What Car Accident Victims Should Know About Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Not all car accident injuries are visible right away. Some develop over time, leaving victims in chronic pain that disrupts every part of their lives. One such condition is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), which is a rare but serious disorder that can follow trauma.
For Florida residents coping with lingering pain after an accident, understanding CRPS and how it fits into an injury claim is crucial to securing fair compensation. Doing so is part of connecting with necessary care. A seasoned Miami personal injury lawyer has the skills to ensure your condition is taken seriously and that your claim reflects the true extent of your suffering.
Common Symptoms of CRPS
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a chronic pain condition that usually affects one limb (often an arm, leg, hand, or foot) after an injury. It typically develops following trauma such as a broken bone, sprain, or even a surgical procedure. In car accident cases, CRPS can emerge weeks or months after what initially seemed like a relatively minor injury.
The exact cause of CRPS isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to involve a malfunction in the body’s pain signaling and nervous systems. Essentially, the brain and nerves overreact to injury, sending persistent pain signals even after the body should have healed.
CRPS can vary widely, but symptoms include:
- Intense, burning pain disproportionate to the original injury.
- Swelling, redness, and temperature changes in the affected area.
- Changes in skin texture or color, sometimes appearing shiny or blotchy.
- Limited mobility or stiffness.
- Abnormal sweating or hair/nail growth on the affected limb.
Over time, if left untreated, CRPS can lead to muscle wasting, joint stiffness, and permanent disability. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to improving outcomes.
Don’t Ignore Lingering Pain After an Accident
Because CRPS can develop after an accident-related injury, it can be included in personal injury claims. However, proving its connection to a car crash is challenging. Insurance companies may argue that the condition is exaggerated or unrelated, especially since its symptoms are complex and not easily measured through imaging or lab tests.
This is where having an experienced legal professional on your side can make a difference. A lawyer familiar with CRPS can help gather the necessary medical evidence, expert opinions, and documentation to demonstrate how the accident triggered your symptoms.
If you’ve been in a Miami car accident and are experiencing severe, unexplained pain that doesn’t improve with time, don’t assume it’s just part of healing. Ask your doctor about CRPS and seek a second opinion if needed. Then, connect with a Miami personal injury lawyer. Living with CRPS is hard enough, you shouldn’t have to fight alone for the compensation you deserve.
Have you been suffering from lingering pain and discomfort after a car accident? Take action. Doing so is key to connecting with a full treatment plan and the financial support you need to pay for it. Talk to the attorneys at Spencer Morgan Law to learn more. Call 305-423-3800 to book a confidential consultation.