Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Table of Contents
The direct cause of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is not fully understood. Some people experience CRPS after a medical event like a stroke, an infection, or a heart attack, or after undergoing surgery. Others develop CRPS after being involved in an injurious accident.
Typically, people with CRPS develop intense, chronic pain in one or more of their extremities. CRPS can also spread to different parts of the body, such as the limb opposite to the one initially experiencing pain.
While there is still much to learn about why some injured survivors of traumatic accidents go on to experience symptoms of CRPS and others do not, the chronic condition is believed to be related to abnormalities in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Because of a dysfunctional relationship between these systems and an inappropriate inflammatory response in the body, accident survivors whose injuries have triggered CRPS could experience chronic pain for months, or even years.
Common Symptoms of CRPS
The symptoms of CRPS can change over time and either increase or decrease in severity. However, in certain cases of irreversible CRPS, the affected limb can go cold and turn pale, undergoing changes to the impacted limb’s skin and nails. Other symptoms of CRPS include:
- Continuous throbbing or burning pain
- Swelling
- Skin alternating between cold and sweaty
- White, blotchy, blue, or red skin
- Sensitivity to coldness or touch
- Joint stiffness
- Muscle spasms
- Tremors
- Weakness, atrophy
- Difficulty moving the affected limb
- And more
Even people who are only moderately injured as the result of an accident can develop symptoms of CRPS that could persist throughout their entire lifetimes. Because of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, an injured person’s ability to participate in the same activities they always enjoyed can be curtailed. Their use of their limbs could be seriously impeded, impacting their daily routines and their experience in the workplace. Depending on the severity of the pain they experience, CRPS could prohibit certain accident survivors from working altogether, leading to financial instability.
Potential Options for Financial Recovery
People suffering from CRPS may be eligible for various forms of compensation. Those who have sufficient insurance coverage through their employer’s group insurance plan or a privately held policy may be able to collect long-term disability (LTD) benefits if their pain is so severe that they are no longer able to perform the duties of their job.
However, not all claims for LTD benefits are approved by insurance providers. In fact, it is extremely common for insurance companies to deny LTD benefits claims for so-called invisible injuries like CRPS, since the condition’s severity cannot be proven with objective, observable proof. The experience of chronic pain is subjective; it is unique to the person experiencing it, and not measurable using medical testing.
If your CRPS symptoms prevent you from working in your chosen profession and you have adequate insurance coverage, our Ontario long-term disability lawyers may be able to help you appeal a denied LTD benefits claim. By doing so, our long-term disability lawyers serving all of Ontario may be able to help you recover compensation for previously denied benefits, damages you incurred because of your claim’s initial denial, and even punitive damages, depending on the circumstances.
Victims of accidents caused by someone else’s negligence who are experiencing symptoms of CRPS may be eligible to pursue compensation from the party or entity responsible for causing the accident to occur. To learn more about how our Ontario personal injury lawyers may be able to help you recover compensation by taking legal actions against the at-fault party, call 1-800-JUSTICE.
Contact Preszler Injury Lawyers for a Free Initial Consultation
Injured accident survivors who develop CRPS could find themselves haunted by the traumatic events that led to their initial injury for the rest of their lives. Our personal injury lawyers serving all of Ontario are passionate about helping injured members of the community experiencing chronic pain in their search for some physical and financial relief.
To learn more, take advantage of a free initial consultation with our Ontario personal injury lawyers by contacting us today.
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Personal Injury FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions for personal injury claims
What does a lawsuit look like?
Every personal injury lawsuit is generally comprised of five main parts. The length of time each part takes can vary depending on the complexity of your case. Your lawyer will help you through each stage by providing tailored advice and strong legal representation.
You can expect:
- Statement of Claim: This is a formal document that initiates the personal injury claim against the at-fault party (or individual you are suing).
- Examination for Discovery: This is a meeting where you and your lawyer will ask the opposing party questions about the claim, the accident, fault, and anything else that is deemed relevant. The opposing party will also have the opportunity to ask you questions.
- Gathering of Evidence: Your legal team will gather a variety of evidence on your behalf to strengthen your claim. This might include medical records, police reports, images from the accident scene, witness testimony, expert opinions, and more.
- Mediation: If you would like to attempt to settle without going to trial, you will likely undertake mediation. Mediation involves you and the opposing party negotiating the terms of your settlement with the assistance of a neutral third party.
- Trial: If you are unable to reach a settlement during mediation, your claim will proceed to trial. During trial, your lawyer will present your case and the evidence they have gathered before a judge (and sometimes a jury). Once complete, the judge will decide the final amount of compensation you’re entitled to.
It’s important to note that a majority of personal injury claims are settled through mediation, out of court. Our Toronto personal injury lawyers help guide clients through each of these stages, so they don’t have to navigate the legal complexities alone.
How much will I have to pay for lawyers’ fees?
Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win your case. A percentage of the settlement you receive will go towards lawyers’ fees. There are no upfront, out-of-pocket payments required.
What type of compensation can I expect to get?
When you’re injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, there are many different types of compensation you may be eligible to receive. The amount and kind will depend on the severity of your injury and the specifics of your case.
Common damages you might claim include:
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Loss of income
- Housekeeping losses
- Medical costs
- Legal costs
- And more
Our experienced Toronto personal injury attorneys will help maximize what you can recover by exploring your case and eligibility in depth. We aim to ensure that the compensation you receive reflects not only your current suffering, but the lifelong effects that your accident may have in the future.
When can I sue for non-pecuniary general damages (e.g. pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, etc.)?
In Ontario, you can sue for non-pecuniary damages if you have suffered a permanent and serious impairment of an important physical, mental, or psychological function, or permanent, serious disfigurement. This is known as the “threshold.” If you meet this threshold, you can sue for general damages such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other similar losses.
How long will it take to settle my case?
The length of time it takes to settle a case depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the extent of your injuries, and whether the other parties involved are willing to settle. Some cases can be settled in a few months, while others can take years.
How long will the process take?
The length of time a personal injury claim can take varies widely according to the specifics of your case. While some cases settle in a matter of months, some can take anywhere from two to four years.
Some factors that affect the duration of personal injury claims include:
- Complexity of your injuries
- Each party’s willingness to settle
- Whether a claim goes to court
- Insurance company cooperation
- Availability of evidence
- And more
When liability is clear or injuries/damages are more clearly documented, cases may move faster. A personal injury lawyer will make sure the process keeps moving, although sometimes delays (like court backlogs) are unavoidable. Seeking personal injury legal advice early may help you streamline your timeline.
How long do I have to sue?
In Ontario, generally speaking you have two years from the date of your injury-causing accident to file a claim. However, based on the circumstances of your individual case, this timeline could be subject to additional limitations.
Do I have a strong case?
After taking advantage of a free initial consultation with our personal injury lawyers, the strength of your case can be evaluated based on the evidence available and the specific circumstances of your accident. Our personal injury lawyers offer case-specific legal feedback to help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case and advise you on legal options that might be available.