Spinal Cord Injury Workers' Compensation in Fontana, California

David Lamonica, Esq. · California Workers' Compensation Attorney
Reviewed by David Lamonica, Esq. · Board Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist
Published January 1, 2025
Updated February 5, 2026

Quick Answer

Spinal Cord Injury claims are common in Fontana's Logistics & Trucking sectors, with settlements typically ranging from $500,000–$5,000,000+. The average workers' compensation settlement in Fontana is $60,500. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 464 W. 4th Street, Suite 239, San Bernardino, CA 92401. An experienced attorney who knows the Fontana board can help you maximize your recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • Spinal Cord Injury settlement values in California range from $500,000–$5,000,000+
  • Fontana area settlements average $60,500 across all injury types
  • Key Fontana industries with spinal cord injury risk: Logistics & Trucking
  • Your WCAB office: 464 W. 4th Street, Suite 239, San Bernardino, CA 92401
  • Report injuries to your employer within 30 days and file a DWC-1 claim form
  • Free consultation available — represented workers recover 3-5x more on average
  • Spinal cord injuries are obvious emergencies - the claim process typically begins in the hospital

Spinal Cord Injury Settlement Range

$500,000–$5,000,000+

Fontana avg. across all injuries: $60,500

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How Spinal Cord Injurys Happen in Fontana

Truck accidents, loading dock falls, and rollovers cause catastrophic spinal cord injuries.

Fontana's economy relies heavily on Logistics & Trucking, making spinal cord injury claims a significant portion of local workers' compensation cases. If you've been injured on the job, understanding how your specific industry and role affect your claim value is critical to getting fair compensation.

Fontana WCAB Office

464 W. 4th Street, Suite 239, San Bernardino, CA 92401 (909) 383-4341

Served by San Bernardino WCAB. 15-minute drive via I-15. State building parking lot available. Security check required.

Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms to Document

Paralysis

Complete or partial loss of ability to move limbs and trunk below the level of spinal cord injury

Loss of sensation

Inability to feel touch, pain, temperature, or position below the injury level

Loss of bladder and bowel control

Inability to control urination and bowel movements, requiring catheterization and bowel programs

Breathing difficulties

High cervical injuries can impair breathing muscles, requiring ventilator support

Spasticity

Involuntary muscle spasms and stiffness in paralyzed limbs

Chronic pain

Neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, and pain at the level of injury

Autonomic dysreflexia

Dangerous blood pressure spikes in response to stimuli below the injury level (T6 and above)

Pressure sores

Skin breakdown from prolonged pressure due to immobility and lack of sensation

Sexual dysfunction

Impaired sexual function and fertility issues common after spinal cord injury

Temperature regulation problems

Inability to regulate body temperature below the level of injury

Treatment Options Covered by Workers' Comp

Emergency surgery and stabilization

Surgical decompression and spinal fusion to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage

Typical timeline: Emergency surgery within hours, hospitalization 2-6 weeks

Covered

Acute rehabilitation

Intensive inpatient rehabilitation to maximize recovery and teach adaptive skills

Typical timeline: 3-6 months inpatient rehabilitation

Covered

Physical therapy

Ongoing therapy to maintain strength, flexibility, and function

Typical timeline: Lifelong, frequency decreasing over time

Covered

Occupational therapy

Training in activities of daily living, adaptive techniques, and equipment use

Typical timeline: Intensive during rehab, ongoing as needed

Covered

Factors That Affect Your Spinal Cord Injury Settlement in Fontana

Level of injury

Higher injuries (cervical) cause more disability than lower (lumbar) injuries

C4 quadriplegia: $5,000,000+ vs. L1 paraplegia: $1,500,000-$2,500,000

Complete vs. incomplete

Complete injuries with no function below the level are more valuable than incomplete

Complete T6: $2,000,000-$3,000,000 vs. Incomplete T6: $750,000-$1,500,000

Ventilator dependence

Need for mechanical ventilation dramatically increases lifetime care costs

Ventilator-dependent quadriplegia can exceed $10,000,000-$15,000,000

Attendant care hours

24-hour care needs versus several hours daily significantly affects value

24-hour care can add $3,000,000-$7,000,000+ to lifetime costs

Filing Your Spinal Cord Injury Claim in Fontana

  • Spinal cord injuries are obvious emergencies - the claim process typically begins in the hospital
  • Ensure the employer is notified immediately and workers' comp claim is filed
  • Request transfer to a spinal cord injury specialty center for best outcomes
  • Document the accident scene thoroughly - photos, witness statements, safety violations
  • Preserve evidence of OSHA violations (missing fall protection, scaffolding defects, etc.)
  • Apply for Social Security Disability as soon as medically stable
  • Request a life care plan from a qualified life care planner to document lifetime needs
  • Begin vocational assessment early to document lost earning capacity
  • Ensure all complications (pressure sores, UTIs, pain) are documented as part of the injury
  • Do not settle until lifetime medical and care needs are thoroughly evaluated by experts
  • The Fontana WCAB office is at 464 W. 4th Street, Suite 239, San Bernardino, CA 92401 — arrive early as parking can be limited.

Spinal Cord Injury Claims in Nearby Cities

Other Workplace Injuries in Fontana

View all Fontana workers' comp info →

Spinal Cord Injury in Fontana FAQ

What is the average spinal cord injury workers' comp settlement in Fontana?

Spinal Cord Injury settlements in California typically range from $500,000–$5,000,000+. The overall average settlement in Fontana is $60,500. Your actual settlement depends on factors including your wages, the severity of your disability rating, your age, occupation, and the quality of your medical evidence.

Where do I file a spinal cord injury workers' comp claim in Fontana?

Fontana workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 464 W. 4th Street, Suite 239, San Bernardino, CA 92401. Phone: (909) 383-4341. First, report your injury to your employer within 30 days, then complete the DWC-1 form they are required to give you within one business day of your report.

How long does a spinal cord injury workers' comp case take in Fontana?

Most spinal cord injury cases take 12-24 months to resolve, though complex cases can take longer. The Fontana WCAB caseload affects scheduling. Having an experienced attorney who regularly appears at the Fontana board can help move your case forward efficiently.

Which Fontana industries have the highest spinal cord injury risk?

In Fontana, spinal cord injury claims are most common in the Logistics & Trucking industry. Fontana is the heart of Inland Empire warehousing and logistics. Amazon, FedEx, and UPS facilities produce many injury claims we handle.

Injured at Work in Fontana?

Our attorneys handle spinal cord injury claims at the Fontana WCAB regularly. We understand local procedures, know the judges, and fight for maximum compensation. Free consultation — no fees unless we win.

Settlement values are estimates based on historical California workers' compensation data and are not guarantees. Every case is unique. Consult with an attorney for advice specific to your situation.

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