CRPS/RSD Attorneys
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Lawyers Practicing Nationwide

Causes


CRPS/RSD injuries are a multi-symptom condition that generally occur in one or more extremities/ limbs, and can spread to other areas of the body. They are often related to an injury sustained by an accident or injury that results in nerve damage.

Common Triggers

  • Sprains
  • Fractures
  • Cuts
  • Burns
  • Limb immobilization (such as being in a cast)
The pain level can range from uncomfortable to severe, completely debilitating some patients.

Dallas CRPS and RSD Attorneys

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD or RSDS), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), is a chronic pain syndrome that is often characterized by a severe burning pain, extreme sensitivity to touch, swelling, excessive sweating and tissue discoloration. It typically focuses on one limb but in some cases, travels to other areas.

Diagnosing CRPS/RSD is difficult and specific measures are taken to evaluate the patient’s pain and the potential causes. The condition has become more accepted in science over the years, giving hope to those suffering that they will receive the support needed to have the best life possible under the unfortunate circumstances.

CRPS/RSD is Life-Altering

The physical symptoms and pain associated with CRPS/RSD can be truly debilitating, affecting all aspects of the patient’s life. When the pain is at its peak, it can be all-consuming, leaving the sufferer immobile and feeling helpless. It can prevent those with the disease to hold down a regular job, putting the patient and their family under added economic stress. A lifetime of medical treatments can be financially devastating, and it’s common for those with RSD to go on permanent and complete disability.

ARTICLE: ⇒ Needle Stick Can Cause CRPS/RSD – What You Need to Know

In addition to the physical symptoms of severe pain, the mental and emotional toll can harm relationships with friends and family, and often leads to loneliness and isolation. Coping with RSD is simply and enormously overwhelming and life-altering.

There are a variety of needs and professional assistance required to deal with and manage RSD and getting the proper treatment and support is vital for a better life. With the condition being permanent, the importance of seeking experienced legal help to make life more manageable can relieve some of the negative effects it has on a patient’s life.

Depending on the case, a patient could need a pain management doctor, life care planner, location rehabilitation expert (especially around employment), economist, and other physical rehabilitation specialists. These professionals also have a critical role in CRPS/RSD personal injury cases.

CRPS/RSD Personal Injury Cases

There are several important factors that contribute to Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) personal injury cases, including:

  • Official medical diagnosis of CRPS/RSD
  • Extensive review of medical records
  • Expert testimony

For those with RSD, regular treatment is needed and can be quite expensive, taking a significant financial toll and adding stress to an already overwhelming situation. By pursuing a personal injury claim, some of the financial burden can be lessened, allowing the patient to focus on the most important factors – managing their symptoms and maintaining relationships for emotional peace and support.

If the onset of this condition is the result of an injury from an accident or negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation if a personal injury claim is made within the time limit allowed by law.
rsd-diagram

Diagnosis

Sadly, it’s often quite difficult to diagnose CRPS/RSD and there isn’t a simple test to figure out if the patient has it. Diagnosis is based on the patient’s medical history and signs of the symptom, as listed in the criteria. Tests are often conducted to rule out other diseases and conditions that may present similar symptoms. Most experts believe cases of patients with RSD should be overseen by a neurologist.

For official diagnosis, the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) characterizes CRPS by a discreet set of diagnostic criteria:

CRPS-1 (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy)

  1. The presence of an initiating noxious event, or a cause of immobilization.
  2. Continuing pain, allodynia, or hyperalgesia with which the pain is disproportionate to any inciting event.
  3. Evidence at some time of edema, changes in skin blood flow, or abnormal sudomotor activity in the region of the pain.
  4. This diagnosis is excluded by the existence of conditions that would otherwise account for the degree of pain and dysfunction.

Note: Criteria 2-4 must be satisfied.

CRPS-2 (Causalgia)

  1. The presence of continuing pain, allodynia, or hyperalgesia after a nerve injury, not necessarily limited to the distribution of the injured nerve.
  2. Evidence at some time of edema, changes in skin blood flow, or abnormal sudomotor activity in the region of the pain.
  3. This diagnosis is excluded by the existence of conditions that would otherwise account for the degree of pain and dysfunction.

Note: All three criteria must be satisfied.

Experienced RSD Lawyers

You deserve an attorney who understands what you’re going through.

If you’re dealing with the serious and complex pain and life changes associated with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), there may be money you deserve that The Cochran Firm – Dallas can recover for you. You deserve a lawyer with in-depth knowledge and understanding of RSD, and dedicated to paving the way to a better future. The Cochran Firm – Dallas team has the experience and approach you need and deserve.

The Cochran Firm – Dallas team stays on top of new research, cases and treatments, to better serve clients and remain as experienced and trusted RSD attorneys. The attorneys at The Cochran Firm – Dallas have extensive experience handling RSD cases and has a solid understanding of the pain associated with the condition. Bryan Pope is the current chair of an CRPS/RSD litigation group and lectures to other lawyers about RSD and related cases.

The Cochran Firm – Dallas Approach

The lawyers at The Cochran Firm – Dallas may be able to assist or refer CRPS/RSD patients whose injuries have resulted due to negligence. If a civil suit is filed, The Cochran Firm – Dallas would assist the patient with seeking monetary compensation based on the laws and evidence that supports this type of personal injury claim.

Don’t deal with the pain and frustration of having RSD alone – contact our office to discuss your situation.

This information serves as an overview for RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) & CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) as it relates to personal injury law. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or medical advice.