Practice Areas · Injuries
Back Injuries
San Diego Injuries
Back Injuries in San Diego
Back injuries can be life-changing or disabling, and they are unfortunately among the most common personal injuries. A simple slip and fall can lead to emotional trauma, medical bills, and permanent loss of livelihood or lifelong pain. Getting financial compensation with the help of a San Diego personal injury lawyer is the key to recovering as best you can.
Depending on how the back injury occurred, someone may be at fault. Whether you are making an insurance claim, settling a workers' compensation dispute, or pressing a case against a negligent party, it is all easier with the help of an attorney. You can focus on resting and healing while your lawyer handles the legal details and the statute of limitations.
Let Joseph C. Crudo PLC handle your case to help you get the largest possible financial award or settlement, gathering evidence on how your back injury occurred and pursuing compensation in every form available.
2 years
CA filing deadline
Free
Case consultation
$0
Up-front, most cases
Full value
What we pursue
By the Numbers
Back Injuries, by the numbers
39.0%1
US adults who had back pain in the past 3 months (2019); back was the most common pain site
CDC/NCHS National Health Interview Survey, 2019. Women 40.6% vs. men 37.2%.
38.5%2
Share of workplace musculoskeletal disorder cases (days away from work) that involved the back
134,550 back cases out of 349,050 total work-related MSD cases, 2016 (BLS breakdown by body part).
937,6203
US private-sector musculoskeletal disorder (DART) cases, including 484,620 days-away-from-work cases (2023-2024)
NSC Injury Facts, from the BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses; trunk injuries (primarily back) accounted for 41% of MSD cases.
$48,0004
Average cost per medically consulted work injury (2024)
NSC estimate; total cost of US work injuries in 2024 was $181.4 billion (incl. $36.8B medical, $54.9B wage/productivity).
236,7005
California private-industry injury/illness cases involving days away, job transfer, or restriction (2023)
Out of 363,900 total private-industry nonfatal cases reported in California in 2023 (BLS SOII).
Do You Have a Case?
Signs you may have a claim
Back injuries can worsen over time. Get evaluated and documented early, even if you feel able to push through it.
- ✓Suffered a back or spine injury in an accident
- ✓Someone else's negligence caused it
- ✓Facing surgery, physical therapy, or lost work
- ✓An insurer is downplaying your injury
The Process
How your case moves forward
Here is how a back injury claim typically proceeds.
- Free consultation
- We review how the injury happened and who may be responsible.
- Medical documentation
- We document your diagnosis, treatment, and how the injury affects daily life.
- Demand & negotiation
- We pursue your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Settlement or trial
- We settle for fair value, or file suit when necessary.
Frequently asked
Common questions
My back hurt after the accident but I didn't go to the ER. Is it too late?+
Not necessarily, but see a doctor as soon as you can. Back injuries often surface or worsen days later, and prompt medical records both protect your health and support your claim.
What can I recover for a back injury?+
You may recover medical bills, future treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Serious spine injuries can involve significant future-care costs, which we work to document fully.
How long do I have to file?+
California generally allows two years from the date of the injury. It's best to speak with an attorney early.
What does it cost to talk to you?+
Nothing. The consultation is free. Call (858) 622-7280.
Related practice areas
Sources
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, Back, Lower Limb, and Upper Limb Pain Among U.S. Adults, 2019 (NCHS Data Brief No. 415) (2021). https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db415-h.pdf
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Back injuries prominent in work-related musculoskeletal disorder cases in 2016 (The Economics Daily) (2018). https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2018/back-injuries-prominent-in-work-related-musculoskeletal-disorder-cases-in-2016.htm
- National Safety Council (Injury Facts), Work Safety: Musculoskeletal Injuries and Illnesses (2025). https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/safety-topics/musculoskeletal-injuries/
- National Safety Council (Injury Facts), Work Injury Costs (2024). https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/costs/work-injury-costs/
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Western Information Office, Employer-reported workplace injuries and illnesses in California, 2023 (2025). https://www.bls.gov/regions/west/news-release/2025/workplaceinjuriesandillnesses_california_20250113.htm
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