In a California personal injury case, an injury to the thoracic spine (the middle/upper part of your back, T1–T12) is considered serious, especially since this part of the spine plays a crucial role in posture, mobility, and protection of vital nerves and organs.
These types of injuries can involve anything from soft tissue strain to vertebral fractures and even spinal cord damage—each with different legal and financial implications.
🧠 Quick Overview: Thoracic Spine Injury
- The thoracic spine includes 12 vertebrae (T1–T12) located between the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions.
- Injuries here are less common than cervical/lumbar but can be more severe due to the area’s connection to ribs, lungs, and spinal cord.
- Can lead to chronic pain, nerve damage, limited mobility, or even partial paralysis in catastrophic cases.
⚠️ Common Causes in California PI Cases:
- Motor vehicle accidents (especially rear-end or high-speed collisions)
- Falls from height (common in construction or workplace settings)
- Slip and falls
- Sports or recreational injuries
- Assault or blunt trauma
- Defective products (e.g. failed ladder, faulty car seats)
🩻 Common Thoracic Spine Injuries:
- Compression fractures – vertebra collapses under pressure (common in car crashes or falls)
- Herniated or bulging discs – disc material presses on spinal nerves
- Thoracic spinal cord injury – can cause numbness, weakness, or loss of function
- Soft tissue injuries – sprains, strains, inflammation
- Facet joint injuries – affect spinal movement and stability
- Kyphosis or postural deformities – if injury affects spinal alignment
💵 Damages You Can Recover:
- Medical bills – ER visits, imaging (MRI/CT), surgery, physical therapy
- Future medical care – chronic pain treatment, injections, rehab, assistive devices
- Lost wages – from being unable to work during recovery
- Loss of future earning capacity – especially with permanent damage
- Pain and suffering – including emotional distress and PTSD
- Loss of consortium – for impact on relationships
- Loss of enjoyment of life – especially if injury limits physical activity or independence
💰 Estimated Settlement Values (Depending on Severity):
| Injury Type | Estimated Settlement Range |
|---|---|
| Mild sprain/strain | $10,000–$50,000 |
| Herniated disc or chronic pain | $50,000–$150,000 |
| Fracture without surgery | $75,000–$200,000 |
| Fracture with surgery | $150,000–$500,000+ |
| Spinal cord injury (permanent disability) | $500,000–$1M+ |
📅 Statute of Limitations in California:
- [Generally] 2 years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit
- If the injury involved a government entity, a government claim must be filed within 6 months
🔍 What Makes a Strong Thoracic Spine Injury Case?
- Consistent medical documentation
- Imaging (MRI/CT scans of thoracic spine)
- Expert opinions (neurologists, orthopedic surgeons)
- Proof of ongoing treatment or disability
- Impact on daily life (pain journals, witness statements)
- Loss of function or work capacity
Law Offices of James R. Dickinson – 909-848-8448
How To Schedule A Consultation:
Please call us at 909-848-8448 to schedule a free consultation/case evaluation or complete the form immediately below. [Please note certain formalities must be completed to retain the Law Offices of James R. Dickinson, such as the signing of a legal fee agreement [see “Disclaimers”]].