As the managing attorneys at Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we lead our practice with decades of civil litigation experience—handling personal injury matters, lead poisoning, automobile accidents, slip-and-fall claims, dog bites, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injuries. We bring that same dedication and expertise to every catastrophic injury case in Baltimore.
At our law firm, our team is committed to serving clients in and around Baltimore, Catonsville, Essex, Towson, and all across Maryland. You can count on us to fight for people across the Baltimore metropolitan area, securing compensation for those whose lives have been changed forever by catastrophic injuries.
As experienced personal injury lawyers in Baltimore, you can count on our team to help you recover the full compensation you deserve after an accident caused by someone else.
Who We Are – Your Baltimore Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
At Holzman & Dickriede, we understand that catastrophic injuries—such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury, limb loss, severe burns, or other life-altering harm—demand not just legal skill, but compassion, relentless advocacy, and an understanding of how to quantify long-term costs and life changes.
We have a proven track record in civil litigation and catastrophic injury claims, and we work tirelessly to hold responsible parties accountable and to obtain maximum compensation.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury in Maryland?
Legal and Medical Definitions
Maryland law and medical professionals consider catastrophic injuries as those that permanently change a person’s life, often causing lifelong disability and requiring extensive care. Typical examples include paraplegia, quadriplegia, TBI that affects cognitive or motor function, severe burns, or cases that lead to permanent impairments.
Although “catastrophic injury” is not a strict statutory term, these injuries are universally understood as those resulting in incapacitation of major bodily systems, affecting physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Maryland
Many catastrophic injuries stem from preventable accidents due to negligent or reckless conduct. Common causes include:
- Motor vehicle collisions—especially head-on, T-bone, or wrong-way crashes—are a leading cause of catastrophic injuries in Maryland.
- Alcohol-related impaired driving: Maryland sees over 8,000 impaired-driving crashes annually, with about 35% resulting in injury, including more than 1,000 serious or catastrophic injuries per year reported in Maryland emergency rooms.
- Workplace accidents, although less publicized, contribute to Maryland suffering 80 fatal work injuries in 2022, and tens of thousands of nonfatal injuries requiring days away from work.
As your Baltimore catastrophic injury lawyer, we understand these realities and know how to tackle the legal complexities that follow.
Baltimore Injury Lawyers Near You
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Maryland Statutes and Compensation for Catastrophic Injuries
Noneconomic Damages Cap
In Maryland, noneconomic damages—covering pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment—are capped under state law.
Under § 11-108 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, noneconomic damages for personal injury or wrongful death are limited to a dollar amount that increases annually by $15,000 starting October 1, 1995.
Currently, legislation, including House Bill 113, proposes repealing these limitations, which could affect future cases.
The Department of Legislative Services overview also highlights the legislative debate surrounding noneconomic damage caps in 2024 and 2025.
Special Provisions for First Responders
Maryland Senate Bill 812, effective July 1, 2025, addresses catastrophic line-of-duty injuries for law enforcement. It provides for an accidental disability retirement allowance if the officer is incapacitated due to injury in the performance of duty.
Other Safety Nets and Context
Maryland has a No-Fault Birth Injury Fund to support custodial care for catastrophic birth-related neurological injuries—providing equitable compensation through a no-fault system.
Maryland Injury Data: Scope and Impact
Motor Vehicle Injury Trends
Motor Vehicle Injury TrendsBetween 2003 and 2007, Maryland averaged 36,681 injury-causing car crashes each year and 635 annual fatalities.
Workplace Injuries
In 2022, private industry employers in Maryland reported 42,600 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, with many resulting in days away, job transfer, or restriction (DART cases). The occupational injury incidence rate was 2.4 per 100 full-time workers, below the national average.
Occupational Fatalities
Fatal work injuries in Maryland totaled 80 in 2022, consistent with 2021, highlighting industry risk and the need for robust legal advocacy.
Why We Are Your Top Baltimore Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
If you are involved in an accident or incident, our legal team is here to help. Some of the reasons we believe our law firm stands out include:
Client-Centered Advocacy
We treat clients with empathy and respect, recognizing the profound physical, emotional, and financial toll catastrophic injuries bring. We are your personal injury lawyer in Baltimore, MD, who listens, understands, and fights for your unique needs.
Financial Relief That Matters
We target full compensation: from economic damages (medical costs, lost wages, future care) to non-economic damages like pain and suffering, and where applicable, punitive damages or special statutory benefits.
Strategic, Effective Representation
We know Maryland’s legal landscape: the current non-economic damages cap, ongoing legislative reform, specialized provisions for first responders, and birth injury fund frameworks. We leverage all applicable laws and data to strengthen your claim.
Our Approach to Baltimore Catastrophic Injury Cases
Step 1: Early Investigation and Preservation
From day one, we gather evidence—medical data, accident reports, witness statements—to document the catastrophic impact on you and your family clearly.
Step 2: Full Damage Assessment
We retain medical, vocational, and economic experts to assess both present and future needs: care facilities, medical technology, home modifications, rehabilitation, lost earning capacity, and quality-of-life losses.
Step 3: Navigate Caps and Legislative Realities
Step 3: Navigate Caps and Legislative RealitiesWe understand the cap on noneconomic damages under § 11-108 and monitor reforms like House Bill 113. We explore whether exceptions apply or pursue other remedies to ensure full compensation.
Step 4: Aggressive Negotiation or Litigation
Whether negotiating settlements or litigating in court, we demand fair, just results. We do not shy away from pushing back on insurers or opposing parties that undervalue catastrophic repercussions.
Step 5: Client Empowerment
We explain every step—legal strategy, timelines, financial implications—so our clients always know where their case stands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a catastrophic injury?
A catastrophic injury in Maryland permanently undermines physical, cognitive, or functional ability. Examples include severe TBIs, spinal cord injuries, amputations, or extensive burns that require lifelong care.
Are noneconomic damages capped in Maryland?
Yes. Statute § 11-108 caps non-economic damages, with amounts increasing annually. Maryland is currently considering the repeal of those caps.
How many catastrophic injuries occur due to impaired driving?
Maryland sees over 8,000 impaired-driving crashes annually, with about 1,000 serious or catastrophic injuries reported each year.
Do first responders get special protection for catastrophic injuries?
Yes. Starting July 1, 2025, law enforcement officers catastrophically injured in the line of duty may receive an accidental disability retirement allowance under SB 812.
What You Should Do Now
If you or a family member has suffered a catastrophic injury in Baltimore or anywhere in Maryland, acting quickly matters. In these situations, contact us, Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, your catastrophic injury attorney in Baltimore, your personal injury lawyer in Baltimore, MD, and your trusted injury attorney in Maryland.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation and operate on a no-fee basis unless we win. Let us evaluate your case, discuss your rights, and begin the fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.
