In a California personal injury case, injuries to the sacrum—the large, triangular bone at the base of the spine, just above the tailbone (coccyx)—can be very painful, slow to heal, and sometimes permanently disabling. Sacral injuries are often overlooked initially, but they can lead to chronic pain, nerve damage, and significant mobility limitations.
🦴 What is the Sacrum?
- The sacrum consists of 5 fused vertebrae (S1–S5).
- It connects the spine to the pelvis and is essential for walking, standing, and core stability.
- It’s near major nerve roots (including the sciatic nerve) and is part of the sacroiliac (SI) joint, making injuries here particularly painful.
⚠️ Common Causes in California Personal Injury Cases:
- Motor vehicle collisions (especially if seated posture is compromised)
- Slip and falls or trip and falls
- Falls from height (construction, ladders, scaffolding)
- Motorcycle or bicycle crashes
- Pedestrian impacts
- Defective products or unsafe premises
💥 Common Sacral Injuries:
| Injury Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Sacral fracture | A break in one or more sacral vertebrae, often from trauma or falls |
| Sacral stress fracture | Often from repetitive force or minor trauma on weakened bones |
| Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction | Inflammation or instability of the joint connecting the sacrum to the pelvis |
| Nerve impingement | Compression of sacral nerve roots causing radiating leg or pelvic pain |
| Displacement or instability | Misalignment between sacrum and pelvis (often very painful) |
| Associated pelvic fractures | Common when sacrum is injured in high-impact trauma |
🧾 Key Medical Evidence for Your Case:
- CT or MRI scans (X-rays often miss sacral fractures)
- Pain diagrams and mobility assessments
- SI joint tests (e.g., FABER test, Gaenslen’s test)
- EMG or nerve conduction studies (if nerve symptoms exist)
- Records from orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, or pain specialists
- Notes on limitations in sitting, walking, bending, or standing
💵 Damages You Can Recover:
- Past and future medical expenses (imaging, therapy, surgery, pain management)
- Lost wages (from missed work or reduced hours)
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress (from chronic pain or disability)
- Permanent impairment or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium (if applicable)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
💰 Settlement Value Estimates (Depends on Severity):
| Injury Severity | Estimated Settlement Range |
|---|---|
| Minor sacral contusion or strain | $10,000 – $40,000 |
| Sacral fracture (non-surgical) | $50,000 – $150,000 |
| Sacral fracture (surgical or with long-term pain) | $150,000 – $400,000+ |
| SI joint dysfunction with chronic pain | $100,000 – $300,000 |
| Nerve injury or permanent disability | $300,000 – $750,000+ |
These are rough estimates and can vary based on liability, insurance coverage, medical documentation, and impact on your life.
📅 Legal Timeline in California:
- [Generally] 2 years to file a personal injury lawsuit
- 6 months to file a claim against a government entity (e.g., fall on public sidewalk)
🔍 What Strengthens a Sacrum Injury Claim?
- Early diagnosis (ER, urgent care, primary physician)
- Consistent follow-up treatment
- Diagnostic imaging (especially MRI/CT)
- Physical therapy notes, pain management logs
- Personal journals showing limitations (e.g., can’t sit more than 30 mins)
- Impact on work, family, and daily activities
- Expert medical opinions (orthopedic surgeon, neurologist)
⚠️ Insurance Tactics to Watch For:
- Downplaying injury as “just a bruise” or “low back pain”
- Blaming pre-existing conditions (e.g., degenerative changes)
- Delaying or minimizing treatment
- Pushing early lowball settlement offers
Law Offices of James R. Dickinson – 909-848-8448
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