Complex regional pain syndrome, or CRPS, is a chronic and often permanent pain condition that primarily affects an individual’s arms and legs. CRPS, sometimes referred to as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, is caused by dysfunction in the central or peripheral nervous systems as well as inappropriate inflammatory responses. CRPS has several different types of causes, such as major or minor trauma to the arm or leg, such as those that occur in motor vehicle accidents, or slip and falls, or through surgery, stroke or even a heart attack.
Every year Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or (CRPS) afflicts thousands of victims.
Learn more about your options for compensation by calling (213) 389-3765.
CRPS is especially dangerous because so little is known about this disease. The exact cause of CRPS is unknown throughout the medical community, and there are no tests that properly indicate its presence. There is no cure for CRPS, and failure to diagnose it can cause it to spread to other parts of the body. It can be caused by very serious injuries, such as broken bones or fractures, but has also been caused by very minor injuries, such as a sprained ankle, or even a paper cut. What is known is that complex regional pain syndrome is most common between the ages of 20-35, and occurs more often in men than woman. If you have been diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome as a result of an injury or surgery, please call the Downtown L.A. Law Group for a free consultation.Symptoms of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Unfortunately, there is no way to test for CRPS. Instead, doctors diagnose CRPS after its symptoms persist over a prolonged period of time. Exacerbating matters, however, is that the failure to diagnose CRPS may cause it to spread to other areas of the body, and treatment is most effective when instituted early. The symptoms and pains of CRPS are aggravated by stress and other emotional factors.
Therefore, it is crucial that people who have suffered any sort of trauma look out for symptoms associated with CRPS. These symptoms include:
- A burning or shooting pain, especially in the arm, leg or foot region
- Fluctuations in skin temperature, i.e. changing from hot to cold often
- Alteration in skin color, or texture
- Loss of mobility
- A disproportionate amount of pain or healing when compared to the type or severity of the injury
- Changes in hair or nail growth patterns
Complex Regional Pain System Lawsuits
CRPS is a common product of injuries that are the result of another party’s negligence or fault. Examples include car or motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice and dog bites. In these situations, the at-fault party is responsible for your damages. However, because so little is known about CRPS, and because there is no real accurate method of testing for this disorder, insurance companies and juries are often hesitant to associate this painful disease with the injury. This is complicated by the fact that CRPS can occur from even the slightest injury and can not only be incredibly painful, but the pain can be quite disproportionate to the type of injury suffered. Making matters worse is the fact that there is no cure for CRPS and the effects can be permanent. Our personal injury attorneys understand the complications associated with CRPS, and therefore utilize some of the best medical experts to prove that even the most minor injury can cause complex regional pain syndrome. Most jurisdictions follow the “eggshell plaintiff” rule that basically states that an at fault party is responsible for all damage to a plaintiff, no matter how small or benevolent their negligence was.Learn more about your legal options by chatting with a representative now.
Contact a Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered from CRPS as a result of another person’s negligence or actions, you have legal rights, and may be compensated. Our attorneys will work on recovering the maximum amount of compensation such as:- Past medical bills
- Future medical bills
- Lost income or earning potential
- Pain and suffering