Living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is undeniably difficult. It is painful, and more than that physical pain is the frustration of dealing with the social and financial issues that come with such a misunderstood condition. With our knowledgeable Complex Regional Pain Syndrome attorneys in Los Angeles, we understand CRPS and the physical, emotional, and financial tolls on your life – and we are ready to help you fight it back.
CRPS lawsuits are particularly complex, as it may be difficult to prove if the other party’s actions directly caused the condition. With our familiarity with the condition, our CRPS lawyers in Los Angeles will assist you in building a successful case.
CRPS and the Laws Related to It
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is an awful, debilitating, incurable disorder, known to be one of the most painful conditions in existence. Also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), CRPS is rated as more painful than amputation or childbirth.
CRPS most often incepts following an accident, trauma, or surgery. CRPS can begin after a minor injury like a sprain or cut, or after a serious trauma. It usually starts in a limb like the hand or feet. Many times the accident or trauma would not appear to be serious enough to cause a debilitating injury but for the patient getting CRPS. An ankle injury may spread up the leg. Pain out of proportion to the injury is a hallmark of CRPS.
Although CRPS is known to follow an accident or injury, there remains much that is unknown about the process by which a person gets the disorder. Injury to a nerve appears to be involved in causing the condition. It is known to be three times more prevalent in women, although it can affect anyone. It is unclear why one person will develop CRPS, but another with a similar injury or trauma will not. Unfortunately, many medical professionals are not well versed in CRPS, and the condition is often misdiagnosed. Many patients receive inappropriate treatment, if any.
Symptoms of CRPS include severe burning pain, hypersensitivity to touch, swelling, tissue discoloration, and sweating. Of these, the agonizing pain is by far the worst and most debilitating part. The skin in the affected area can change temperature, feeling hot and sweaty at times, and cold at others. The skin color can range from white and mottled to red or blue. The pain caused by CRPS is so terrible persons have been known to attempt amputation of the limbs to escape it. Indeed, CRPS patients have one of the highest incidences of suicide.
There is no cure for CRPS, but there are treatments to manage the condition. The more intensive treatments involve implanting spinal cord stimulation device.
In a CRPS case, medical and other experts are needed to establish liability, including the existence and cause of CRPS, as well as damages. Damages from CRPS include, among other potential claims, lost wages, lost earning capacity from the disability, past and future medical, and compensation for pain and suffering and emotional distress.
If you or a loved one has CRPS because of an accident or event caused by another person’s negligence, you should contact a Complex Regional Pain Syndrome lawyer in Los Angeles to discuss your rights. Haffner Law has experience with CRPS cases, specialized knowledge, and a network of experts familiar with the disease. When negligence has caused a person to suffer from this terrible condition, we stand ready to assist and pursue just compensation.
Get help from a Los Angeles Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Lawyer from Haffner Law by calling (213) 514-5681, or by using the contact form on this page. The consultation is FREE, and there’s no obligation.
