Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or total loss of movement, sensation, mobility, and independence. These injuries often occur in high-impact events such as car accidents, falls, workplace incidents, or violent trauma, and they frequently lead to long-term medical treatment and significant lifestyle changes. Victims may face permanent disabilities, extensive rehabilitation needs, and substantial financial strain, which makes having an experienced personal injury attorney essential.
How McGowan & Cecil Can Help
Spinal cord injury cases require detailed investigation, strong medical documentation, and a legal team prepared to fight for long-term financial security.
We help clients by providing:
- Comprehensive review of medical records, imaging, and treatment plans
- Collaboration with neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, and life-care planners
- Calculation of lifetime costs for medical care, mobility equipment, home modifications, and daily support
- Evidence gathering to prove negligence in accidents, workplace incidents, or other traumatic events
- Skilled negotiation with insurers who often undervalue catastrophic injury claims
- Consistent communication to guide clients and families through every stage of the process
If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury in Maryland, trust McGowan & Cecil to protect your rights and your future. Call today for a confidential consultation.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries vary in severity and long-term impact. Common types include:
Complete Spinal Cord Injury
A complete injury results in total loss of function below the site of damage. Victims may experience paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia), loss of sensation, and impaired organ function.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
An incomplete injury preserves some motor or sensory function below the affected area. Recovery varies significantly depending on the extent and location of the damage.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Maryland
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Truck and motorcycle collisions
- Slip and fall accidents
- Acts of violence
- Workplace and construction site incidents
- Sports or recreational injuries
Because these injuries disrupt mobility, independence, and daily living, they require extensive medical care and long-term planning.
How Spinal Cord Injury Claims Are Proven
Establishing liability in a spinal cord injury case requires showing that another party’s negligence caused the event leading to the injury. Strong evidence may include:
- Police or incident reports
- Medical imaging confirming the level and type of spinal damage
- Witness statements and accident reconstruction
- Documentation of hazardous property conditions or unsafe work environments
- Vehicle damage analysis in traffic-related cases
These cases often involve large financial stakes so that insurance companies may dispute severity, causation, or the need for long-term care. Accurate evidence presentation is essential to protecting the claim.
Long-Term Medical Needs and Financial Impact
Spinal cord injuries often require:
- Emergency surgery and hospitalization
- Ongoing physical and occupational therapy
- Mobility aids such as wheelchairs and lifts
- Home modifications (ramps, bathroom changes, widened doorways)
- Long-term nursing care or in-home support
- Assistive technology for communication and daily tasks
Victims may also face loss of income, reduced earning capacity, emotional distress, and significant changes in family roles and responsibilities.
Compensation Available in Maryland Spinal Cord Injury Cases
A successful claim may provide damages for:
- Current and future medical treatment
- Rehabilitation and long-term care
- Lost income and diminished earning ability
- Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Costs of assistive devices, home modifications, and mobility aids
- Disability-related expenses
- Wrongful death damages when injuries are fatal
Life-care planning, economic projections, and medical evaluations help determine the full value of these claims.
Why Spinal Cord Injury Cases Require Immediate Legal Action
Early legal involvement is essential for several reasons:
- Medical evidence is most accurate closer to the injury date
- Safety conditions at a worksite or accident scene may change quickly
- Witness memories fade, and documentation may be lost
- Maryland’s statute of limitations limits the time available to file a lawsuit
Prompt action ensures the strongest possible case and helps secure access to the long-term resources spinal cord injury victims often need.
Get Support After a Spinal Cord Injury in Maryland
A spinal cord injury can reshape every part of a person’s life, from mobility and independence to employment and long-term care. Victims deserve strong legal advocacy and financial protection. At McGowan & Cecil, we represent spinal cord injury victims across Maryland and work to secure the compensation necessary for medical care, adaptive equipment, and future stability. Contact our office today to learn how we can help you move forward after a catastrophic spinal injury.
FAQ Section
What is the difference between paraplegia and quadriplegia?
Paraplegia affects the lower body, while quadriplegia impacts both the arms and legs, depending on where the spinal cord is injured.
Can someone with a spinal cord injury recover function over time?
Some incomplete injuries allow partial recovery with rehabilitation, though outcomes vary based on severity and location.
How long do I have to file a spinal cord injury lawsuit in Maryland?
Most cases must be filed within three years, though certain exceptions may apply depending on circumstances.
Can spinal cord injury victims recover future medical costs?
Yes. Claims often include lifetime care estimates, assistive equipment, and home modification expenses.