South Carolina CRPS Lawyer

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) often develops as a result of a previous injury but can seem unrelated. Even if you have recovered from the initial injury, you might still experience ongoing pain and discomfort from CRPS.

Unfortunately, treating this condition can be quite expensive and emotionally taxing. However, if someone else was responsible for your initial injury, you are entitled to compensation for the costs of treating your ongoing condition. Although proving CRPS can be challenging, it is often worthwhile, as it can help you cover unexpected expenses that might arise in the future. Our firm has years of experience handling CRPS cases and can help you gather the evidence you need to show that you deserve compensation.

For a free case consultation with our knowledgeable CRPS attorneys, call Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers at (803) 451-4000.

Symptoms and Signs You Are Suffering from CRPS in South Carolina

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating and chronic neurological condition that commonly arises from damage or dysfunction of the peripheral and central nervous systems. Although the exact cause of CRPS is not yet fully understood, it is often triggered by an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack.

The defining feature of CRPS is the intense and prolonged pain that is much more severe than what would normally be expected from the initial injury or event. This pain is often described as burning, stabbing, or throbbing and can be accompanied by extreme sensitivity to touch or temperature changes, as well as muscle spasms and joint stiffness.

CRPS affects how the affected nerve signals are transmitted, leading to a range of symptoms that can vary significantly from person to person. In addition, CRPS can also interfere with the normal functioning of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating blood flow to the skin. This can cause the affected limb or body part to feel cold or hot to the touch, resulting in changes in skin texture or sweating patterns.

While it can be hard to tell if you are suffering from CRPS, some common symptoms include the following:

Persistent Pain

The most common and prominent symptom of CRPS is a persistent and intense pain that is often described as a burning or tingling sensation. The pain might spread beyond the initial injury site and worsen over time.

Swelling and Stiffness

Individuals might also experience swelling and stiffness in the affected limb. This can be because of the accumulation of fluids and inflammation in the tissues surrounding the injury site. The swelling and stiffness might also be accompanied by pain and limited range of motion, making it difficult to perform daily activities.

Temperature Sensitivity

Many people with CRPS report that their symptoms can be affected by changes in weather conditions. Temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure changes can trigger or exacerbate the pain and other symptoms associated with CRPS. The exact mechanisms by which weather affects CRPS symptoms are not fully understood, but it is believed that changes in circulation, nerve sensitivity, and inflammation play a role.

Changes in Skin Color and Texture

You might also undergo some changes in color. In some cases, you might observe patches of blue, purple, red, or blotchy appearance on the affected skin area. Additionally, the skin in the affected area might become more sensitive than usual, which means you might experience discomfort or pain when you touch the affected skin area.

Abnormal Sweating

CRPS can also cause abnormal sweating in the affected area of some patients. This excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, can occur even when the person is not physically active or in a warm environment.

Other Symptoms

Along with the common symptoms already mentioned, some less common symptoms can also indicate the presence of CRPS. These symptoms might include changes in hair and nail growth, such as slower growth, thicker nails, or brittle hair.

Additionally, joint problems can cause stiffness, limited mobility, or even deformity, and muscle spasms that can be painful and involuntary. Fortunately, not everyone with CRPS will experience these less common symptoms.

How to Cover CRPS Damages Through a Worker’s Compensation Claim in South Carolina

Workers’ Compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides benefits to workers who sustain job-related injuries or illnesses. In South Carolina, nearly all employers are required to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance.

Covered injuries include those that arise out of and in the course of employment. If a worker develops CRPS as a result of a workplace injury, they might be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation claim for CRPS damages can offer several advantages over other types of claims. It does not require proving another party’s negligence, making securing benefits often easier and faster. However, it is important to note that Workers’ Compensation benefits are typically limited and might not cover all losses associated with CRPS. In many cases, a lawsuit will be the best way to cover all the damages you have endured.

How to Cover CRPS Damages Through a Personal Injury Lawsuit in South Carolina

If you have suffered harm in South Carolina because of someone else’s negligence or intentional act, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, establishing fault in CRPS cases can be tough since it can be difficult to diagnose the source of the injury. To make a successful claim, you need to prove that the defendant had a duty of care towards you, that they breached that duty, and that this breach directly caused your CRPS.

Proving damages in CRPS cases can be equally challenging. To build the strongest case possible, you will need to show the extent of your physical pain, emotional suffering, and financial losses. To that end, our CRPS attorneys know what evidence is necessary to make a viable claim. Providing medical records, expert testimony, and other relevant evidence can all work together to tell your story and support your claim.

However, if you prove your case, you could be entitled to numerous damages. One of the primary forms of compensation you can recover is medical expenses, which includes all costs related to the treatment, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical care that might be necessary.

You might also be awarded lost income for any wages you might have lost because of the condition and any reduction in earning capacity that you might experience in the future.

Pain and suffering is another important set of damages, which includes compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress that you might have suffered as a result of CRPS. Lastly, if your condition leads to permanent disability, you might be entitled to additional compensation to cover disability-related expenses.

Our South Carolina CRPS Attorneys Can Help You Prove Your Case

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