Our Washington DC and Baltimore Spinal Injury Disability Lawyer

It is estimated that as many as three hundred thousand people are living with spinal cord injuries in the U.S. alone. Receiving Social Security disability benefits after suffering a spinal cord injury, however, is not necessarily a foregone conclusion. There are criteria that must be met in order to properly apply for and receive disability checks. A Baltimore spinal injury disability lawyer is in the best position to explain the process and what you need to do to receive benefits. The following covers some basic information about spinal cord injuries and what might qualify you for disability benefits.

Spinal Cord and Spinal Injuries are Often Severe and Prevent You from Working

The majority of spinal cord injuries occur as the result of external trauma. The most frequent causes of traumatic spinal cord injuries are:

• Involvement in a motor vehicle accident
• Falling (slipping or tripping)
• Gunshot wounds or other violence
• Sports-related injuries

Spinal cord injuries can also occur without trauma, and can result from cancer, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and spinal stenosis (narrowing of spaces within the spine).

Often, spinal cord injuries result in:

• Muscle atrophy
• Paralysis
• Uncontrollable contractions of the muscles
• Numbness anywhere in the body
• Incontinence
• Trouble breathing
• Inability to regulate heart rate and blood pressure

If an accident has caused you or a loved one a spinal cord injury you should reach out to a Baltimore spinal injury disability lawyer to determine whether or not you can apply for social security benefits. 

Does Your Spinal Cord Injury Qualify You for Social Security Disability Benefits in Maryland?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates impairments based on requirements published in the SSA Blue Book. A spinal cord injury patient may be able to qualify for disability benefits under the muscular or neurological listings, or under a residual functional capacity assessment. Your Baltimore spinal injury disability lawyer can review this material in detail during your initial consultation.

• Muscular listing. An individual can qualify for SSD benefits under the muscular listing if they can show that the spinal injury caused nerve root compression, resulting in pain, and weakness that interferes with movement. Alternatively, if the claimant has a condition like spinal arachnoiditis (that causes them to constantly change positions) or lumbar spinal stenosis (resulting in so much pain and weakness in the legs that they have trouble moving), this can qualify them under the muscular listing.
• Neurological listing. In order to meet the requirements of this listing, a person with a spinal cord injury must work with their Baltimore spinal cord injury disability lawyer to demonstrate a complete loss of function in a body part that is caused by the injury, severe motor function abnormalities in two extremities, and/or a significant limitation in a vital cognitive area that accompanies their severe physical spinal cord problem.
• Residual functional capacity. To qualify here, the individual must show that they are unable to perform their previous work functions or take on any other job that could become available.

Types of Medical Evidence Your Baltimore Spinal Injury Disability Lawyer Will Need to Show the Social Security Administration

When evaluating an application seeking disability payments, the SSA will carefully examine your medical records. Your Baltimore spinal cord disability lawyer can help you gather substantiating medical evidence that may include:

• Medical images
• Doctor statements and treatment notes
• Pathology reports of tissue biopsy
• Surgery records
• Treatment notes

Contact a Washington DC or Baltimore Spinal Cord Injury Disability Lawyer Today

If you are unable to work due to a spinal injury or spinal cord injury, we can help you get the Social Security benefits you deserve. To speak with an experienced disability attorney, call The Law Office of Emmett B. Irwin at 443-839-0818 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation today. We work with clients throughout Maryland and surrounding states, including Washington DC.