Welp MagazineComplex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic condition that can cause debilitating pain in anyone with the disorder. CRPS is not very well understood but can have severe and long-lasting consequences for the victim.
A traumatic injury to a limb usually triggers the condition, but the pain does not decrease over time as you would expect during recovery. People affected by CRPS due to an injury that wasn’t their fault may be entitled to compensation and the process is often managed by solicitors who will also be able to assist with things like a fibromyalgia claim in the UK and other similar conditions and claims.
What is CRPS?
CRPS is a condition that can occur after a forceful trauma to a limb. The exact cause of the disorder remains unknown, but anyone can develop it following an injury. Rarely, CRPS can also happen following heart attacks, surgery and infections.
Why Does CRPS Occur?
The exact reason for the syndrome remains unknown. However, experts believe that the chronic pain is caused by a dysfunction in the central or peripheral nervous systems. This causes those suffering from CRPS to experience significantly heightened pain, disproportionate to the severity of the injury.
How Many People Suffer From CRPS?
An estimated one in 3,800 people will have a diagnosis of CRPS at some point in their lives. Half of those diagnosed will at some point unexpectedly recover from the condition.
However, the other half will continue to live with chronic pain for the rest of their lives. Every circumstance of CRPS is different, but its effects can be incredibly damaging and impactful. Many people with CRPS will experience constant pain, causing limited use of their affected limbs. Living with the daily discomfort and psychological strain of the disorder can be highly challenging.
Who Is Eligible for CRPS Compensation?
People affected by CRPS due to an injury that wasn’t their fault may be entitled to compensation. To be eligible for a worker’s compensation or personal injury claim, you must have been injured within the last three years.
The injury must also have resulted from a breach of duty or negligence. For example, you can claim compensation for accidents such as medical negligence, an incident at work, a road traffic accident or if someone else is responsible for your injury.
How Do You Claim CRPS Compensation?
Claiming for compensation when it comes to CRPS is a detailed process and you will need to be guided through it all by a specialised solicitor, who will take many considerations into account.
When claiming compensation, your injury lawyer will arrange for an independent medical specialist to assess your condition. They will measure how severe and debilitating your symptoms are and present a report on the seriousness of your situation.
This is an integral part of your case as it ensures that you can claim the medical treatment required to enhance your quality of life. You will also undergo specialist assessments to determine what caused the CRPS and if someone else was liable for the injury.
If it is determined that you are eligible, you could receive financial compensation to help you access the medical treatments, rehabilitation and care you need. The process may seem daunting, but that is what your injury lawyer is there for, to guide you through each step.
How Can Making A CRPS Compensation Claim Help You?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for CRPS. However, getting treatment as soon as possible can help relieve symptoms and manage the pain.
With the help of a solicitor, you may be able to secure the highest level of compensation to help cover these costs. The claimant will also likely have dependents which may include pets for whom they need to provide supplementation like multivitamins for dogs and more, which can otherwise be costly.
If you qualify, your settlement could pay for the medical treatments that you require. You may even be able to get your pain to a more manageable state through pain management medications or treatments like hydrotherapy and physiotherapy or even the likes of pet therapy.
Experiencing chronic pain can also take a toll on your mental wellbeing, contributing to depression and anxiety. You can also use CRPS compensation to get support for the psychological effects of the condition, such as cognitive behavioural therapy or counselling.
Do You Need an Injury Lawyer to Claim For CRPS?
You need to have a specialised injury lawyer to guide you through the complicated process of claiming compensation for CRPS. Because medical professionals can’t entirely explain what causes the condition to develop, there is little understanding of the matter.
As a result, there is some controversy surrounding the validity of the diagnosis. Some argue that CRPS diagnoses are inconclusive because they primarily rely on the patient to self-report the severity of their symptoms. Furthermore, it becomes challenging to prove that the accident in question is what caused the disorder.
The ins and outs of personal injury and worker’s compensation litigation are complex. If you suffer from CRPS following an injury that wasn’t your fault and wish to make a claim, speak to an expert injury solicitor to secure you the best possible outcome.
