Personal Injury & Insurance Law

Serving California Since 1994
(510) 848-0500
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Severe Back and Neck Trauma

California Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Spinal cord injuries can permanently alter a person’s life. We help clients secure the care and support needed after serious trauma to the spine.

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National top 100
AV peer review
Super Lawyers 10
Super Lawyers 2025
Top Verdict
Consumer Attorneys of California
Rue Ratings
BOD
National top 100
AV peer review
Super Lawyers 10
Super Lawyers 2025
Top Verdict
Consumer Attorneys of California
Rue Ratings
BOD
National top 100
AV peer review
Super Lawyers 10
Super Lawyers 2025
Top Verdict
Consumer Attorneys of California
Rue Ratings
BOD
A person holds up a spinal X-ray in a brightly lit room, with blurred figures and plants in the background, conveying a clinical yet relaxed atmosphere.

Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries

Causes, Consequences, and Long-Term Needs

The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body. When it’s damaged, the effects can be devastating and lifelong. Many spinal injuries result from sudden trauma, including:

  • Car, truck, or motorcycle crashes
  • Falls from heights or stairways
  • Diving or swimming pool accidents
  • Construction or workplace incidents
  • Acts of violence or physical assault

Spinal injuries are categorized as complete or incomplete, depending on whether the brain can still communicate with the body below the injury. These injuries may lead to:

  • Full or partial paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia)
  • Loss of movement or sensation
  • Respiratory and cardiovascular issues
  • Chronic pain or muscle spasms
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control

Recovery can be long and uncertain. Many clients require ongoing therapy, home modifications, assistive devices, and personal care support for daily living.

Selective
Representation

We handle a select number of cases to give each client the time, focus, and legal skill their situation deserves.

Respected Trial Experience

With nearly 4 decades of experience and nearly $100 million of recoveries, we have the track record that insurance companies respect.

Human-First Approach

We treat all of clients with the same dignity, compassion and dedication that we would provide to our family members. We take great pride in every aspect of our representation of our cherished clients.

A nurse supports an elderly man in pain, holding his back with one hand and a cane with the other. The scene conveys care and concern in a medical setting.

Your Legal Options After a Spinal Injury

Building a Case for Long-Term Support

After a spinal cord injury, it’s critical to understand your rights and the full scope of your damages. These cases often involve complex medical documentation, high-value insurance policies, and the need for expert testimony.

We focus on:

  • Identifying all liable parties (drivers, employers, property owners, product manufacturers)
  • Documenting the true cost of lifelong care
  • Working with neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, and life care planners
  • Calculating lost income, diminished earning capacity, and future expenses
  • Negotiating from a position of strength with insurers and defense counsel

Our goal is to secure compensation that supports not just recovery, but independence and quality of life. We provide clear communication, expert guidance, and a client-first approach from the very beginning.

If you’ve been hurt, get guidance you can trust.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency basis. That means you don’t pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation
for you.

Results That Matter

We’ve recovered millions for clients facing life-altering injuries. Every case is handled with care and determination.

Client-Centered Advocacy

We believe in doing right by our clients. That means clear communication, consistent follow-through, and real attention to their needs.

Respected by Peers

Joseph Tomasik has been recognized by Super Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 for his integrity and success in the courtroom.

Meet the Founder

Joseph E. Tomasik

Mr. Tomasik has practiced personal injury and insurance law for nearly four decades.  Early in his career, he was an attorney for insurance companies, gaining keen insight into how insurance companies fought personal injury cases.  Mr. Tomasik discovered that he had more compassion for injured claimants, so he founded his own firm to represent injured individuals in their battles with insurance companies.

Mr. Tomasik’s tenacious advocacy and intellectual creativity have not only achieved extraordinary results that have delighted his clients, but have also garnered professional accolades such as California Super Lawyer (Top 5%), National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating for both ability and professional ethics.  He has given back to the legal profession by serving on the Board of Directors of Consumer Attorneys of California and the Alameda/Contra Costa Trial Lawyers Association.

Client Praise

What Our Clients Say

Fremont, CA

Diane S.

Fremont, CA

yelp star yelp star yelp star yelp star yelp star

Jun 4, 2014

We utilized The Law Offices of Joseph Tomasik for our daughter's personal injury case and highly recommend the services of Joseph Tomasik. I was a subcontractor for numerous personal injury attorneys' over the past 12 years. When we needed a personal injury attorney, Mr. Tomasik was number one on my list. So this review comes from both my insight as a subcontractor and client since I was at my daughter's side throughout the entire process. Mr. Tomasik is a solo practitioner who works closely with his clients, is accessible, approachable, caring, knowledgeable, experienced, and attentive to detail. He keeps clients informed and prepared along the way. He represents them to the best of his ability working tirelessly to obtain the best resolution to what are sometimes very complex and/or challenging cases. I appreciated his diligence on each and every case, small or large. He has integrity, honesty and is realistic with his clients when called for. Mr. Tomasik's legal assistant Jessie is an absolute gem and valuable team member. Jessie is very responsive and communication is timely and accurate. They are an effective and cohesive team. We were extremely happy with Mr. Tomasik's representation and settlement in our daughter's case.

Southwest Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

Robert W.

Southwest Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

yelp star yelp star yelp star yelp star yelp star

Jan 21, 2022

Professional, well prepared, straight forward, caring is some verbiage that comes to mind when thinking about the class act of Team Joseph Tomasik and Pam Mendes. They will go to bat for you and represent your case to the fullest extent possible. Joe is the type of Lawyer that truly represents his client and did I say incredibly thorough... I mean he uses his skills to seek the best possible outcome and in such a trusting manner. Once accepting of your case, allow him to work on your behalf and see how he operates within the legal system. Orally articulate, outstanding research, written and communication skills as well as the ear for listening and from my experience, he is personally invested in my and or your case. Joseph truly cares about the outcome of his case(s) and works diligently from beginning to end on your behalf. Do your research and see that you will be making the correct decision in seeking his legal counsel. Joseph and Paula a resounding Thank you for your the time and effort!

CA, CA

Laura E.

CA, CA

yelp star yelp star yelp star yelp star yelp star

Jan 5, 2015

Anyone who has been involved in a personal injury case knows how difficult it can be to try to recover from injuries and resolve a legal case at the same time. When I was rear ended by an uninsured motorist, I hired Attorney Joseph Tomasik to represent me. Throughout the process, I was impressed with his knowledge of the law, willingness to fight for my rights and the high quality of his work. Additionally, he and his staff exhibited great professionalism and attention to detail while showing compassion and patience. In my Uninsured Motorist claim to my own insurance company, they delayed for over a year before making me any settlement offer. While a different attorney may have suggested that I accept the offer, Mr. Tomasik urged me to proceed to arbitration. My insurance company and their hired doctors said ridiculous things at arbitration that shocked me, but Mr. Tomasik wrote a 36 page brief and fought hard on every point. It paid off, as the arbitrator awarded more than THREE TIMES my insurance company's offer. My collision dramatically affected my life, and I trusted Mr. Tomasik when I could not trust my own insurance company. He came through when I needed him, and it is obvious that he really CARES about his clients.

Adriana Ratsch-Rivera

I wholeheartedly recommend Joe Tomasik as an attorney for personal injury. I can assure you that he truly has compassion for his clients. He stands out in every aspect of legal research, traffic laws, medical specifics and most of all judicial know-how. I initially hired another prominent personal injury attorney to represent me, but I am so happy that I switched to Mr. Tomasik, since he was so much more diligent and supportive. His style of representing clients is that of a pure gentleman, perhaps belonging to a category that is of the past and now underrepresented in our fast-paced, quick-to-judge society. Where most greedy lawyers stop because they cannot comprehend the gravity of a case, or it becomes too much work, he picks up his "Scepter of Integrity" and follows through on all of the details. But do not underestimate the meaning of gentleman; when all negotiations fail, Mr. Tomasik is fearless if he has to go to trial to get justice, which was in my case. The defense counsel for the insurance company fought bitterly at trial, but Joe fought back even harder. His witness preparation was superb. He educated, communicated, and most of all, supported me in our 10-day-trial from the beginning to the end. I was fortunate to have Joe represent me in my complicated case. I learned so much that I was able to stand up for my own rights - with full knowledge - to any lawyer, mediator, clerk and even judge. He strengthened me to walk upright even though I was in pain from CRPS/RSD in both arms and hands. His motto is simple and his philosophy is classic Berkelian: "The Truth Shall Make You Free". It works! Clients sometimes don't know about the law and all the intricacies, and I was no exception. He was there for me at any hour to support me in believing in myself when things started to look bleak, which made our final victory sweeter in the end, and therefore I highly recommend him to anyone who is in need of an excellent lawyer.

7th Street Band

Hello Mr. Tomasik and Ms. Butala, I wanted to thank you for your great service and help with my legal needs surrounding my motorcycle accident. From the beginning, you both have been extremely professional, helpful and thorough in your handling of these matters. You were very clear in explaining all the complicated details of what was happening. I appreciated your diligence in dealing with the insurance companies. Without your help I would have been lost. Your council and guidance helped me feel like I was making informed decisions through this process. Jessie, you have always been courteous and respectful. You were always timely with information and communication. You were a pleasure to work with. Thank you for your hard work. Mr. Tomasik, you always made me feel that my case was important and that you were working hard on my behalf to represent me and bring the best possible result to my case. I was well informed in all matters with both the property damage and personal injury aspects of my case. You helped me tremendously during a very stressful and difficult time. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd give you a 20! On behalf of myself and my family, thank you for your great representation and service. I would recommend you highly to anyone in need of legal representation and council. Best regards,

Cynthia Phillips

I’ve utilized the legal services of Mr. Tomasik twice. The first time was over 10 years ago when I joined my parents' case with some degree of reluctance. The three of us had been rear ended by a big rig. As a result of this serious accident, my mother has had at least 3 back surgeries. We settled out of court due to Mr. Tomasik's professionalism. The second time, I was involved in yet another rear end accident with a delivery truck. Immediately, I sought the legal expertise of Mr. Tomasik. Once I was seated in his office, I knew I was in good hands and that he had my best interests at heart. My parents and I won in both cases! Recently, I have been able to use that settlement money for Pilates sessions to strengthen my core. I would seek Mr. Tomasik’s legal services in a heartbeat!

Laura Grams

Anyone who has been involved in a personal injury case knows how difficult it can be to try to recover from injuries and resolve a legal case at the same time. When I was rear ended by an uninsured motorist, I hired Attorney Joseph Tomasik to represent me. Throughout the process, I was impressed with his knowledge of the law, willingness to fight for my rights and the high quality of his work. Additionally, he and his staff exhibited great professionalism and attention to detail while showing compassion and patience. In my Uninsured Motorist claim to my own insurance company, they delayed for over a year before making me any settlement offer. While a different attorney may have suggested that I accept the offer, Mr. Tomasik urged me to proceed to arbitration. My insurance company and their hired doctors said ridiculous things at arbitration that shocked me, but Mr. Tomasik wrote a 36 page brief and fought hard on every point. It paid off, as the arbitrator awarded more than three times my insurance company's initial offer. My collision dramatically affected my life, and I trusted Mr. Tomasik when I could not trust my own insurance company. He came through when I needed him, and it is obvious that he really cares about his clients.

Lana Cali

I HIGHLY recommend Mr. Tomasik. I came to Mr. Tomasik after realizing that my previous attorney was trying to settle my case for far less than what it was worth. The first attorney never spoke to me after we signed the contract. All our communication was held through the office assistant, and sometimes it took more than a week to get a call back. Having had this experience, I can say that Mr. Tomasik is so much better. First of all, he is very knowledgeable and extremely thorough, and also very compassionate. He prepared me for everything every step of the way. For example, very often the defendant’s insurance lawyers tried to confuse me with their twisted questions, but Mr. Tomasik would always inform me ahead of time of what to expect. I really appreciate all his effort in preparing me so well because it made me feel so much more comfortable. I was also very impressed that he was always personally very involved in all of our communication. If I ever had any questions or concerns he was just a phone call away. I never had to wait for days to get a call back. I completely trusted him because he didn't just treat me like I was his client – he treated me as if I was his close family member who he cared very much about. I had a complicated case in which the insurance company refused to settle until a few days before trial, and Mr. Tomasik’s case file with all the letters and documents was huge. In the end Mr. Tomasik's hard work paid off and I got a very fair compensation for my injuries. The settlement was almost twenty times what my first lawyer was trying to settle for. I cannot thank him enough for taking on my complicated case.

Ridge Fernandez

Mr. Tomasik did an outstanding job guiding me through every step of the way. I felt a very strong connection with him as i genuinely felt like he wanted to help and get the resolution I deserved. He has an assistant named Jessie who works behind the scenes and really puts in a lot of time an effort to make communication with Mr. Tomasik seamless. In my case we were able to get more then i would have ever expected in large part due to the preparation and effort Mr. Tomasik gives to each one of his cases. Overall nothing but good things to say about Joseph Tomasik and would HIGHLY recommend.

San Francisco, CA

Stephen L.

San Francisco, CA

yelp star yelp star yelp star yelp star yelp star

Jul 20, 2020

We worked with Joe for a major accident and he was awesome. he worked, what seemed like 24/7, to ensure that we were taken care of. He went above and beyond and I would highly recommend him and his team. They are always available and ensure you are kept in the loop every step of the way. Even after moving out of state - he was there for us!!!

El Cerrito, CA

Lien L.

El Cerrito, CA

yelp star yelp star yelp star yelp star yelp star

Mar 8, 2022

It was a great experience having Mr. Tomasik represent me after someone hit our vehicle head on. It was a traumatizing experience for me and my young children. Mr. Tomasik and Pam were very knowledgeable, caring and compassionate. They took the time to explain the entire process. Communication with them was easy. I would highly recommend. Thank you Mr. Tomasik and Pam!

Oakland, CA

Della D.

Oakland, CA

yelp star yelp star yelp star yelp star yelp star

Jan 24, 2022

We were in a devastating car accident and we needed representation from a well trusted attorney to help us get through a very difficult time. Mr. Tomasik is very knowledgeable in dealing with the insurance company. Mr. Tomasik provided us with the most professional service and. I am very satisfied with the outcome. I highly recommend Mr. Tomasik!