Maryland Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

Representing SCI Victims Throughout the State

A spinal cord injury can permanently alter your life as well as the lives of your family members. If you or a loved one sustained a traumatic spinal cord injury because of another’s careless or reckless actions, you shouldn’t be responsible for the damages endured due to their act of negligence.

At Rowe Weinstein & Sohn, PLLC, the financial assistance of an experienced local law firm can no longer remain out of reach for ordinary people just like you! We consider it an honor to serve as aggressive legal advocates for injured individuals and their families.

Contact us today at (301) 450-5742 to request a free case evaluation.

What is a Spinal Cord?

The spinal cord is a central part of the nervous system, running from the base of the brain down through the spine, and is encased in the vertebral column for protection. This bundle of nerves serves as the body’s communication superhighway, transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. These signals control motor functions, sensory perception, and various autonomic functions, such as heart rate and breathing. Damage to the spinal cord disrupts this vital communication pathway, leading to partial or total loss of sensation and function below the injury site.

Common Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can be broadly categorized into two types: complete and incomplete injuries.

• Complete Spinal Cord Injury: In a complete injury, the spinal cord is fully severed, resulting in a total loss of sensation and motor function below the injury level. This can lead to complete paralysis, often in the form of quadriplegia or paraplegia, depending on the injury's location on the spine.
• Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: In incomplete injuries, there is some level of communication preserved between the brain and areas below the injury site. Incomplete injuries can vary widely, resulting in partial paralysis or other symptoms, with some potential for recovery through rehabilitation.

Further classifications of spinal cord injuries are based on the injury's location along the spine:

• Cervical Injuries: Affect the neck area, typically resulting in quadriplegia.
• Thoracic Injuries: Impact the upper and mid-back, often causing paraplegia.
• Lumbar and Sacral Injuries: Affect the lower back and pelvis, leading to partial or full loss of leg function.

Each type of injury carries distinct challenges and requires unique medical and rehabilitative interventions.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can arise from numerous causes, with many cases rooted in preventable accidents. Some of the leading causes include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, motorcycle, and truck accidents are a primary cause of spinal cord injuries, often due to the force of impact that can cause fractures or dislocation of the vertebrae.
• Falls: Falls are particularly common among elderly individuals, and even a short fall can lead to significant spinal trauma.
• Sports and Recreational Injuries: Contact sports, diving, and other high-risk activities can result in serious spinal injuries. Athletes, especially those engaged in high-impact sports, are particularly vulnerable to spinal cord injuries.
• Acts of Violence: Gunshot wounds, stabbings, and other forms of violent assault can cause severe spinal cord damage.
• Medical or Surgical Complications: In rare cases, spinal cord injuries may occur as a result of medical malpractice, particularly during surgical procedures that involve the spine.

Long-Term Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries

The consequences of a spinal cord injury are often life-long and can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s daily life. While each case is unique, some common long-term effects include:

• Paralysis and Loss of Mobility: Depending on the injury's severity, victims may experience partial or complete loss of movement, leading to a need for wheelchairs, assistive devices, or full-time care.
• Chronic Pain: Many individuals suffer from chronic pain following a spinal cord injury, often due to nerve damage or the secondary effects of the injury.
• Loss of Sensory Function: In addition to mobility loss, many spinal cord injury victims lose sensation in affected areas, impacting their ability to feel pain, pressure, or temperature.
• Respiratory and Cardiovascular Issues: Injuries to the upper spine can affect breathing and cardiovascular functions, sometimes requiring medical devices for support.
• Psychological Effects: Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are common among spinal cord injury survivors due to the profound changes in their lifestyles and capabilities.

Given the extensive and varied effects of spinal cord injuries, victims often require substantial medical care, rehabilitation, and psychological support to manage their symptoms and achieve the best quality of life possible.

Legal Representation for Spinal Cord Injuries in Maryland

Spinal cord injuries can place an immense financial strain on victims and their families due to ongoing medical expenses, lost income, and the need for long-term care. At Rowe Weinstein & Sohn, we believe that individuals who have suffered spinal cord injuries due to negligence deserve compensation for these hardships. Our Maryland spinal cord injury lawyers are dedicated to investigating each case thoroughly and developing a customized legal strategy for every client.

Here's how we can help:

• Investigating Your Case: We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists to gather evidence and establish liability.
• Calculating Damages: Our attorneys help calculate the full scope of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: We handle negotiations with insurance companies, who often seek to minimize their payouts, ensuring that you receive a fair and just settlement.
• Taking Your Case to Trial if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys are prepared to represent you in court and advocate for maximum compensation.

To schedule a free consultation, call (301) 450-5742 or contact us online today.