Baltimore Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Spinal cord injury is any damage to a part of the spinal cord, including harm to the nerves at the end of the spinal cord. Victims of spinal cord injury experience various symptoms, including loss of movement or bladder control. Spinal cord injuries may also trigger various complications, including depression, chronic pain, and changes in sexual health. Accident victims who sustain spinal cord injuries deserve compensation to cover medical expenses and other losses.

An injured person who obtains compensation from the at-fault party is more likely to recover and lead a normal life. A trusted spinal cord injury attorney in Baltimore, MD, can offer legal support as you pursue compensation from the at-fault party. Contact Bob Katz Law today for more information.

What Damages Can Be Recovered After a Spinal Cord Injury?

You deserve compensation if you sustain an injury due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct. You can receive compensation after filing a personal injury lawsuit or out-of-court settlement with the at-fault party’s insurer.

Here are the three types of damages available in a spinal cord injury case:

Economic Damages

After sustaining physical harm, you experience actual financial harm. Economic damages, therefore, cover the financial losses associated with the injury. Monetary damages have a direct dollar value and are easy to tabulate.

Economic damages in a spinal cord injury include:

• Medical Expenses: Recovering from a physical injury requires a lengthy and expensive treatment plan. The at-fault party should cover medical expenses related to the spinal cord injury. Medical expenses damages include medication, surgical charges, physician bills, and emergency room charges.
• Lost Income: You’re entitled to compensation for past and future lost wages due to an accident or spinal cord injury. You may also be entitled to compensation for a decreased earning capacity if you can work at a reduced capacity.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: You might incur other expenses related to the spinal cord injury, which might be included in economic damages. Examples include modifications in your home or car due to permanent disability.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate a spinal cord injury victim for the intangible losses they suffer as a result of the accident. Estimating the value of non-economic damages is difficult because the losses lack a direct dollar value. However, a spinal cord injury attorney may use the multiplier method to estimate the value of non-economic damages.

Examples of non-economic damages include: 

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent impairment or disfigurement

Punitive Damages

A court or jury may award punitive damages after a spinal cord injury if the defendant’s actions were grossly negligent. As the name suggests, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant who disregards the plaintiff’s safety. A judge may award punitive damages to deter the defendant or others from engaging in similar misconduct that led to the accident or injury.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Here’s a list of common causes of spinal cord injuries:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for half of new cases each year. The frontal and near-side impact may cause the steering wheel with the vehicle occupant. Improperly worn safety belts or unrestrained vehicle occupants face an increased risk of spinal cord injuries. Rear-end collisions increase the risk of extension of neck injuries and the likelihood of spine fractures.

Slips and Fall Accidents

Falls are the leading cause of injury in adults 65 years and older. If an older adult is involved in a slip and fall accident, they can sustain various injuries, including spinal cord and hip fracture injuries. In 2021, there were approximately 3 million emergency department visits for older adult falls.

The risk of falling increases for various reasons, including:

• Overall frailty and weakness
• Reduced Balance
• Problems with vision and cognition
• Specific medications
• Environmental Hazards

Violent Acts

Spinal cord injuries may also occur due to violent encounters, including gunshot wounds and stabbings.

Diseases

Specific ailments, including cancer, arthritis, or inflammation of the spinal cord, may cause spinal cord injuries. 

Risk Factors

Many spinal cord injuries occur as a result of an accident and may happen to anyone. However, certain factors increase the risk of spinal cord injuries, including:

• Male
• Being 65 years and above
• Alcohol use
• Those aged between 16 and 30
• Engaging in risky behavior like reckless driving

Contact Our Team of Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers in Baltimore, MD

A spinal cord injury is a severe and life-changing injury. The injury contributes to limited mobility, and many other severe health and psychological issues. You need representation from an experienced attorney who’ll aggressively protect your right to compensation.

Bob Katz Law is a team of highly skilled personal injury attorneys with a proven track record. Contact us online or at 410-576-4287 for a free consultation.

Timothy J. Capurso

Timothy J. Capurso is chair of the firm’s Personal Injury Practice Group. He concentrates his practice on personal injury cases of all types, focusing on automobile accidents. His background includes litigating personal injury cases from inception through trial and settlement negotiations. 25+ years of experience.

Contact Timothy J. Capruso