Spinal Cord Injury Workers' Compensation in Los Angeles, California
Quick Answer
Spinal Cord Injury claims are reported by workers across Los Angeles, with settlements typically ranging from $500,000–$5,000,000+. The average workers' compensation settlement in Los Angeles is $68,500. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 320 W. 4th Street, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013. An experienced attorney who knows the Los Angeles board can help you maximize your recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Spinal Cord Injury settlement values in California range from $500,000–$5,000,000+
- Los Angeles area settlements average $68,500 across all injury types
- Your WCAB office: 320 W. 4th Street, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013
- 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+
Los Angeles avg. across all injuries: $68,500
Los Angeles WCAB Office
Public parking is available at the Grand Central Market garage (paid). We recommend taking the Metro Red Line to Pershing Square station, which is just 2 blocks away.
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
Acute rehabilitation
Intensive inpatient rehabilitation to maximize recovery and teach adaptive skills
Typical timeline: 3-6 months inpatient rehabilitation
Physical therapy
Ongoing therapy to maintain strength, flexibility, and function
Typical timeline: Lifelong, frequency decreasing over time
Occupational therapy
Training in activities of daily living, adaptive techniques, and equipment use
Typical timeline: Intensive during rehab, ongoing as needed
Factors That Affect Your Spinal Cord Injury Settlement in Los Angeles
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 Los Angeles
- 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 Los Angeles WCAB office is at 320 W. 4th Street, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013 — arrive early as parking can be limited.
Spinal Cord Injury Claims in Nearby Cities
Other Workplace Injuries in Los Angeles
Spinal Cord Injury in Los Angeles FAQ
What is the average spinal cord injury workers' comp settlement in Los Angeles?
Spinal Cord Injury settlements in California typically range from $500,000–$5,000,000+. The overall average settlement in Los Angeles is $68,500. 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 Los Angeles?
Los Angeles workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 320 W. 4th Street, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Phone: (213) 576-7335. 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 Los Angeles?
Most spinal cord injury cases take 12-24 months to resolve, though complex cases can take longer. The Los Angeles WCAB caseload affects scheduling. Having an experienced attorney who regularly appears at the Los Angeles board can help move your case forward efficiently.
Injured at Work in Los Angeles?
Our attorneys handle spinal cord injury claims at the Los Angeles 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.
How Much Is Your California Work Injury Case Worth?
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