Columbia, SC CRPS Lawyer

If you have suffered from an injury in the past, you might still be experiencing pain because of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This is a chronic pain condition that often occurs as a result of a previous injury.

Unfortunately, the treatment for CRPS can lead to significant medical expenses and emotional stress. However, if someone else was responsible for your initial injury, they should be held accountable for the costs associated with treating your ongoing condition. Time should not hinder seeking justice, and you are entitled to compensation regardless of when the injury occurred. Even though proving CRPS can be challenging, it is often worthwhile since it can help you cover unexpected expenses that might arise in the future. In fact, you might have a few options to pursue compensation with our firm’s help.

For your free case review, contact our CRPS attorneys at Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers by calling (803) 451-4000.

How to Tell if You Are Suffering from CRPS in Columbia, SC

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain disorder that primarily affects one limb, typically after an injury or trauma to that limb. It is a debilitating condition believed to be caused by damage to, or malfunction of, the peripheral and central nervous systems. While it can be difficult to prove the source of the condition, our CRPS lawyers can help determine who should be held liable for your suffering. This often requires a detailed investigation of your history to determine what might have led to developing CRPS.

There are two types of CRPS: Type I, also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), which occurs after an illness or injury that did not directly damage the nerves in the affected limb. This type of CRPS is more common and accounts for approximately 90% of all cases.

On the other hand, Type II, once referred to as causalgia, follows a distinct nerve injury. This type of CRPS is less common and typically occurs as a result of a more severe injury, such as a fracture or surgery.

Symptoms of CRPS

The hallmark symptom of CRPS is prolonged and severe pain that can be constant and unrelenting. The pain is often described as deep, aching, cold, burning, or increased skin sensitivity. In fact, even a light touch or a gentle brush of clothing can trigger intense pain in the affected area.

In addition to pain, people with CRPS might experience other symptoms, such as changes in skin temperature and color. The skin in the affected area might become sweaty and cold or hot and dry and appear mottled, white, red, or blue. There might also be swelling, stiffness in the joints, muscle spasms, and changes in hair and nail growth.

Diagnosing CRPS

CRPS can be quite challenging to diagnose. One of the reasons for this is that there is no specific diagnostic test for CRPS. However, healthcare providers usually diagnose it through a physical exam and a detailed review of the patient’s medical history.

During the physical exam, the healthcare provider will look for signs and symptoms of CRPS, such as changes in skin color or temperature, swelling, and stiffness. They will also check for any areas of tenderness or pain in the affected limb. In addition, the healthcare provider might conduct a nerve conduction study to look for any abnormalities in the way the nerves are functioning.

To rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, the healthcare provider might also order imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, or bone scans. These tests can help the healthcare provider identify any other underlying conditions that could be contributing to the patient’s symptoms.

Recovering Compensation for CRPS in a Columbia, SC Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you are seeking compensation in a personal injury lawsuit involving CRPS, you need to prove that another party’s negligence caused your condition. This might require demonstrating that a car accident caused by a reckless driver led to your CRPS or that medical malpractice during a surgical procedure resulted in the condition. The following will help you understand what is needed to get compensation through a lawsuit in Columbia:

Proving CRPS

Proving negligence can be an intricate and challenging legal process that requires establishing four crucial elements. First, it must be proven that the defendant had a duty of care towards you, which is a legal obligation to exercise reasonable care and caution to avoid causing harm. Second, it must be established that the defendant breached this duty by failing to exercise reasonable care, which means they acted negligently or recklessly.

The third element is demonstrating that their breach of duty caused your CRPS. Proving causation can be challenging, especially if multiple factors could have contributed to your CRPS. However, with the help of our team, you can gather the necessary evidence, such as medical records and expert opinions, to demonstrate the causal link between the defendant’s breach of duty and your CRPS.

Finally, it must be shown that you suffered damages as a result of the defendant’s breach of duty and your CRPS. Damages can include physical and emotional pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and reduced quality of life.

Damages for CRPS

In cases involving CRPS, the damages can be significant because of the severe nature of the condition and its long-term effects. These damages might include medical expenses, such as hospital stays, doctor’s visits, medications, physical therapy, and any other treatments related to your CRPS.

Additionally, if your CRPS has caused you to miss work or reduced your ability to earn a living, you might be able to recover compensation for lost wages. Furthermore, CRPS can cause physical pain and emotional distress, leading to pain and suffering. Although these damages are harder to quantify, they can be substantial in CRPS cases because of the severe, chronic pain associated with the condition.

Recovering Compensation for CRPS Through Worker’s Compensation in Columbia, SC

In Columbia and throughout South Carolina, Workers’ Compensation is a system designed to provide benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits can cover medical expenses, partial wage replacement, and disability benefits if you are unable to return to work.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation claim for CRPS involves several steps. First, you must typically report your injury to your employer. Next, you will need to file a claim with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. This involves completing and submitting the necessary forms and supporting documentation. Your employer’s insurance company will then review your claim and make a determination.

If your claim is denied, or if you disagree with the amount of benefits awarded, you have the right to request a hearing before the Commission. This is a formal process where we can help you present additional evidence and argue your case further.

Our Columbia, SC CRPS Lawyers Can Help

Call Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers at (803) 451-4000 for a free case analysis with our CRPS lawyers.

$6 Million

The Plaintiff was injured as a result of a failing component of a commercial motor vehicle that fell from the vehicle into the roadway. The Plaintiff brought claims against the owner and operator of the tractor trailer as well as the manufacturer of the vehicle.

$4.1 Million

The Plaintiff was insured as a result of a refrigeration system that malfunctioned, spraying ammonia gas into the Plaintiff's face. As a result of this event, the Plaintiff sustained significant vision loss. The Plaintiff brought claims against his employer and the manufacturer of this system.

$2 Million

The Plaintiff was injured while riding his motorcycle when he collided with another vehicle. This event occurred in the city of Columbia and the Plaintiff sustained significant bodily injury resulting in extensive medical expenses and permanent injury.

$1.8 Million

The Plaintiff was injured when he was rear-ended by a tractor trailer on Interstate 20. The Plaintiff brought claims against the owner and driver of the tractor trailer for his injuries relate to his lower back.

$1.5 Million

The Plaintiff sustained significant injury when she was attacked by a dog while performing repairs on a rental property. The Plaintiff was at the rental property as part of her employment with a rental management agency. She was attacked by the animal and sustained permanent nerve damage in her legs.

$1.3 Million

The Plaintiff was killed as a result of a collision with a logging truck that had been improperly loaded by a timber harvester. The proceeds of the settlement were funded by both the timber harvester and the owner of the logging truck.

$1.5 Million

The Plaintiff underwent surgery to her neck as a result of injuries sustained when she was struck on the head by a piece of loading equipment at her job. The Plaintiff was employed by a national retailer and was engaged in stocking shelves when the piece of equipment failed. After settling her workers' compensation claim, the Plaintiff brought a claim against the manufacturer of this equipment.

$1.1 Million

The Plaintiff brought a claim against a local medical facility for a false positive HIV reading. As a result of this false positive, the Plaintiff lived for 4½ years believing that she had the virus which leads to what she feared was an eventual AIDS diagnosis.