In California personal injury cases, injuries to the coccyx (tailbone) may seem minor, but they can lead to debilitating, long-term pain—especially when sitting, bending, or using the bathroom. These injuries are often dismissed or misdiagnosed early, which makes it critical to document symptoms and treatment properly in a legal claim.
🦴 What is the Coccyx?
- The coccyx (aka tailbone) is a small, triangular bone made up of 3–5 fused vertebrae at the very bottom of the spine.
- It plays a role in weight distribution when sitting and provides attachment for pelvic floor muscles and ligaments.
- Injuries here can cause coccydynia—chronic tailbone pain lasting weeks, months, or even years.
⚠️ Common Causes of Coccyx Injuries in PI Cases:
- Slip and falls (especially onto hard surfaces)
- Trip and falls (stumbling over uneven pavement, cords, etc.)
- Car accidents (seatbelt pressure or rear-impact forces)
- Bicycle accidents
- Assaults or blunt trauma to the lower back
💥 Common Types of Coccyx Injuries:
| Injury Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Coccyx fracture | A break in the tailbone—can be subtle or severely displaced |
| Bruised coccyx | Soft tissue trauma causing intense pain, usually without fracture |
| Dislocation/subluxation | Coccyx moves out of alignment (often from a fall) |
| Coccydynia | Chronic pain in the coccyx, may result from previous injury |
| Nerve involvement | Rare but possible—may cause radiating pain or numbness in the area |
🧾 Key Medical Evidence for a Strong Case:
- ER or urgent care visit right after the injury
- X-rays and MRIs (X-ray in seated and standing position may be needed to see damage)
- Diagnosis of coccydynia, fracture, or dislocation
- Pain management treatment (injections, therapy)
- Records of difficulty sitting, sleeping, driving, or working
💵 Damages You Can Recover in a California PI Claim:
- Medical expenses (diagnostics, pain meds, injections, therapy, orthopedic visits)
- Lost wages (especially for jobs requiring sitting)
- Loss of earning capacity (if chronic pain affects career)
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life (e.g., limited mobility or recreation)
- Emotional distress (frustration, anxiety, depression related to chronic pain)
💰 Typical Settlement Values for Coccyx Injuries:
| Injury Type | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Bruised tailbone (soft tissue only) | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Fractured coccyx (non-surgical) | $30,000 – $75,000 |
| Dislocation or chronic coccydynia | $75,000 – $200,000+ |
| Permanent pain or disability | $200,000 – $500,000+ |
Settlement values depend heavily on severity, documented pain, impact on life, and how clearly the injury was caused by the defendant’s negligence.
📅 California Statute of Limitations:
- [Generally] 2 years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- 6 months if it involves a government entity (e.g., a fall on city-owned property or public transport).
🔍 What Strengthens a Coccyx Injury Claim?
- Immediate and consistent medical treatment
- Proof of functional limitations (trouble sitting, sleeping, working)
- MRI or X-ray results
- Specialist evaluations (orthopedist, pain management doctor)
- Prescription of cushions or assistive devices (donut pillows, seat wedges)
- Documentation of work modifications or job loss
- Pain journal or daily life impact notes
⚠️ Insurance Company Tricks to Watch For:
- Dismissing tailbone injuries as “minor” soft tissue injuries
- Arguing the pain is psychosomatic or pre-existing
- Offering lowball settlements before full diagnosis
- Delaying treatment approval or reimbursement
Law Offices of James R. Dickinson – 909-848-8448
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