Fort Lauderdale Complex Regional Pain & Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
Broward County attorneys assist victims of reflex sympathetic dystrophy
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) are conditions that cause severe burning pain, extreme sensitivity to touch, stiffness, extreme sweating, swelling and discoloration in the hands, arms, legs and feet. When they occur, the cause can be difficult to trace, but symptoms generally begin shortly after an accident or surgery.
Because it is a complicated injury, recovering compensation for complex regional pain syndrome is a difficult task that requires the knowledge and skills of experienced Fort Lauderdale CRPS attorneys who understand the problems involved in these cases and how to address them. At Boone & Davis, Attorneys at Law, our legal team uses our well-honed skills, our significant experience and the expertise of medical professionals to help victims of accidents and medical malpractice or negligence recover compensation for this painful condition, including pain and suffering, medical costs, lost wages and any reduction in earning capacity.
What is complex regional pain syndrome?
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a continuing pain syndrome. Type 1 CRPS, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), occurs after an illness or injury that does not directly damage a nerve, but still results in symptoms. Type 2 CRPS, or causalgia, occurs after a distinct and confirmed injury to the nerve. In both cases, there may be similar symptoms, such as:
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What are common causes of RSD and CRPS?
The exact cause of RSD and CRPS is still relatively unknown, although it is generally attributed to an accident or injury that causes nerve damage and possibly overactivity of the nervous system. In most cases, the initial injury is to an arm or leg. It may be a crushing or pressure injury to tissue and nerves that involves a penetrating wound. The initial injury may result from all types of traumatic events, such as a truck, motorcycle or auto accident, a serious trip or slip and fall accident, or an industrial or construction accident. All types of medical malpractice may also cause this regional pain injury, including negligent surgical procedures, IV insertion or needlestick.
How can our firm help?
Complex regional pain syndrome cases are extremely complex because no obvious relationship may exist between the event and the symptoms that follow. Proving that your condition was caused by negligence — and by whose negligence — are usually the most important aspects of these cases. At Boone and Davis, we’re familiar with the inherent problems and know the ways to address them. Through intensive examination of your medical records and the benefit of opinions from our network of medical experts, we help you significantly increase the likelihood of successfully proving negligence, obtaining compensation and receiving adequate treatment to decrease the harm you’ve suffered and your ongoing pain.
Unfortunately, no laboratory test is available to prove the presence of either type of CRPS. However, doctor evaluations and testimony may provide evidence of the standards or factors for diagnosing this condition, as established by the International Association for the Study of Pain:
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An initiating harmful or injurious event or cause of immobilization (the accident or trauma)
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Chronic pain, allodynia or hyperalgesia, which is much greater pain than expected given the initial trauma
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Proof of swelling, changes in blood flow, or abnormal sweat gland and nerve activity where the pain is located
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Lack of other conditions that would explain the pain and other symptoms that may exclude the diagnosis
Contact an experienced Fort Lauderdale CRPS law firm to obtain compensation for your ongoing pain
At Boone & Davis, Attorneys at Law, we understand your pain and work hard to help you hold the responsible parties liable and obtain the compensation you deserve. If you suffer from the symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome after an accident or medical procedure, contact our dedicated lawyers online or by calling 954-566-9919 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. From the moment we accept your case, we are dedicated to being accessible, reliable and supportive.
