Michael J. Cefali, Esq. Attorney Cefali is a founding partner of Cefali & Cefali, APC, based in San Juan Capistrano, CA. He holds a Juris Doctor from Chapman University Fowler School of Law and a B.A. in Global Studies & Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy. Widely recognized for his advocacy in personal injury law, he has secured multi-hundred-thousand-dollar settlements in motorcycle accidents, hit-and-runs, and red-light collision cases. He maintains a perfect 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Cefali actively supports his community through the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributes to housing and meal programs for those in need, and enjoys fishing and spending time with his rescue dogs.
The date below reflects when this page was last reviewed for accuracy. Please see our Editorial Guidelines.
Spinal Cord Injury Types and Compensation in California
A spinal cord injury is one of the most serious injuries a person can suffer in an accident, and its effects depend heavily on where the cord is damaged and how completely. This guide explains the types and levels of spinal cord injury, whether they always cause paralysis, and how compensation works when someone else's negligence is to blame in California. If a spinal cord injury has affected your family, call (949) 325-7790 for a free consultation with Cefali & Cefali. No fee unless we win.
Spinal cord injuries are classified two ways: by completeness and by level. A complete injury means total loss of movement and sensation below the injured point; an incomplete injury means some function is preserved. The higher on the spine the damage occurs, the more of the body it affects.
Doctors grade severity using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale, from ASIA A (complete, no motor or sensory function below the injury) through ASIA E (normal function). The spinal cord is divided into four regions from top to bottom, and the level of injury determines what the body loses:
Cervical (C1-C8), the neck: the most severe injuries. High cervical damage (C1-C4) can cause tetraplegia (paralysis of all four limbs) and may require breathing assistance.
Thoracic (T1-T12), the upper back: typically affects the trunk and legs, causing paraplegia while preserving arm and hand function.
Lumbar (L1-L5), the lower back: affects the hips and legs; many people use a wheelchair or braces.
Sacral (S1-S5), the base: affects the hips, groin, and bowel, bladder, and sexual function.
Do all spinal cord injuries cause paralysis?
No. A complete spinal cord injury (ASIA A) causes paralysis and loss of sensation below the level of injury, but an incomplete injury preserves some movement or feeling, and outcomes vary widely. The higher and more complete the injury, the more severe the paralysis.
Paralysis generally takes one of two forms: paraplegia (loss of function in the legs and lower body, from thoracic, lumbar, or sacral injuries) and tetraplegia, also called quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs, from cervical injuries). Because damaged spinal-cord tissue does not regenerate, complete injuries are usually permanent, though incomplete injuries can improve with rehabilitation, especially in the first year.
What is the worst spinal cord injury?
The most severe spinal cord injury is a complete (ASIA A) injury high in the neck, at the C1-C4 level. It causes tetraplegia, paralysis of all four limbs and the trunk, and because these segments control the diaphragm, the person often needs a ventilator to breathe.
These high cervical injuries carry the highest lifetime care costs of any injury, often requiring around-the-clock attendant care, home and vehicle modifications, and lifelong medical equipment. That reality is central to how these claims are valued.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Most spinal cord injuries are caused by sudden trauma. When that trauma results from someone else's negligence, the injured person can pursue compensation. The leading causes include:
Vehicle accidents, including car, truck, and motorcycle crashes, the leading cause
Falls, especially from height or on dangerous property
Pedestrian and bicycle collisions
Sports and diving accidents
Acts of violence
Compensation for a Spinal Cord Injury in California
When another party's negligence causes a spinal cord injury, California law allows the injured person to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Because these are catastrophic, lifelong injuries, the value of a claim is driven by the long-term cost of care.
Medical expenses, current and future, including surgery, hospitalization, and rehabilitation
Long-term and attendant care, often the largest component for a severe injury
Home and vehicle modifications and adaptive medical equipment
Lost wages and lost earning capacity
Pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life
California places no cap on general damages such as pain and suffering in an ordinary injury case (the state's cap applies only to medical malpractice). Because a severe spinal cord injury can generate a life-care plan running into the millions, attorneys work with medical and economic experts to document every future cost. California also follows pure comparative negligence, so an injured person can recover even if partly at fault, with the award reduced by their percentage of fault.
How long do I have to file a spinal cord injury claim in California?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government entity is involved, you may have as little as six months to file a claim. Because these cases require extensive expert documentation, it is best to act early.
Talk to a California Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
A spinal cord injury changes a family's life, and the compensation has to account for a lifetime of care, not just today's bills. At Cefali & Cefali, we build spinal cord injury claims with the medical and economic experts needed to prove the full, long-term value, and we handle the insurance companies while your family focuses on recovery. We represent injured people throughout Orange County and California on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win. Call (949) 325-7790 or contact us for a free consultation.
Michael Cefali is a dedicated accident attorney based in San Juan Capistrano, California, committed to securing justice and fair compensation for accident victims.
A graduate of Newport Harbor High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy, followed by his Juris Doctor from Chapman University School of Law.
Deeply invested in his community, Michael is an active member of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributing to efforts that provide meals, housing, and support to those in need. Outside of his legal work and volunteer service, he enjoys fishing in Dana Point and spending time with his three rescue dogs—a Chihuahua, a Spaniel mix, and a Shepherd mix.
Driven by his strong belief in justice and fairness, Michael remains steadfast in advocating for individuals harmed by the negligence or inaction of others.
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