Complex regional pain syndrome, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, is an unfortunate but common lingering side effect of an injury following an accident. Complex regional pain syndrome results in extreme and unbearable pain for the victim, often times grossly disproportionate to the pain caused by the original injury. This pain can be prolonged and permanent, and many victims are forced to live with a lifetime of pain following an unexpected and sudden accident that was caused by another’s negligence which may require the help of a Complex Regional Pain Syndrome lawyer.
If you are experiencing symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome following an accident, you may be entitled to special compensation designed to reimburse you for your loss of quality of life and pain. Kaiser Romanello, complex regional pain syndrome lawyers, represents victims suffering from complex regional pain syndrome and reflex sympathetic dystrophy throughout the state of Florida. Our complex regional pain syndrome attorneys understand when to fight aggressively for your rights in court and when to lend an empathetic and compassionate ear to clients. To discuss your rights, contact Kaiser Romanello today to schedule a free initial consultation on complex regional pain syndrome.
COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME SYMPTOMS
Complex regional pain syndrome or RSD is a mystery to doctors. Specifically, doctors do not quite understand why it occurs, though it commonly begins following a traumatic injury, such as an injury caused by an accident or surgery. Common symptoms include:
- Unbearable, throbbing pain in a limb
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Muscle spasms or weakness
- Temperature swings
- Skin color ranging from red to blue
- Skin texture ranging from thin to shiny
- Mobility issues
- Hypersensitivity
- Swelling of the joints
Complex regional pain syndrome begins with extreme pain and swelling, redness of the skin, and sensitivity to temperature. If left untreated, the syndrome morphs to cause a deadening sensation to occur in the affected limb; the limb will become pale or blue-ish in color, cold, and stiff. The hair and nails on the limb may also permanently change. When the syndrome advances to this stage, the side effects are often irreversible.
The symptoms do not necessarily occur in the affected limb. Many affected individuals suffer pain in limbs that were not originally injured in the accident. The pain can be exacerbated by stress or emotional trauma.
COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME CAUSES
Complex regional pain syndrome can be caused directly or indirectly. 90% of patients suffer from reflex sympathetic dystrophy, which occurs following an injury that resulted in no damage to the nerves of the limb affected by the syndrome. In cases involving actual nerve damage, the syndrome is referred to as causalgia.
Common causes of RSD include:
- Amputation
- Crushed limb
- Fractured bones
- Forceful trauma
- Surgery
- Infections
- Sprained joints
- Head trauma
- Heart attack
When you are involved in an accident and experience an injury, your body undergoes various healing processes using a connected system known as the central and peripheral nervous systems. Doctors believe that traumatic injuries caused by car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, construction accidents, and more trigger complex regional pain syndrome. While the body works to heal the injured body part following one of these accidents, the nervous systems and corresponding inflammatory responses may interact incorrectly, causing the unexplained pain. Normally, pain occurs either when nerves sense an injury and send pain signals to the brain or when nerve cells are damaged. With RSD, neither has occurred, yet the body still feels pain.
COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME TREATMENT
Though complex regional pain syndrome is difficult to diagnose, doctors will conduct bone scans, MRIs, X-rays, and a series of nervous system tests to rule out other causes. If you are diagnosed with the disorder, the doctor will likely put you on a regimen of pain relievers and steroids, as well as therapy including nerve stimulation and physical therapy. However, many patients find little relief from the pain.
CRPS LAWSUITS IN FLORIDA
If you have been diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome, you may have the right to seek legal recourse for your pain. If you were involved in an accident that caused an injury, that injury may have triggered your syndrome. The person responsible for the accident, therefore, will be the proximate cause of your complex regional pain syndrome.
Negligent wrongdoers are responsible for the foreseeable harm caused by their negligence. As long as your pain can be connected to the accident, you can recover. Recovery includes medical expenses for treating your syndrome, as well as emotional damages such as pain and suffering and emotional distress. A trained and skilled personal injury attorney will be able to help you trace the syndrome to its origins using your medical records and expert witness analysis.
HOW KAISER ROMANELLO CAN HELP YOU
If you sustained an injury following an accident and were later diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome, you may have a valid claim for expanded recovery. Kaiser Romanello has 25 years of combined experience representing Florida clients who suffered devastating injuries due to the negligence of another. Kaiser Romanello will assist you with evaluating your case, discussing your legal options, advising you on your best course of action, and helping you pursue your best interests. To schedule a free consultation with lawyers experienced with complex regional pain syndrome, contact the personal injury attorneys at Kaiser Romanello today.
