Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating condition that can develop after an injury, surgery, or other traumatic event. Characterized by intense, prolonged pain and other symptoms, CRPS can profoundly affect every aspect of a person's life, from their ability to work and perform daily tasks to their overall quality of life.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with CRPS as a result of someone else's negligence, the dedicated chronic regional pain syndrome attorneys at Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers are here to support you and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome Guide:
Why Choose Our CRPS Lawyers?
When dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of CRPS, you need a law firm with the knowledge, experience, and dedication to advocate fiercely for your rights.
Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers has successfully represented injured clients, including those with chronic pain conditions like CRPS, in Myrtle Beach and throughout South Carolina.
We deeply understand the unique legal and medical issues involved in CRPS cases and have a track record of securing significant settlements and verdicts for our clients.
At our firm, we believe that every client deserves individual attention, compassionate support, and dedicated advocacy. We intentionally limit our caseload so that we can devote the necessary time and resources to each case we take on.
You'll work closely with one of our skilled CRPS attorneys, who will take the time to listen to your story, thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your injury, and develop a tailored legal strategy to maximize your recovery.
CRPS Is a Complicated Condition
CRPS is a chronic pain condition that typically affects an arm, leg, hand, or foot after an injury or other traumatic event. While the exact cause is not fully understood, CRPS results from damage to or malfunctioning the peripheral and central nervous systems, leading to an overreaction to pain signals.
Symptoms of CRPS can vary from person to person but often include:
- Intense, burning pain that is out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury
- Sensitivity to touch, temperature, or movement
- Swelling, stiffness, and decreased mobility in the affected limb
- Changes in skin temperature, color, or texture
- Excessive sweating or changes in hair and nail growth on the affected limb
- Muscle spasms, tremors, or weakness
- Difficulty sleeping due to pain
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or depression
CRPS divides into two types depending on the presence of nerve damage. Type 1 CRPS, also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), occurs without confirmed nerve injury, while Type 2 CRPS, or Causalgia, involves confirmed nerve damage.
Diagnosing CRPS can be challenging, as there is no definitive test for the condition. Doctors may use a combination of physical exams, imaging tests, nerve conduction studies, and other diagnostic tools to rule out other conditions and confirm a CRPS diagnosis.
Treatment for CRPS typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining pain management techniques, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological support. In some cases, more invasive treatments like nerve blocks or spinal cord stimulation may be necessary to manage symptoms.
Proving Liability in CRPS Cases
To succeed in a CRPS lawsuit, you must prove that another party's negligence caused the initial injury that led to your condition.
This may involve establishing:
- Duty of Care: The defendant owed you a duty to act in a way that will not put you at an unreasonable risk of harm. For example, drivers must drive safely, and property owners must maintain their premises reasonably safe.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant breached their duty of care by acting negligently, recklessly, or intentionally. This may involve actions such as driving while distracted, failing to repair a known hazard, or using excessive force in a physical altercation.
- Causation: The defendant's breach of duty directly caused your initial injury, which in turn led to the development of your CRPS. This may require professional medical testimony to establish the link between the injury and your chronic pain condition.
- Damages: You suffered actual harm and losses due to your CRPS, such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life.
Proving liability in a CRPS case can be difficult, as the condition may not develop until weeks or months after the initial injury, and the connection between the injury and the CRPS may not always be immediately apparent.
That's why you need an experienced CRPS attorney on your side, working to gather the evidence needed to build a strong case on your behalf.
CRPS Compensation
If you developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome as a result of someone else's negligence, you may recover compensation for a wide range of damages, including:
Medical Expenses in CRPS Cases
One of the most significant costs associated with CRPS is the ongoing medical treatment required to manage symptoms and improve function.
Victims of CRPS may recover compensation for all medical expenses related to their condition, including:
- Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, bone scans, and nerve conduction studies
- Medications, including pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, antidepressants, and other drugs used to manage CRPS symptoms
- Physical therapy and occupational therapy to improve strength, flexibility, and function in the affected limb
- Nerve blocks, injections, and other interventional pain management techniques
- Spinal cord stimulation, which involves implanting a device that sends electrical signals to the spinal cord to disrupt pain signals
- Psychological counseling to address the emotional impact of living with chronic pain
- Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, biofeedback, or massage therapy, if recommended by a doctor
In addition to compensating for current medical expenses, CRPS victims may also receive damages for anticipated future medical costs related to their condition. You need this in CRPS cases, as the condition may require ongoing long-term treatment and management.
Lost Income and Earning Capacity in CRPS Cases
CRPS can significantly affect a person's ability to work and earn a living. The intense pain, physical limitations, and other symptoms associated with the condition may make it difficult or impossible for victims to perform their job duties or maintain regular employment.
Compensation for lost income in a CRPS case may include:
- Income lost due to time off work for medical appointments, treatments, and recovery.
- Income lost due to reduced hours or the inability to work at all due to CRPS symptoms.
- Loss of future earning capacity if the condition prevents you from returning to your previous job or advancing in your career
Pain and Suffering in CRPS Cases
CRPS characterizes severe, often unrelenting pain that can significantly damage every aspect of a person's life.
Victims of CRPS may recover compensation for the physical pain and suffering caused by their condition, including:
- Burning, stabbing, or throbbing pain in the affected limb
- Hypersensitivity to touch, temperature, or movement
- Muscle spasms, tremors, or weakness
- Difficulty sleeping due to pain
- Physical limitations and decreased mobility
Compensation for pain and suffering aims to acknowledge the significant physical burden and distress that CRPS victims endure daily.
While no amount of money can truly make up for the experience of living with chronic pain, this type of compensation can help provide resources for additional treatment, support, and accommodations to improve quality of life.
Emotional Distress in CRPS Cases
In addition to physical pain, CRPS can take a heavy emotional toll on victims and their families.
The chronic, debilitating nature of the condition can lead to a range of psychological struggles, such as:
- Depression and feelings of hopelessness
- Anxiety and fear about the future
- Mood swings and irritability
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Strained relationships with family and friends
- Loss of self-esteem and sense of identity
Compensation for emotional distress in a CRPS case recognizes the significant mental and emotional impact of living with a chronic pain condition.
It may include damages for the cost of psychological counseling, therapy, or medication to address these challenges and compensation for the overall decline in mental well-being and quality of life.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life in CRPS Cases
CRPS can rob victims of the ability to participate in activities and experiences that once brought joy and fulfillment to their lives.
Compensation for loss of enjoyment of life in a CRPS case acknowledges the overall effect of the condition on a person's overall happiness and satisfaction.
It may include damages for:
- The inability to participate in favorite hobbies or recreational activities
- Difficulty attending social events or maintaining relationships
- Decreased ability to travel or enjoy leisure activities
- Loss of independence and the need for assistance with daily tasks
- Overall diminished quality of life and sense of well-being
While putting a dollar value on these intangible losses can be challenging, our experienced CRPS attorneys can help build a compelling case for compensation that reflects the full extent of your suffering and loss.
Disability and Impairment in CRPS Cases
In severe cases, CRPS can lead to permanent impairments and disabilities that impact your mobility, sensation, and overall function.
These may include:
- Muscle atrophy and weakness in the affected limb
- Contractures or tightening of the muscles and joints
- Decreased range of motion and flexibility
- Impaired balance and coordination
- Difficulty with fine motor skills and dexterity
- Need for assistive devices, such as braces, canes, or wheelchairs
Victims of CRPS may be entitled to compensation for these permanent impairments and how they impact their ability to work, care for themselves, and participate in daily activities.
This may include damages for:
- Home and vehicle modifications to accommodate disabilities
- In-home care or assistance with daily tasks
- Ongoing physical therapy and other treatments to manage impairments
- Emotional distress and loss of self-esteem related to disabilities
Documenting the extent and impact of permanent impairments is critical to building a strong CRPS case. Medical, vocational, and other professionals may provide evidence of the victim's disabilities and the compensation needed to address them.
Fighting the Insurance Company
When seeking compensation for CRPS, you may be up against an insurance company more interested in protecting its bottom line than fairly compensating you for your losses.
Insurers may use a range of tactics to minimize or deny your claim, such as:
- Arguing that your CRPS is not related to the initial injury or that it is a pre-existing condition
- Downplaying the severity of your symptoms or suggesting that you are exaggerating your pain
- Pressuring you to accept a low settlement offer before you fully understand the long-term impact of your condition
- Disputing the necessity or reasonableness of your medical treatment
- Claiming that you are partially or fully at fault for the initial injury that led to your CRPS
At Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies and know how to fight against these unfair tactics. We'll handle all the negotiations and communication with the insurer so you can focus on managing your condition and rebuilding your life.
Our skilled legal team will work tirelessly to gather the evidence needed to support your claim, including medical records, professional testimony, and documentation of your losses. We'll use this evidence to build a compelling case and demand the full and fair compensation you deserve.
While many CRPS cases can undergo negotiation, our attorneys are always ready to take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses a reasonable settlement offer. With our aggressive advocacy and commitment to securing the best possible outcome, you can feel confident that your rights and interests are protected every step of the way.
What to Do If You Suspect You Have CRPS
If you believe you developed CRPS after an injury or other traumatic event, to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention from a doctor experienced in diagnosing and treating chronic pain conditions like CRPS. Early intervention can be crucial in managing symptoms and improving outcomes.
- Follow your doctor's recommended treatment plan, which may include medication, physical therapy, and other interventions to manage pain and improve function.
- Keep detailed records of your symptoms, medical appointments, treatments, and any expenses related to your condition.
- If someone else's negligence caused your CRPS due to an accident or injury, report the incident to the appropriate authorities and gather available evidence, such as photos, witness statements, or police reports.
- Contact an experienced CRPS lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options and ensure your rights are protected.
Remember, you don't have to face the challenges of CRPS alone. With the right medical care and legal support, you can work towards managing your condition and securing the resources you need to move forward with your life.
Contact Our CRPS Lawyers
Suppose you or a loved one has been diagnosed with CRPS after an accident or injury caused by someone else's negligence.
In that case, the compassionate team at Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers is here to help. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that chronic pain can take, and we're committed to fighting for the compensation and justice you deserve.
When you work with our firm, you can expect personalized attention, thorough investigation, and aggressive advocacy every step of the way. We'll handle all aspects of your case, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary.
Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won't pay any upfront costs or legal fees unless we secure compensation.
Don't let the insurance company or the responsible party minimize the impact of your CRPS or deny you the compensation you need to manage your condition and rebuild your life.
Contact Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers today at (843) 232-0944 for your free consultation and learn how we can fight for your rights. We're ready to be your advocates no matter where you live in South Carolina.
