Santa Cruz County's Largest, Most Experienced Personal Injury Law Firm
  • Why Experience Matters - AV Rated by Martindale-Hubble. The Highest Rating Possible. Trusted to Handle Major Injury and Wrongful Death Cases Throughout California
  • Over 100 Years Combined Exprience - Over $100 Million in Settlements
  • Santa Cruz County's Most Experienced and Largest Personal Injury Law Firm

Dana Scruggs
Santa Cruz Personal Injury Attorney

Dana Scruggs is recognized, by associates and opposing attorneys, as well as by the judges who know him best, both for his effective representation and for his high ethical standards. He is nationally recognized by Martindale-Hubbell as Preeminent among his attorney peers. He vigorously represents people who have suffered catastrophic personal injuries, the wrongful death of family members, or significant financial losses. He has extensive experience in cases involving automobile crashes, nursing home abuse of the elderly and dependent adults, and products liability, and is a noted and well respected child sexual abuse attorney.

Mr. Scruggs has a strong record of success. He has favorably tried and settled hundreds of cases against strong and worthy adversaries. His reputation is one of integrity, preparation, commitment, and dedication to his clients. In this way, the rights of his clients are vindicated, and the cause for which both client and attorney fight is furthered that much more.

Mr. Scruggs has been practicing law in Santa Cruz County since 1980. 100% of his practice is devoted to litigation, specifically in the areas of:

  • Child Sexual Abuse

  • Nursing Home Abuse

  • Motor Vehicle Accidents

  • Personal Injury

  • Products Liability Law

Education

  • Santa Clara University School of Law, J.D., Cum Laude, 1980

  • Honors: Winner, National Moot Court Competition

  • Georgia State University, B.A., 1976

Classes/Seminars Taught

  • Handling Liens in Personal Injury Litigation, Santa Clara/Santa Cruz County Trial Lawyers Association, October, 1991 & October, 1998

  • Evidence Exposed, Santa Cruz County Trial Lawyers Association, April, 1992

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution, Santa Cruz County Trial Lawyers Association, December, 1993

  • Sex Abuse: Torts of the '90s, Santa Clara County/Santa Cruz County Trial Lawyers Association, October, 1994

Professional Associations, Memberships, and Honors

  • Santa Cruz County Bar Association 2005 “Rollie Hall Award,” Outstanding Public Service Award

  • Santa Cruz County Superior Courts, 1988 – 2002, Arbitrator and Judge Pro Tem

  • American Arbitration Association, Mediator

  • Santa Cruz Trial Lawyers Association, 1991, President

  • Santa Cruz Trial Lawyers Association, 1989 - Present, Board of Directors

  • California Association of Consumer Attorneys

  • American Association for Justice

  • State Bar of California

  • Santa Cruz County Legal Aid Society, 1987 - 1993, Board of Directors

  • Survivors Healing Center, 1998 - 2004, Board of Directors

  • Sexual Abuse Legislative Task Force, Steering Committee

  • National Victim's Center

  • American Coalition for Abuse Awareness

  • National Center for Redress of Incest and Sexual Abuse

Client Testimonials

"I have great admiration for Dana Scruggs' work on behalf of survivors of child sexual abuse. I have recommended him many times for his dedication, empathy, good sense, and excellence. We are fortunate to have him in our community."

Ellen Bass, author "Courage to Heal"

Dana,
Thank you so much for your hard work and diligence.  The last two years have been difficult for us, but the settlement goes a long way toward making our lives better.  We are very grateful.  You are an excellent advocate. 

Warmest Regards,
John and Pamela

Dear Dana, You have made it possible for my family to be a real family.  Thank you so much forever.

Love,
Sydney

Dana,
Just a little note for a BIG thanks.  You accomplished what could not be done 35 years ago.  Thank you for representing me! 

H.C.

Everything Dana did for me, has changed my life.  Even the doctor’s reports, everything.  I am twice the woman I was before, and am on a mission.  My story is one of many for Dana, so small yet so big.  I will never forget him.

All my love,
Deborah

I feel as if “thank you” and I am “grateful” are not enough to truly capture how your work and dedication have helped me retrieve my life from sadness.  You have done me so much good over the past two years that it seems odd I won’t be talking with you every few weeks.  You have given me hope and confidence back so that I believe there is nothing I can’t accomplish.  I get to start over.  How could thank you ever be enough.  Finally my life is my own again, it is a miracle and a blessing that could not have occurred without you or your efficient staff.  I wish you the best and thank you with all I have.

Sincerely
J. A.

Dear Dana and Staff,
Thank you for believing me, taking my case, helping us out when you didn’t have to, and WINNING!!!    You are truly a great person as well as a dedicated lawyer.

Sincerely Yours,
R, V, and D

Dear Dana

You’re extra special and rare to me because you walk the walk, you talk the talk, and you live what you believe. 

Love,
M

Dana, 

I will always be forever grateful to you and Jim for helping me, believing in me, and most of all fighting for me.  I feel so free from them now, and I can get on with my life.   I just want you to know that I feel like I can do anything now with many, many, thanks to you.

J

I want you to know, Dana, that I am deeply grateful to you for standing by my side helping me to hold my ground and speak the truth for myself, my sisters, and really all the other survivors who are still living in fear and silence. 

-M.C.