What Is the Average Settlement for a Spinal Cord Injury? | CA

 Posted on February 05, 2026 in Serious Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the most catastrophic injuries a person can suffer and often lead to permanent life changes. According to 2025 data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, about 18,000 new spinal cord injuries occur each year in the United States.

As of 2026, there is no true "average" settlement because every case depends on many factors that affect a person’s long-term future. Still, compensation is often substantial due to lifelong medical needs and lost earning potential. If you need financial help after a devastating injury, the Los Angeles, CA personal injury lawyers at Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C. can help you understand what your case may realistically be worth.

What Is the Average Payout for a Spinal Cord Injury?

There is no universal payout for spinal cord injury cases. Settlements vary widely because injuries range from partial mobility loss to permanent paralysis.

Cases involving long-term disability typically result in higher compensation because they must account for decades of financial and personal impact.

What Factors Affect a Spinal Cord Injury Settlement?

Several major factors influence how much a case may be worth. The more disruptive the injury is to daily life, the greater the potential value of the claim.

Key factors include:

• Severity of the injury and level of paralysis

• Cost of past and future medical treatment

• Ability (or lack thereof) to return to work

• Need for mobility devices or home modifications

• Pain, emotional suffering, and reduced quality of life

Future expenses often represent the largest portion of these settlements.

Can You Recover Future Medical Expenses After a Spinal Cord Injury?

Future medical care is frequently included in spinal cord injury settlements because treatment often continues for years. It can even go on for a lifetime.

California law supports compensation for anticipated losses. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 3283, injured individuals may recover damages for losses that are reasonably certain to occur in the future. This can include rehabilitation, assistive technology, repeat surgeries, and long-term care.

Medical experts typically help calculate these projected costs so they are properly reflected in the claim.

Is There a Cap on Spinal Cord Injury Damages in California?

Economic damages, such as medical bills and lost income, are generally not capped in California. However, limits can apply in certain types of cases.

For example, when a spinal cord injury is caused by medical malpractice, Cal. Civ. Code § 3333.2 places a cap on non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Knowing whether a cap applies is critical when estimating case value.

Even with limits, catastrophic injury cases often involve significant financial recovery.

Why Are Spinal Cord Injury Settlements Often So High?

Spinal cord injuries frequently create lifelong challenges. Many injured people cannot return to their previous careers and may require daily assistance.

Beyond financial losses, the emotional impact can be profound. Adjusting to permanent physical changes often requires ongoing therapy, adaptive equipment, and support.

Because the long-term stakes are high, careful case preparation is essential before agreeing to any settlement.

Should You Accept the First Spinal Cord Injury Settlement Offer?

Insurance companies sometimes make early offers to reduce their exposure. While a fast resolution might seem helpful, it can lead to serious financial gaps later.

Once a settlement is accepted, additional compensation is rarely available. Waiting until doctors understand your long-term prognosis helps ensure the settlement reflects the full impact of the injury.

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help With a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?

These cases are nearly always complicated to navigate. A personal injury lawyer helps gather medical documentation, consult expert witnesses, and calculate long-term damages.

Your attorney also protects you from low settlement offers and unfair blame. Strong representation focuses on securing compensation that supports both recovery and long-term stability.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our LA County, CA Catastrophic Injury Attorneys

At Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C., our legal team brings decades of experience to these cases. We are dedicated personal injury attorneys committed to helping injured clients move forward.

If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury and want clear answers about potential compensation, call 818-242-8201 to schedule a free consultation with our Los Angeles, CA personal injury lawyers today.