Bentonville, AR CRPS Lawyer

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or CRPS, is a serious condition that affects many people in the United States. The root cause is not fully understood. However, what is understood is that people with CRPS experience extreme pain in the affected parts of the body. While it is different for each person, CRPS can be so debilitating that someone dealing with it may not be able to function for a period of time. At worst, such a condition could make it impossible to work or do enjoyable activities.

If you are dealing with CRPS after an injury, our lawyers can help you. We know how to handle CRPS injury claims in court in order to fight for the damages you need to deal with your condition.

To get a free case review from our team of CRPS lawyers, call us any time at (479) 316-0438.

What is CRPS?

CRPS stands for complex regional pain syndrome. The condition used to be known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, or RSD, but CRPS is now the medically accepted term. The condition usually affects the patient’s arms or legs, but it could pop up in any part of the body. Usually, complex regional pain syndrome starts after an injury of some kind. Also, the pain is usually significantly worse than what one would expect from the injury. Even minor injuries can lead to debilitating CRPS if it develops.

The symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome are varied. People with the condition may experience continuous, painful, burning, and throbbing sensations when they are having an episode. They may also experience muscle spasms, joint stiffness and swelling, and changes in skin color, temperature, and texture.

Over time, the condition may worsen to the point that hair or nail growth in the affected area is stunted, and the affected area may atrophy.

Sometimes, CRPS may move from one limb to another or spread from affecting one limb to two.

CRPS is not fully understood by medical professionals, so most treatments are focused on mitigating symptoms and letting patients live fuller lives with their condition.

Types of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome You Can Sue for in Bentonville, AR

There are two recognized types of CRPS: CRPS 1 and CRPS 2.

CRPS 1 occurs after an injury, such as a car accident. Often, the pain that comes from CRPS 1 is far more than would be expected from the kind of injury the patient sustained.

CRPS 2, by contrast, is caused by known nerve injuries. Because the cause of CRPS 2 is known – as compared to the nebulous cause of CRPS 1 – it is often easier to get damages for CRPS 2 in court.

What Incidents Can Cause Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Bentonville, AR?

Many different kinds of accidents can lead to injuries that can result in complex regional pain syndrome. In fact, pretty much any accident and injury that can lead to a personal injury claim could also result in CRPS. Below, our CRPS lawyers will go into some of the situations that may lead to CRPS.

Car Accidents

Car accidents are a frequent cause of CRPS. While it may be obvious that a serious car accident where both vehicles are totaled causes CRPS, it may not be as apparent in less severe accidents. Additionally, some injuries may develop CRPS later. For example, you may get whiplash after a minor fender bender, only to be stuck with CRPS when you should have fully recovered.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slipping and falling down can result in CRPS if the victim lands in an unlucky way. Many victims of slip and fall injuries report nerve damage and lost range of motion in the affected area. Since nerve damage is a known cause of CRPS, it should be no surprise that such an injury can lead to complex regional pain syndrome.

Workplace Injuries

Many jobs, like working at construction sites, in warehouses, or other manual labor positions, are inherently more dangerous than, say, office jobs. Getting hit by something heavy or otherwise getting hurt at work can result in CRPS.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is also a frequent cause of CRPS. Medical malpractice is when a medical professional injures someone through their negligence. Common forms of medical malpractice that can lead to CRPS include surgical errors or undiagnosed heart attacks.

Is it Hard to Prove CRPS In Lawsuits in Bentonville, AR?

Because the cause of chronic regional pain syndrome is somewhat unknown, it can sometimes be difficult to prove and get damages for it in court. There are a couple of hurdles to proving CRPS in court.

First, there is no agreed-upon test to diagnose CRPS, so you may not have definitive medical records that show you have that condition. There are, however, indications of CRPS that can be displayed. Bone scans and X-rays can show loss of strength in bones in the affected area, sweat production tests can show that sweat production is uneven – a symptom of the condition, and MRIs can show tissue changes indicative of CRPS.

Second, since there is no formal way to diagnose CRPS, medical professionals may disagree as to whether you are suffering from it or not. If the defense attorney has a medical expert who testifies that you do not have CRPS, in their opinion, that could hurt your case. However, there are ways to combat this, even if the jury agrees with the defense’s expert witness. We can stress to the jury that pain is pain, no matter where it comes from, and that it ultimately derives from the injuries the defendant caused you, so they should compensate you for it anyway.

Have a Chat with Our Bentonville, AR CRPS Lawyers Now

To start going over your case, call our CRPS lawyers at (479) 316-0438.