Quebec is Canada's only civil-law jurisdiction and operates a SAAQ no-fault auto scheme that bars tort recovery for motor injury since 1978. For back & spine claims specifically, the band is built from the Andrews v Grand & Toy non-pecuniary cap framework and then adjusted for Quebec's no-fault statutory scheme and any applicable statutory cap.
★ band · Canada federal frame
C$120,000 – Andrews cap
Back — severe (surgical)
Catastrophic-band decisions
The Canada band is the starting point. Quebec's fault rule and any applicable cap then adjust the figure.
★ QC · statute of limitations
3 years for civil action under Civil Code
Code Civil du Québec, art. 2925
★ QC · fault rule
No-fault statutory scheme
Motor injury is administered under SAAQ no-fault scheme — no tort recovery available for motor injury. Civil-code damages apply outside the motor sphere.
★ QC · caps
What caps recovery.
Statutory caps that may bear on a back & spine settlement in Quebec.
Andrews cap (non-pecuniary)
Non-pecuniary loss in non-motor PI
~C$430,000+ (applied via Civil Code)
Andrews trilogy applied through Civil Code
★ back & spine severity tiers · Canada frame
How the band stratifies.
The Andrews v Grand & Toy non-pecuniary cap stratifies back & spine into the tiers below. Quebec courts apply the same tier structure, adjusted for state-specific factors.
Severity tier
Band
Basis
Back — moderate
C$40,000 – C$150,000
Reported decisions
Back — severe (surgical)
C$120,000 – Andrews cap
Catastrophic-band decisions
★ back & spine · neighbouring jurisdictions
Compare to neighbours.
How Quebec's fault rule and limitation period compare to other Canada jurisdictions for back & spine claims.
Each answer is independently coherent and references the relevant statute or authority document.
How much is a back & spine claim worth in Quebec?
Quebec back & spine settlements track the federal Canada band of C$120,000 – Andrews cap, adjusted for Quebec's fault rule (no-fault statutory scheme) and any applicable state cap. The position within the band turns on severity, prognosis, recovery time, and the strength of the medical paper trail.
What fault rule applies to back & spine claims in Quebec?
No-fault statutory scheme. Motor injury is administered under SAAQ no-fault scheme — no tort recovery available for motor injury. Civil-code damages apply outside the motor sphere.
What is the statute of limitations for back & spine claims in Quebec?
3 years for civil action under Civil Code. Source: Code Civil du Québec, art. 2925. Filing after the period expires generally bars the claim absent a tolling exception.
Do Quebec's damages caps reduce back & spine settlements?
Yes — Quebec applies the following caps that may bear on a back & spine claim: Andrews cap (non-pecuniary). Caps are applied to the gross award before any fault-allocation reduction.
Does Quebec require no-fault first-party recovery for auto-related back & spine claims?
Yes. Quebec requires PIP first-party recovery before tort-based claims. Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) administers no-fault auto. No tort recovery for motor injury since 1978 reform.
Should I hire a Quebec back & spine attorney?
For all but the most modest claims, yes. Quebec's fault rule and caps materially affect the calculus, and adjusters value represented claims significantly higher. Most Quebec personal injury attorneys work on contingency (33–40% typical), with no fee unless you recover.
Figures on this page are starting points: the Canada band adjusted for Quebec's statutory framework. They are not quotes for any specific case. For representation, consult an attorney admitted in Quebec. See /methodology, /sources, and /disclaimer.