Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Injuries

Illinois Injury Attorneys Representing Victims of CRPS from Car Accidents, Truck Accidents, and Slip and Falls

What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that can develop after an injury, such as those sustained in car accidents, semi-truck crashes, slip and falls, and medical malpractice. In Illinois, numerous accident victims have reported CRPS as a consequence of their injuries, leading to significant and prolonged pain and disability.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, CRPS affects approximately 200,000 people annually in the United States, with car accidents being a leading cause of injury-related cases. CRPS can significantly impair an individual’s ability to work, engage in daily activities, and maintain a normal quality of life.

Understanding CRPS

CRPS typically affects an arm or a leg and is characterized by intense, persistent pain that is disproportionate to the initial injury. The pain is often described as a burning or throbbing sensation and can worsen over time. There are two types of CRPS:

• CRPS-I: Occurs without a confirmed nerve injury. This was previously known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD).
• CRPS-II: Previously known as Causalgia, this type occurs with an associated, confirmed nerve injury.

Statistics on CRPS

• A study published in the Journal of Pain Research found that 77% of CRPS patients experience long-term disability, and 30% are unable to return to work.
• The National Institutes of Health reports that women are three times more likely than men to develop CRPS.
• According to the Mayo Clinic, CRPS most commonly affects individuals aged 40-60, although it can occur at any age.
• A 2023 analysis from the Illinois Department of Public Health estimated that 10% of severe car accident victims in the state develop chronic pain syndromes, including CRPS.

What are the Symptoms of CRPS?

CRPS symptoms can range from mild to severe and may worsen over time. Common symptoms of CRPS include:

• Severe burning or throbbing pain
• Sensitivity to touch or cold
• Swelling and changes in skin color, temperature, and texture
• Muscle weakness and joint stiffness
• Abnormal sweating in the affected area
• Decreased ability to move the affected body part

The condition is believed to result from a malfunction in the peripheral and central nervous systems, which manage pain signals in the body. Researchers suggest that CRPS may be triggered by an exaggerated inflammatory response following an injury and trauma to the body, leading to dysfunction in the nervous system.

The Causes of CRPS and How CRPS is Diagnosed

CRPS can be triggered by various injuries, including fractures, sprains, soft tissue injuries, and surgical procedures. Car accidents and truck accidents, in particular, are a major cause of CRPS, as they often result in severe trauma to the limbs, increasing the likelihood of nerve damage and chronic pain conditions.

How is CRPS Diagnosed?

CRPS is notoriously difficult to diagnose because its symptoms often mimic other conditions, such as neuropathy or arthritis. The Budapest Criteria, a widely accepted diagnostic standard, includes the following elements:

1. Continuing pain that is disproportionate to any inciting event
2. At least one symptom from each of the following categories:
   • Sensory (e.g., hyperalgesia or allodynia)
   • Vasomotor (e.g., temperature or skin color changes)
   • Sudomotor/Edema (e.g., swelling or sweating abnormalities)
   • Motor/Trophic (e.g., weakness, tremors, or dystonia)
3. No other diagnosis that better explains the symptoms

Physicians may use imaging tests like MRI, bone scans, and nerve conduction studies to rule out other conditions and confirm a CRPS diagnosis.

The Link Between CRPS and Illinois Car Accident Cases

Victims of car accidents who develop CRPS may face extensive medical treatments, loss of income, and long-term pain. In Illinois, CRPS cases often involve complex legal challenges, as proving the connection between the car accident and the condition requires extensive medical documentation and expert testimony.

According to a 2022 study by the American Academy of Pain Medicine, over 60% of CRPS cases result in long-term disability, significantly impacting victims’ earning potential. Additionally, data from Illinois personal injury attorneys indicate that settlements and verdicts for CRPS cases can be substantial, given the severe impact of the condition on an individual’s quality of life.

Legal Considerations in Illinois CRPS Cases

In Illinois, accident victims who develop CRPS may pursue compensation through personal injury claims. To get compensation for an accident involving CRPS, you must demonstrate:

1. Duty of Care: The defendant (at-fault party) owed a duty of care to drive safely.
2. Breach of Duty: The defendant acted negligently, such as speeding or running a red light.
3. Causation: The accident directly caused the victim’s CRPS.
4. Damages: The victim suffered measurable losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Expert medical testimony is often crucial in proving causation in CRPS cases because insurance companies routinely dispute CRPS claims due to the condition’s complexity. Attorneys may work with neurologists, pain management specialists, and rehabilitation experts to establish the link between the accident and the CRPS diagnosis.

Treatment for CRPS and Prognosis of CRPS

CRPS treatment focuses on pain management and restoring function to the affected limb. The prognosis varies; while some patients recover with early intervention, others experience long-term, debilitating pain.

Common CRPS Treatments

1. Medications: Pain relievers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and corticosteroids.
2. Physical Therapy: Helps improve mobility and prevent muscle atrophy.
3. Nerve Blocks: Injections that block pain signals to reduce discomfort.
4. Psychological Support: Counseling and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to manage chronic pain.
5. Innovative Treatments: Spinal cord stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) have shown promise in reducing pain levels.

Get Legal Help for CRPS Injuries in Illinois With John J. Malm & Associates

CRPS is a devastating condition that can arise from various types of accidents, including car accidents, truck accidents, and slip and falls, significantly impacting victims’ lives. The combination of severe pain, loss of function, and financial strain necessitates aggressive legal action to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering.

If you or a loved one has developed CRPS following a car accident, slip and fall, or other type of accident, consulting an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney is crucial. At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand that CRPS is a complex and painful injury. Accident victims with CRPS deserve full compensation for their suffering, including the emotional and physical toll CRPS brings. Contact our award-winning Illinois injury attorneys today for a free consultation. We will guide you through the injury process and help you get the compensation you deserve.