Baltimore Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
When a spinal cord injury occurs, the consequences can be life-altering for victims and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, seeking experienced legal representation is crucial. As a dedicated Baltimore spinal cord injury lawyer, Iamele & Iamele, LLP has been protecting Maryland citizens’ rights for over 50 years, with two generations of Iameles providing aggressive advocacy for injury victims throughout the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries and Their Impact
Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating types of trauma a person can experience. The spinal cord serves as the main pathway for communication between the brain and the rest of the body. When this critical structure is damaged, the results can include partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and a lifetime of medical complications.
According to the most recent available data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, approximately 17,700 new spinal cord injuries occur in the United States each year. The leading causes include motor vehicle accidents, falls, acts of violence, and sports-related incidents. In Baltimore, with its busy traffic corridors along Interstate 95, the Baltimore Beltway, and major arteries like North Charles Street and Eastern Avenue, car accidents remain a significant cause of these catastrophic injuries.
The financial burden of a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming. Initial hospitalization costs often exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars, while lifetime care expenses can reach into the millions depending on the severity of the injury. These costs include ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, assistive devices, home modifications, and lost income from inability to work.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Baltimore
Our experienced attorneys have handled spinal cord injury cases resulting from various types of accidents and incidents of negligence throughout Baltimore and surrounding counties. Motor vehicle accidents remain the leading cause, particularly on high-traffic areas near downtown Baltimore, around Camden Yards, and along the busy corridors connecting to Washington D.C.
Construction accidents represent another significant source of spinal cord injuries, especially given Baltimore’s ongoing urban development projects. Falls from scaffolding, ladder accidents, and being struck by falling objects can all result in severe spinal trauma. Workers’ compensation may provide some coverage, but third-party liability claims often become necessary to fully compensate victims for their losses.
Medical malpractice can also lead to spinal cord injuries, whether through surgical errors, delayed diagnosis of conditions affecting the spine, or improper treatment. Baltimore’s numerous hospitals and medical facilities, while generally providing excellent care, are not immune to instances of medical negligence that can result in permanent spinal damage.
Sports and recreational activities, particularly in Baltimore’s many parks and recreational areas, can also lead to spinal injuries. Diving accidents, football injuries, and other high-impact sports can cause severe spinal trauma, especially when proper safety measures are not in place.
Legal Options for Spinal Cord Injury Victims
When a spinal cord injury occurs due to someone else’s negligence, victims have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Our firm’s approach to these complex cases involves meticulous preparation and superior courtroom skills, which have produced outstanding results for our clients over the years.
Establishing liability in spinal cord injury cases requires thorough investigation and often involves working with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and vocational rehabilitation experts. We examine every aspect of the incident, from the immediate cause to any contributing factors that may have worsened the injury or delayed proper treatment.
Damages in spinal cord injury cases typically include both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages cover medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, and the cost of necessary accommodations and assistive devices. Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and the emotional impact of the injury.
In cases where the injury was caused by particularly reckless or intentional conduct, punitive damages may also be available. Our attorneys have the depth and breadth of experience necessary to evaluate and litigate claims for the full amount of compensation our clients are owed.
Why Choose Iamele & Iamele for Your Spinal Cord Injury Case
Operating in the context of a small firm that emphasizes client service, both Domenic Iamele and Anton Iamele have been able to become personally involved in most aspects of each case. As a family practice, we treat our clients with very close, personal and hands-on attention. This approach is particularly important in spinal cord injury cases, where victims and their families are dealing with life-changing circumstances and need compassionate, dedicated representation.
Domenic Iamele brings decades of trial experience to every case, having begun his legal career with the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted criminal matters from misdemeanors to the most serious capital offenses. Anton L. Iamele graduated cum laude from the University of Baltimore School of Law and had the honor of beginning his law career as a clerk for Chief Judge Joseph F. Murphy, Jr. of the Maryland Court of Special Appeals.
Our firm’s trial abilities have proven key to obtaining positive results for our many clients over the years. We understand that insurance companies and defendants often attempt to minimize settlements in catastrophic injury cases, which is why our willingness and ability to take cases to trial often results in better outcomes for our clients.
Baltimore Spinal Cord Injury FAQs
How long do I have to file a spinal cord injury lawsuit in Maryland?
Maryland’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally three years from the date of injury. However, there are exceptions and special circumstances that can affect this deadline, so it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your injury.
What if my spinal cord injury was caused by a car accident and I was partially at fault?
Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, which can be harsh for injury victims. However, there are strategies and exceptions that an experienced attorney can use to protect your rights even when fault is disputed.
Can I still pursue a lawsuit if workers’ compensation is paying for my spinal cord injury?
Yes, if a third party other than your employer was responsible for your injury. You may be able to pursue both workers’ compensation benefits and a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party.
How much is my spinal cord injury case worth?
The value depends on many factors including the severity of your injury, your age, lost income potential, medical expenses, and the degree of negligence involved. Each case is unique and requires individual evaluation.
What if the person who caused my spinal cord injury doesn’t have insurance?
There may still be options for recovery, including uninsured motorist coverage, premises liability insurance, or pursuing assets directly from the responsible party.
Do I need to go to trial for my spinal cord injury case?
Many cases settle out of court, but having attorneys who are prepared and willing to go to trial often results in better settlement offers and outcomes for clients.
What immediate steps should I take after suffering a spinal cord injury?
Seek immediate medical attention, document the incident if possible, preserve evidence, and contact an experienced attorney promptly to protect your legal rights.
Serving Throughout Baltimore
- Federal Hill
- Inner Harbor
- Fells Point
- Canton
- Hampden
- Mount Vernon
- Bolton Hill
- Riverside
- Locust Point
- Patterson Park
Contact a Baltimore Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, time is critical. The sooner you contact an experienced spinal cord injury attorney, the better we can protect your rights and preserve important evidence. At Iamele & Iamele, LLP, we provide free confidential case analysis and work aggressively to fight for your rights regardless of how complex the legal matter is. We serve clients throughout Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties, and evening and weekend meetings are available. Contact our firm today to schedule a complimentary consultation and find out how our experienced Baltimore spinal cord injury attorneys can help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
