Los Angeles Back Injury Lawyer

A back injury can stop your life in its tracks. The physical pain is often compounded by financial uncertainty. You may be unable to work, facing mounting medical bills, and unsure of how to protect your future. In Los Angeles, back injuries often stem from car accidents, workplace incidents, or dangerous property conditions, and the impact can last far beyond the initial injury.

At Jacoby & Meyers, we focus on serious injuries that demand serious legal action. We know a back injury can threaten your income, independence, and long-term quality of life. Our Los Angeles back injury attorneys have the experience, resources, and resolve to pursue the full compensation needed to protect your future.

• Over 50 years representing injured Californians
• More than $2 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements
• Serious injury representation backed by statewide resources
• No legal fees unless compensation is recovered

Decades of Experience Protecting Los Angeles Residents

With 14 offices statewide, Jacoby and Meyers is equipped with the resources to handle complex personal injury cases, including those against corporations and government entities. We know a serious back injury can disrupt your work, mobility, and daily life. These cases require thorough preparation, strong evidence, and determined advocacy.

What Sets Jacoby & Meyers Apart

• Over 50 years of experience representing clients with serious back and spinal injuries across California
• Statewide reach with 14 offices, offering local insight supported by firm-wide resources
• Proven results in complex, high-value cases involving long-term disability and chronic pain
• Evidence-driven advocacy built on thorough investigation and expert medical testimony
• Client-centered representation designed to protect your future while you focus on healing

Learn Your Legal Options at No Cost. Contact us for a free consultation and speak with an experienced legal team.

Can I Afford a Back Injury Lawyer?

After a serious back injury, financial worries often pile up fast. Medical bills arrive, work may be put on hold, and everyday expenses don’t stop, making the thought of hiring a lawyer feel out of reach. Many injured people delay getting legal help simply because they fear it will add to their stress.

With us, cost should never stand between you and the help you need. We represent back injury victims on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• No upfront costs, meaning you pay nothing to start your case
• No hourly billing or retainers
• We cover the costs of building your case, including investigations and expert consultations
• You only pay if we recover compensation for you

This approach allows you to focus on healing and recovery while we protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve, without adding financial pressure during an already difficult time.

What To Do After a Back Injury

• Seek medical care immediately. Get evaluated promptly and follow all treatment plans prescribed by your doctor. Prompt care creates a clear medical record connecting your injury to the accident.
• Document your injuries. Take photos of visible injuries, swelling, bruising, or mobility aids. If you’re able, photograph the accident scene and anything that may have contributed to the injury.
• Write down what happened. Record the time, location, and details of the incident while your memory is still fresh. Small details can become important later.
• Be cautious with insurance companies. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney. Adjusters are trained to minimize claims and may use your words out of context.
• Preserve all evidence. Keep the clothing and footwear you were wearing. Do not repair vehicles or damaged property until photos and documentation are completed.
• Speak with a Los Angeles back injury lawyer early. Consulting an attorney with experience handling serious back injury claims before accepting any settlement offers can help protect your rights and your claim.

Expert Legal Tip from Our Attorneys

Don’t rush to settle a back injury claim.

Back injuries often worsen over time, and early imaging or exams may not reveal disc damage, nerve compression, or long-term mobility issues. Accepting a quick settlement can leave you without coverage for future treatment. Always wait until your doctors understand your full prognosis, and speak with an experienced back injury attorney before signing anything.

Common Causes of Back Injuries in Los Angeles

Did you know 17% of people in a study believed their back pain was caused by an accident? Back injuries are a major cause of chronic pain and disability, especially in a fast-paced city like Los Angeles. From crowded freeways to construction sites and busy commercial areas, everyday situations can lead to serious spinal injuries.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Auto accidents: Rear-end collisions, side-impact crashes, and freeway pileups on roads like the 405, 101, and I-10 frequently cause herniated discs, spinal fractures, and soft-tissue injuries due to sudden force. In fact, a study found that 63% of chronic low back pain is linked to previous car crash injuries.
• Slip and fall accidents: Falls on poorly maintained sidewalks, wet floors, uneven surfaces, or stairways are a major cause of back injuries.
• Workplace accidents: Construction incidents, lifting injuries, falls from heights, and repetitive strain in physically demanding jobs often result in serious back and spinal damage. Similarly, being struck by falling debris, equipment, or unsecured items, common on construction sites, can result in traumatic spinal injuries.
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents: When pedestrians or cyclists are struck by vehicles, the spine often absorbs the impact, leading to compression fractures or nerve injuries.
• Sports and recreational injuries: High-impact sports, gym accidents, and recreational activities can place extreme stress on the back, causing strains, disc injuries, or spinal instability.

Common Injuries in Back and Spinal Injury Cases

Back and spinal injuries can range from painful soft-tissue damage to life-altering neurological trauma. Because the spine protects the spinal cord and supports nearly all movement, even a single injury can have lasting effects on mobility, work, and quality of life.

Common injuries in back and spinal injury cases include:

• Herniated or ruptured discs: Damage to the discs between vertebrae that can press on nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
• Spinal cord injuries (SCI): Trauma to the spinal cord that may result in partial or complete paralysis, including paraplegia or quadriplegia.
• Vertebral fractures: Breaks or compression fractures in the spinal bones, often caused by high-impact crashes or serious falls.
• Soft tissue injuries: Severe strains or sprains affecting the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support the spine, sometimes leading to chronic pain.
• Compression injuries: Injuries caused by extreme force on the spinal column, which can damage nerves and reduce spinal stability.
• Nerve damage: Injuries affecting spinal nerves that can lead to radiating pain, loss of sensation, or reduced motor function.

Who May Be Liable for a Back Injury?

Under California law, any party whose negligence contributed to your back injury may be held responsible. Depending on how the injury occurred, liability may rest with one or more of the following:

• Drivers: Motorists who were speeding, distracted, or driving under the influence can cause crashes that place extreme force on the spine.
• Property owners: Landlords and business owners who fail to repair known hazards, such as uneven flooring or broken stairs, may be liable for fall-related back injuries.
• Employers: Workplaces that lack proper safety procedures, training, or equipment can be responsible for lifting injuries or on-the-job accidents.
• Manufacturers: Defective vehicles, machinery, or safety equipment can fail at critical moments, leading to serious spinal trauma.
• Government entities: Dangerous road conditions, poor signage, or neglected maintenance may place responsibility on a city or state agency, subject to special legal rules and deadlines.

Back injury cases often involve multiple layers of responsibility. Working with an experienced Los Angeles back injury lawyer can help ensure all responsible parties are identified, and the full impact of the injury is addressed.

Why Back Injury Cases Are Legally Complex

A serious back injury can change how you move, work, and live, but proving the full impact is rarely simple. Unlike more visible injuries, back injuries often involve pain, nerve damage, and mobility limitations that develop over time, making these cases especially challenging without experienced legal guidance.

Common complexities in back injury claims include:

• Pre-existing conditions: Insurance companies frequently argue that back pain is caused by aging, arthritis, or prior injuries, rather than the accident that made your condition worse.
• Delayed or evolving symptoms: Disc injuries, nerve compression, and spinal instability may not appear immediately on imaging, allowing insurers to question when and how the injury occurred.
• Pain that isn’t easily visible: Chronic back pain and limited mobility can’t be seen on an X-ray. Demonstrating how the injury affects daily life often requires medical experts and detailed documentation.
• Long-term medical needs: Many back injuries require future surgeries, injections, rehabilitation, or lifelong therapy. Accurately calculating these costs demands input from medical and economic specialists.

Since a back injury can impact your life for decades, we meticulously prepare your case to ensure the full extent of your suffering is recognized and fairly compensated.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

A serious back injury affects far more than your medical chart. When we build your case, we look at the full picture: how the injury has changed your health, your work, your independence, and your daily life. Compensation is intended to help restore stability and account for both visible and invisible losses.

Economic Damages

These damages cover the direct financial costs of your injury, including:

• Current and future medical expenses: Hospital care, surgeries, physical therapy, pain management, medication, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost income: Wages missed while you were unable to work during recovery.
• Reduced earning capacity: Compensation if your injury prevents you from returning to your prior job or limits your ability to earn in the future.
• Property damage: Repair or replacement of damaged property, such as a vehicle involved in the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages recognize the human cost of a back injury, losses that don’t come with receipts but deeply affect quality of life:

• Pain and suffering: Compensation for chronic pain, physical limitations, and discomfort.
• Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, frustration, or loss of confidence caused by the injury.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: When pain or limited mobility prevents you from participating in activities you once loved, like sports, hobbies, or even holding your children.
• Permanent disability or disfigurement: Compensation for lasting physical impairment or visible changes that affect daily living.

Punitive Damages (In Limited Cases)

In rare situations, punitive damages may also be available. These are awarded not to compensate for losses, but to punish particularly reckless or egregious behavior and deter similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages may apply in cases involving extreme misconduct, such as drunk driving or intentional safety violations.

Back injury lawyers carefully calculate your losses to secure maximum compensation. By reviewing medical records and expert testimony, they build a strong case to ensure no harm is overlooked, helping you achieve justice and financial recovery to get back to the life you love.

California Statute of Limitations

Time is a critical factor in any back injury case. Under California law, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can permanently eliminate your right to compensation.

If a government entity is involved, such as a collision with a city bus, unsafe public property, or a poorly maintained roadway, the timeline is much shorter. In many cases, you have as little as six months to file a formal government claim.

Failing to act within these deadlines can bar recovery entirely, regardless of how serious the injury may be. Contact us at 888-533-0516 for a free consultation to start your case today.

Why You Need a Lawyer for Back Injury Cases

After a back injury, insurance companies move quickly, but not to protect you. They are profit-driven businesses focused on limiting payouts, especially in cases involving long-term pain, lost mobility, or future medical care. Without legal representation, injured people are often placed at a serious disadvantage.

Insurance companies may attempt to:

• Downplay the seriousness of your back injury, calling it “minor” or temporary
• Shift the blame onto you to reduce what they have to pay
• Push a fast settlement that fails to account for future treatment or chronic pain
• Delay the process, hoping financial pressure forces you to give up

How Lawyers for Back Injuries Help

An experienced Los Angeles back injury attorney signals to the insurance company that you are serious about your claim and have the resources to fight back. We will:

• Handle all communications with the insurance company.
• Gather the evidence needed to build a strong case.
• Accurately calculate the full value of your claim, including future medical needs.
• Negotiate aggressively on your behalf for a fair settlement.
• Take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer what you deserve.

Evidence Checklist: What You Need to Prove Your Injury Case

Insurance companies will try to undermine your claim with any missing or weak proof. By documenting everything from day one, you protect your rights and strengthen your path to justice.

Key Evidence to Gather

• Accident reports and photos or videos of the scene
• Medical records from ER visits, doctors, and specialists
• Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
• Witness information and statements
• Proof of lost income and out-of-pocket expenses
• Photos or notes showing how the injury affects daily life

An experienced back injury lawyer knows what evidence insurers challenge, helps preserve time-sensitive proof, and works with experts to clearly connect your injury to the accident.

How to Choose the Right Los Angeles Back Injury Lawyer

A serious back injury can affect every part of your life, from your ability to work to how you move, sleep, and care for your family. You should hire a legal team that understands what’s truly at stake and has the experience to protect your future.

When evaluating a back injury attorney, consider the following:

Does the lawyer have experience handling back injury cases?

Back injuries are medically and legally complex. Disc damage, nerve compression, and chronic pain may not appear immediately and often require long-term treatment. Your back injury attorney should have proven experience handling back injury claims arising from car accidents, falls, workplace incidents, and other serious accidents.

Our firm has decades of experience representing clients with serious back and spinal injuries and has recovered over $2 billion for injured Californians, demonstrating our ability to handle high-stakes cases where long-term care and financial security are at stake.

Is the firm respected within the legal community?

Reputation matters, especially in serious injury cases. Recognition from peer-reviewed legal organizations and industry publications reflects professionalism, ethical standards, and consistent results, not just advertising.

Our attorneys have been recognized by organizations such as Super Lawyers and TopVerdict, underscoring our commitment to excellence in representing clients with catastrophic injuries.

Do they understand Los Angeles–specific legal challenges?

Local experience can make a meaningful difference. A skilled back injury lawyer should be familiar with Los Angeles courts, judges, filing procedures, and the strategies insurers commonly use in California.

With over 50 years of experience serving Los Angeles and communities throughout the state, our firm combines local insight with the resources needed to handle complex back injury claims effectively.

Are they prepared to take your case to trial?

Some firms focus on quick settlements, even when offers don’t reflect the lasting impact of a back injury. Strong results are more likely when insurance companies know your lawyer is fully prepared to go to court.

At Jacoby & Meyers, we prepare every back injury case as if it will be decided by a jury, ensuring your rights are protected whether your case resolves through settlement or proceeds to trial.

How Jacoby & Meyers Prepares Serious Back Injury Cases for Settlement or Trial

We are not a volume-based “settlement mill.” Every back injury case we handle is prepared as if it will be decided by a jury, often prompting insurers to negotiate more fairly.

Our preparation includes:

• Immediate investigation. We act quickly to secure video footage, witness statements, accident data, and physical evidence before it disappears.
• Medical coordination. We help ensure your injuries are evaluated and documented by specialists who understand spinal and back trauma.
• Life-care and financial planning. We work with medical and financial experts to calculate the true long-term cost of your injury, not just today’s bills, but future care and lost earning capacity.
• Strategic settlement demands. Our demands are supported by evidence and expert analysis, clearly outlining the risks insurers face if they choose litigation.
• Full trial readiness. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and present your case to a jury.

Client Testimonials

Our clients are at the center of everything we do. Here is what you can expect when working with us:

“Best firm there is. This firm has been very helpful throughout the entire process. Adanhelly was one of the best! Very helpful, and she makes me feel valued and cared for. I highly recommend this law firm to EVERYBODY!” – Ali Medrano from Google Review.

Representative Case Outcomes

Although no two cases are the same and past results cannot guarantee future outcomes, our history reflects the depth of experience required to litigate serious and catastrophic injury claims.

• $9.24 million recovery for an auto–pedestrian collision resulting in spinal cord injury
• $1.15 million award in an auto collision causing spinal cord damage
• $3.67 million recovery for a client diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome following a serious injury
• $11 million verdict in a motorcycle vs. truck crash causing paraplegia

For more than five decades, Jacoby & Meyers has advocated for clients facing severe back and spinal injuries, securing over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements statewide. These results have helped families manage long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost earning capacity, and the enduring physical and cognitive consequences of catastrophic trauma.

Areas We Serve

Jacoby & Meyers represents back injury victims throughout California. While our headquarters is in Los Angeles, our legal services extend across Los Angeles County, including Long Beach, Santa Monica, Glendale, Santa Clarita, and Pomona, as well as communities statewide.

With a network of 14 offices across California, we offer the reach of a statewide practice combined with the local familiarity clients expect when searching for a back injury lawyer. Wherever your case arises, our attorneys bring both regional knowledge and firm-wide resources to your representation.

Offices and Service Areas Include:

• Los Angeles
• Orange County
• San Diego
• San Jose
• San Francisco
• Oakland
• Sacramento
• San Bernardino
• Ontario
• Bakersfield
• Fresno
• Escondido
• Brea

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do back injury cases take time to resolve?

Back injuries often require ongoing treatment to understand their full impact. Settling too early can leave you without coverage for future medical needs, so cases may take longer to ensure damages are fully evaluated.

What if my back pain didn’t start until days after the accident?

This is very common. Adrenaline often masks pain immediately after trauma. Seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear and contact an attorney. A delay does not ruin your case, but it requires careful documentation.

What if the accident involved a rideshare vehicle?

Rideshare accidents involve complex insurance policies involving the driver’s personal insurance and the company’s (Uber/Lyft) corporate policy. We know how to navigate these layers to find coverage for your injuries.

How long will my back injury case take?

Timelines vary depending on medical recovery, insurance disputes, and case complexity. Serious back injury cases often take longer to ensure future care and damages are properly valued.

What if the at-fault party has limited insurance?

If the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient, our experienced team will work tirelessly to identify every possible avenue for your recovery. We take a comprehensive approach, exploring additional resources such as umbrella policies, underinsured motorist coverage, or the potential liability of employers and other third parties.For more information, you can visit our FAQ page.

Back Injury Lawyer Near Me

We serve the whole of California with 14 satellite offices. You can visit us at our Main Los Angeles Office at Ave of the Stars

Local Resources in Los Angeles

Note: We do not endorse or profit from these organizations. This list is for informational purposes only.

Emergency Rooms

• Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048
• Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center: 757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095
• Keck Hospital of USC: 1500 San Pablo St, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Urgent Care

• Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center: 1050 Linden Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813
• Exer Urgent Care: Multiple locations throughout Los Angeles County
• Total Access Urgent Care: Multiple locations throughout Los Angeles

Police Departments

• Los Angeles Police Department: 100 W. 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
• Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department: 211 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Courthouses

• Los Angeles Superior Court: 111 N. Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
• Stanley Mosk Courthouse: 111 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Get the Justice You Deserve

Don’t let a back injury dictate your future. You have rights, and we are here to protect them. The team at Jacoby & Meyers is available 24/7 to listen to your story and help you take the first step toward recovery.Call us today, chat with us live, or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.