Work-Related Spine Injury Lawyers
Riverside, California
Experienced Spine Injury Attorneys in Riverside, CA
Spinal injuries are severe by nature, with long-term impacts on mobility, health, and financial stability.
Unlike general back or neck injuries, spinal injuries involve direct damage to the spinal cord or vertebrae, leading to nerve damage, chronic pain, or even paralysis.
At Fontes Law Group, we understand the complexity and urgency of these cases. Our experienced legal team aggressively advocates for injured workers and accident victims across California, ensuring they receive the medical treatment, wage replacement, and long-term support they’re legally entitled to.
Our spine injury lawyers are prepared to fight for your rights and demand full accountability from those responsible.
Why Clients Choose Fontes Law Group
Experience. Compassion. Results.
At Fontes Law Group, we combine decades of legal experience with a client-first approach. Our attorneys understand the complexities of California’s workers’ compensation system and how to navigate the specific challenges that come with spinal, neck, and back injuries.
- Proven success handling severe work-related injury claims
- All team members speak Spanish
- Offices in Santa Ana and Riverside
- No fees unless we win your case
- Trusted by California workers and their families
Meet Rosa Duarte
Experienced Workers’ Compensation Representative
Understanding Spine Injury Claims in California
A spinal injury is one of the most serious, and most aggressively disputed, workplace injury claims in California.
These injuries can include:
- Herniated or bulging spinal discs
- Fractures in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar vertebrae
- Spinal cord compression
- Nerve root damage
- Chronic radiculopathy or partial paralysis
Even if the symptoms seem manageable at first, spinal trauma can progress into permanent disability if not properly treated. Whether caused by a sudden accident or prolonged strain, these injuries are covered under California’s workers’ compensation system.
But that doesn’t mean benefits come easily. We’ve seen employers and insurers delay treatment, dispute valid injuries, and push people back to work before they’ve healed.
As attorneys, we step in to enforce your rights and hold them to their legal obligations.
Types of Spine Injury Cases and Warning Signs
Common Workplace Accidents That Cause Spinal Injuries
- Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or platforms
- Vehicle collisions while on the job
- Lifting or carrying heavy loads
- Repetitive stress in warehouse or construction work
- Falling tools, materials, or equipment
- Unsafe conditions on industrial or commercial job sites
- Office injuries caused by poor posture or ergonomics
Red Flags That You Need Legal Help
- Persistent back or neck pain after a workplace accident
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs
- Loss of balance, bladder control, or coordination
- Difficulty walking, bending, or lifting
- Your employer refuses to file a report or denies the injury
- The insurance company delays care or offers a low settlement
If you are experiencing this, it’s time to talk to us.
Work-Related Injury Timeline
- Initial filing and treatment: 1–2 weeks
- Investigation and exams: 1–3 months
- Settlement discussions: 3–6 months
- Appeals or litigation: 6+ months
We keep you informed at every stage and work efficiently to minimize delays.
Understanding Legal Duties and Violations
California law imposes clear legal obligations on employers to protect their workers, especially in high-risk environments where spinal injuries are more likely. When those duties are ignored, the consequences can be devastating, and the law allows injured workers to hold negligent parties accountable.
Employers are legally required to:
- Maintain a workplace free from known hazards
- Provide proper safety training and functional protective equipment
- Identify and correct dangerous conditions in a timely manner
- Carry active workers’ compensation insurance
- Respond promptly and fairly to workplace injury reports
We’ve represented too many clients whose injuries could have been prevented if these basic responsibilities had been followed.
Violations That Can Affect Your Claim
- Failing to fix or warn about known safety risks
- Denying that the injury occurred at work or blaming a prior condition
- Delaying or refusing to authorize necessary medical treatment
- Falsifying incident reports or failing to report the injury to their insurer
- Retaliating against employees who report injuries or file claims
These actions are not just unethical. They may be illegal under California labor and workers’ compensation laws. We investigate every detail and pursue legal consequences when employers or insurers break the rules. If your rights have been violated, we are prepared to hold them fully accountable.
Relevant Legal Standards:
- California Labor Code §§ 3700–3709 – Workers’ comp requirements
- Cal/OSHA Regulations – Safe workplace rules
- QME/AME Evaluations – Used to determine permanent impairment
Understanding Compensation in Spinal Injury Cases
Spinal injuries often require long-term care. A successful claim can provide relief for both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic Benefits
- Medical costs (surgeries, rehab, prescriptions)
- Temporary or permanent disability payments
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Mileage and travel to medical appointments
Non-Economic Support
- Vocational training for new career paths
- Modifications to your home or vehicle
- Ongoing therapy or assistive devices
Personal Injury and Third-Party Claims
If your spinal injury was caused by someone other than your employer, like a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or driver, you may have a personal injury claim for:
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (in cases of extreme negligence)
We evaluate every case for these additional legal options.
Proving Your Case in California Courts
Key Legal Elements We Must Prove
You Were Injured
We use medical records, scans, and specialist opinions to confirm the nature and severity of your injury.
The Injury Was Work-Related
We demonstrate that the injury occurred in the course and scope of your employment, even if it developed over time.
Your Employer or Insurer Is Liable
We identify delays, denials, or underpayments and pursue all appropriate claims or penalties.
If litigation becomes necessary, our trial-ready team will aggressively represent your interests before the WCAB or in civil court.
FAQs About Spine Injury Workers’ Comp Claims
Q: How long do I have to file a spinal injury claim?
Q: Can I choose my own doctor?
In many cases, you must use a provider from your employer’s Medical Provider Network (MPN), but there are exceptions. We’ll help you understand your rights.
Q: What if my claim was denied?
You still have options. We’ll evaluate your denial and guide you through the appeals process.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Fontes Law Group?
Q: Can I sue for pain and suffering?
Helpful Resources for California Residents
- California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB)
- Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
- California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR)
- Cal/OSHA Workplace Safety
- MPN Doctor Search Tool
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you’ve suffered a spinal injury at work or due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to get help.
Let Fontes Law Group protect your claim, fight for your benefits, and hold the right people accountable.
Request a free case review today.