A serious back injury can take you off your feet—and out of work—faster than almost any other type of accident. Whether it is a herniated disc from a car crash or a spinal injury from a workplace fall, the road to recovery is often long and expensive. Medical bills, physical therapy, and lost wages can quickly add up, leaving many victims wondering how they will afford their expenses. At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we assist victims of back injuries in Baltimore and throughout Maryland in their pursuit of the compensation they need to move forward with their lives.
In this blog, we explain what compensation you can recover if you have missed work due to a back injury and how our Baltimore injury lawyers build strong cases that maximize your financial recovery.
How Back Injuries Affect Your Ability to Work
Back injuries can be far more serious than many people realize. Even injuries considered “mild,” such as muscle strains or ligament sprains, can result in weeks of missed work. More severe injuries, like herniated discs or spinal cord damage, may require surgery, long-term rehabilitation, or even prevent a victim from returning to their career altogether.
Common Work-Impacting Back Injuries
We frequently represent clients suffering from:
- Herniated and bulging discs: These injuries can cause severe nerve pain and limit physical movement.
- Vertebral fractures: Often caused by high-impact accidents, these injuries may require extended recovery periods.
- Spinal cord injuries: The most serious back injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
- Chronic pain conditions: Soft tissue injuries, if left untreated, can lead to long-term pain and mobility challenges.
Even sedentary work can be challenging for individuals with back injuries. Sitting for prolonged periods, lifting objects, or even simple tasks like bending or turning can become painful or impossible.
Can You Recover Lost Wages After a Back Injury in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland law allows injury victims to recover lost wages and loss of earning capacity if they can prove someone else’s negligence caused the injury. Lost wage claims typically include:
- Past lost income: Paychecks missed while recovering.
- Future lost income: Wages you will miss due to ongoing recovery or medical treatment.
- Reduced earning capacity: If you cannot return to the same position or profession due to your injury.
- Lost benefits: Missed bonuses, promotions, or retirement contributions that would have occurred during your time away.
Our team at Holzman & Dickriede works closely with medical professionals and vocational experts to calculate the full financial impact of your injury. We do not just consider your immediate losses but also the long-term effects on your career and lifestyle.
Proving Lost Wages in a Back Injury Claim
- Medical records verifying your injury and inability to work.
- Employer statements confirming missed time and pay rate.
- Pay stubs, W-2s, or tax returns to calculate wage loss.
- Expert testimony regarding your ability to return to work or the need for modified duties.
“The insurance company offered me a small check, saying my back injury wasn’t serious enough to keep me from working. Ryan and his team proved otherwise and got me a settlement that covered my missed paychecks and future therapy costs.” – K.M., Baltimore
Compensation Beyond Lost Wages
Back injury claims often involve far more than just lost income. Victims are entitled to pursue a full range of damages, including both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic Damages
- Current and future medical bills (surgery, rehabilitation, injections, medications)
- Costs of mobility aids (wheelchairs, braces, or ergonomic work setups)
- Home modifications if the injury causes permanent impairment
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering caused by chronic pain or limited mobility
- Emotional distress, including anxiety or depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life due to activity restrictions
- Loss of consortium (impact on family relationships)
Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Rule
Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, which is one of the strictest in the country. If the insurance company can prove that you were even 1% at fault for the accident that caused your back injury, you may be barred from recovering compensation.
This rule makes having an experienced back injury attorney in Baltimore essential. Our team knows how to counter these tactics by collecting evidence, working with accident reconstruction experts, and presenting a clear case that places liability where it belongs.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claims
If your back injury occurred at work, you might be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits typically cover medical care and a portion of lost wages. However, workers’ compensation does not provide damages for pain and suffering or other non-economic losses.
There are situations where you can file a personal injury claim in addition to a workers’ compensation claim, such as when a third party (like a contractor or equipment manufacturer) was responsible for your injury. At Holzman & Dickriede, we evaluate every case to see if multiple recovery options are available.
How We Maximize Your Back Injury Compensation
Securing fair compensation for a back injury requires more than just filing paperwork. At Holzman & Dickriede, we use a proactive and thorough approach that includes:
- Comprehensive Case Investigation – We gather accident reports, witness statements, and medical records to prove liability.
- Medical Expert Testimony – We work with orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and rehabilitation specialists to explain the full scope of your injury.
- Accurate Damage Calculations – We factor in every financial loss, from missed wages to future medical costs.
- Aggressive Negotiation – We handle all interactions with insurance companies, ensuring you are not pressured into an undervalued settlement.
- Trial Readiness – If the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to fight for your rights in court.
“Ryan’s team treated my case like it was the only one they had. They not only got my medical bills covered but made sure my lost income was factored into the settlement.” – J.R., Baltimore
How Much Is a Back Injury Claim Worth?
The value of your claim depends on the severity of the injury, the length of recovery, and how the injury affects your ability to work and live normally. A claim involving minor soft tissue damage may be worth thousands of dollars. At the same time, a spinal cord injury with permanent impairment can reach hundreds of thousands—or even millions—depending on the circumstances.
We analyze each case individually to ensure no element of compensation is overlooked.
What You Should Do If You Missed Work Due to a Back Injury
If you are out of work because of a back injury caused by someone else’s negligence, take these steps:
- See a doctor immediately and follow all treatment recommendations.
- Notify your employer about the injury and keep records of all missed workdays.
- Document your injury by saving medical bills, diagnostic reports, and prescriptions.
- Avoid speaking directly with insurers until you have consulted a lawyer.
- Contact a trusted Baltimore back injury lawyer to protect your rights and handle negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Back Injury Compensation and Missed Work
How long do I have to file a back injury claim in Maryland?
Can I recover lost wages even if I am self-employed?
Yes. If you are self-employed and have missed income due to a back injury, you may still recover lost earnings. Our legal team uses tax returns, invoices, and client communications to show how the injury affected your business and income.
What if I return to work but in a lower-paying role?
You may be entitled to loss of earning capacity compensation. If your back injury prevents you from returning to your previous job or forces you into a position with reduced pay or responsibilities, we will include those long-term financial losses in your claim.
Can I be fired for missing work due to a back injury?
Maryland is an at-will employment state, but your employer cannot legally fire you in retaliation for filing a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim. If that happens, you may have grounds for a separate legal action.
Is pain and suffering included in my compensation?
Yes. In addition to lost wages, you may recover damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, especially if your back injury leads to long-term or permanent limitations.
Why Choose Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law?
Our firm brings decades of combined personal injury experience to the table. Attorney Ryan Dickriede, Esq., a former Maryland prosecutor, has the trial experience and negotiation skills necessary to stand up to powerful insurance companies. We believe in treating every client with the respect, communication, and tenacity they deserve.
We are proud of our proven track record in securing substantial settlements and verdicts for back injury victims across Baltimore. When you choose us, you are choosing a team that fights to make your recovery—both physical and financial—as complete as possible.
We Will Help Protect Your Rights
A back injury that takes you out of work can change every part of your life. You do not have to face this challenge alone. At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we work tirelessly to secure the compensation our clients need to cover medical costs, lost wages, and the personal suffering caused by these life-altering injuries.
If you have missed work due to a back injury caused by someone else’s negligence, we are here to help. Contact our Baltimore back injury lawyers today or fill out our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation.
