If you or a loved one has suffered from a spinal cord injury, finding the right attorney is critical. These cases are highly complex, requiring experienced professionals who specialize in personal injury law, particularly those involving catastrophic injuries. In this comprehensive guide, we list the top 10 spinal cord injury attorneys in San Mateo, along with their addresses, so you can make an informed decision when seeking legal representation.
Why You Need a Specialized Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
A spinal cord injury can have devastating and life-altering effects, including paralysis, loss of motor function, and ongoing medical expenses. The financial burden from medical costs, rehabilitation, and lost wages can be overwhelming. Hiring a specialized attorney ensures that you have the best chance of recovering compensation that reflects the true extent of your damages.
Experienced spinal cord injury attorneys understand the medical complexities, the nuances of personal injury law, and the strategies needed to fight insurance companies that often undervalue claims.
Criteria for Choosing a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in San Mateo
When selecting a spinal cord injury attorney, it’s important to focus on the following criteria:
- Experience in handling spinal cord injury cases
- Proven track record of settlements and verdicts
- Knowledge of California personal injury law
- Access to medical experts and resources
- Compassionate and dedicated client service
Here is our top 10 list of spinal cord injury attorneys in San Mateo, based on these essential criteria:
1. Law Office of John J. Garvey III
Address: 800 W El Camino Real, Suite 180, Mountain View, CA 94040
The Law Office of John J. Garvey III has been serving the San Mateo community for over 40 years, specializing in personal injury cases, including spinal cord injuries. John Garvey’s extensive experience and personalized approach ensure that clients receive the best possible outcomes in their cases.
- Experience: 40+ years
- Key Practice Areas: Spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, catastrophic injuries
- Notable Verdicts: $1.5 million settlement for a spinal cord injury case
2. Scarlett Law Group
Address: 536 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Located near San Mateo, the Scarlett Law Group has a national reputation for handling catastrophic injury cases. Led by Randall H. Scarlett, this firm has a proven track record of securing significant settlements for spinal cord injury victims.
- Experience: 25+ years
- Key Practice Areas: Spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, wrongful death
- Notable Verdicts: $49.1 million for a spinal cord injury case
3. The Barnes Firm
Address: 555 Montgomery St Suite 1650, San Francisco, CA 94111
The Barnes Firm is known for its aggressive representation and dedication to clients suffering from spinal cord injuries. With a team of experienced attorneys, they have a strong reputation in personal injury law, consistently securing large settlements.
- Experience: 20+ years
- Key Practice Areas: Personal injury, spinal cord injuries, medical malpractice
- Notable Verdicts: $10 million for a spinal cord injury case
4. Corsiglia, McMahon & Allard, L.L.P.
Address: 96 N 3rd St, Suite 620, San Jose, CA 95112
This firm has gained a reputation for excellence in handling personal injury cases, including those involving spinal cord injuries. With decades of experience and a client-focused approach, Corsiglia, McMahon & Allard have successfully represented numerous catastrophic injury victims.
- Experience: 30+ years
- Key Practice Areas: Spinal cord injuries, catastrophic injury, personal injury
- Notable Verdicts: $6.9 million settlement in a spinal cord injury case
5. Bostwick & Peterson LLP
Address: 1 Embarcadero Center #500, San Francisco, CA 94111
With over four decades of experience, Bostwick & Peterson LLP has built a reputation for securing substantial verdicts and settlements for their clients. They are highly skilled in complex cases, especially those involving spinal cord injuries.
- Experience: 40+ years
- Key Practice Areas: Spinal cord injuries, medical malpractice, wrongful death
- Notable Verdicts: $21 million verdict for a spinal cord injury case
6. Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger
Address: 650 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger is one of the oldest personal injury law firms in California, with an impeccable track record in handling spinal cord injury cases. They are known for their client advocacy and high-value settlements.
- Experience: 60+ years
- Key Practice Areas: Spinal cord injuries, catastrophic injuries, product liability
- Notable Verdicts: $15 million settlement for a spinal cord injury case
7. Cutter Law P.C.
Address: 401 Watt Ave, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95864
Though based in Sacramento, Cutter Law P.C. frequently handles cases in the San Mateo area. They have a strong reputation for fighting for maximum compensation for victims of spinal cord injuries.
- Experience: 20+ years
- Key Practice Areas: Spinal cord injuries, medical malpractice, catastrophic injuries
- Notable Verdicts: $12 million settlement for a spinal cord injury case
8. Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc.
Address: 1901 Camino Vida Roble, Suite 107, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Harris Personal Injury Lawyers has grown to be one of California’s leading personal injury firms, providing top-tier legal representation for victims of spinal cord injuries in San Mateo and beyond.
- Experience: 15+ years
- Key Practice Areas: Spinal cord injuries, car accidents, catastrophic injuries
- Notable Verdicts: $8 million for a spinal cord injury case
9. Dolan Law Firm
Address: 1438 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102
The Dolan Law Firm has been a trusted name in the San Francisco Bay Area, including San Mateo, for personal injury law. Their team of attorneys has significant experience with spinal cord injury cases, offering a compassionate and aggressive approach to securing the best outcomes for their clients.
- Experience: 20+ years
- Key Practice Areas: Spinal cord injuries, catastrophic injuries, personal injury
- Notable Verdicts: $16 million for a spinal cord injury case
10. Habbas & Associates
Address: 675 N 1st St, Suite 1000, San Jose, CA 95112
With a focus on complex personal injury cases, Habbas & Associates have earned a reputation for delivering results. Their team is known for meticulous preparation and successful outcomes in spinal cord injury cases.
- Experience: 30+ years
- Key Practice Areas: Spinal cord injuries, personal injury, wrongful death
- Notable Verdicts: $9 million settlement for a spinal cord injury case
What to Expect from a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
A spinal cord injury attorney must be equipped to handle the intricacies of medical and legal challenges. The right attorney will:
- Gather comprehensive evidence including medical records, expert testimony, and accident reports
- Work with medical specialists to understand the full extent of your injuries
- Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive adequate compensation
- Provide emotional and legal support during a highly stressful time
Spinal cord injuries are not only physically and emotionally challenging, but they also involve long-term financial consequences. These attorneys are committed to fighting for the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and the cost of future care.
What Types of Compensation Can You Expect?
The compensation for a spinal cord injury often goes beyond medical bills. Depending on the severity of the injury and its impact on your life, you may be entitled to:
- Medical Expenses: This includes both past and future costs, such as surgeries, rehabilitation, and medications.
- Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injury has prevented you from working, you may be compensated for both current and future income losses.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life you may experience as a result of the injury.
- Home Modifications and Personal Care Needs: Injuries requiring ongoing care, home adaptations, or equipment such as wheelchairs can lead to additional financial needs.
The Importance of Immediate Legal Action
Time is of the essence when it comes to pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. California law imposes a statute of limitations that limits the time you have to file a claim. In the case of a spinal cord injury, this window is typically two years from the date of the injury. However, certain circumstances, such as injuries caused by government entities, may require even quicker action.
By engaging a specialized attorney immediately after the injury, you preserve critical evidence and increase the likelihood of a successful claim. Delaying legal action could result in losing your right to pursue compensation altogether.
Choosing the Right Attorney for Your Spinal Cord Injury Case
Selecting an attorney for your spinal cord injury case is one of the most important decisions you can make. Beyond experience and expertise, it’s vital to choose an attorney who will:
- Understand the emotional and physical toll that your injury has taken
- Fight tirelessly for the maximum compensation that reflects the lifelong impact of your injuries
- Offer transparent communication and clear guidance throughout the legal process
We encourage you to contact one of the top San Mateo spinal cord injury attorneys listed above for a free consultation. This will allow you to discuss your case, explore your options, and choose the attorney who is the best fit for your specific needs.
For more information on personal injury cases, you can visit trusted resources such as Nolo or American Bar Association to get additional insights.
Conclusion
A spinal cord injury can change your life in an instant. The road to recovery—both physically and financially—can be long and challenging, but with the right legal representation, you can secure the compensation you need to move forward. The top 10 San Mateo spinal cord injury attorneys listed in this article have proven track records, years of experience, and the necessary resources to help you obtain the justice you deserve. Don’t wait—contact an attorney today to begin your path to recovery.
