Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a relatively uncommon, debilitating, chronic, and painful condition that develops after suffering injuries. Even relatively minor trauma, such as a fracture or sprain in the workplace, can have lasting consequences.
It most commonly affects one limb, such as an arm or leg, and signals the nervous system, leading to ongoing suffering disproportionate to the original wound. Call to schedule a consultation with a San Bernardino CRPS workers’ compensation lawyer if you need help with a claim.
Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can assist with documenting the medical evidence needed to establish a CRPS diagnosis, coordinating with treating physicians and specialists, and pursuing the full workers’ compensation benefits available for ongoing treatment, pain management, and lost earning capacity.
What Are the Most Common Symptoms?
Examples of the most typical symptoms people suffer as a result of CRPS include the following:
- Throbbing pain or intense burning
- Allodynia, which is extreme sensitivity to the cold or even a touch
- Swelling or changes in skin color, such as red or shiny, or temperature
- Stiffness, muscle atrophy over time, and weakness
- Abnormal sweating
- Sudden hair and nail growth changes
The condition can be devastating, sometimes involving vascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal symptoms, worsening over time. Many completely lose the ability to use the extremity, and in the most severe cases, a surgical amputation could be necessary.
Classification
The medical field classifies the condition into types, with CRPS-I being the most common, and test results showing no confirmed nerve damage. The second is CRPS-II, and results show an identifiable nerve injury.
Treatment
CRPS can often be a highly frustrating condition to identify and treat. That may include medications, spinal cord stimulation, and nerve blocks. It is often elusive, and there is no specific treatment plan, as the symptoms and extent of debilitation are different from person to person.
Your doctor may have to try various treatment combinations before determining which is the most effective for you. Our San Bernardino CRPS workers’ comp attorney understands the stressful situation you are in and could point you to resources for treatment and help with the case.
California Workers’ Comp
When the condition arises from a work-related injury, it is recognized under the workers’ compensation system of the State of California Department of Industrial Relations. Unfortunately, workers’ comp claims can be challenging because the symptoms are mostly subjective, and standard imaging, such as MRIs, appears normal. That can lead insurers to dispute that the injury is work-related or to downplay its severity.
Those elements could lead to delayed diagnosis and partial coverage or denials. Acting fast after recognizing a problem, insisting on referrals to a pain specialist or neurologist, promptly after symptom onset, is vital. Also, tracking your symptoms, such as a daily journal, notating the symptoms you are experiencing, and taking photos, is excellent support for the claim. Coverage includes all medical treatment, lost pay, vocational rehabilitation, and temporary-to-permanent disability benefits, if necessary.
Applying for Benefits
Prompt action to treat and report the injury to your employer is crucial. Let them right away and no later than 30 days from the onset of the condition. Ask them for a claim form; they must provide the official DWC-1 form within one working day.
Complete it and return it to your boss or the human resources department so they can begin the process. The claims administrator from the insurance company has 90 days to investigate and issue a decision, but must respond within 14 days to accept, deny, or delay. Our experienced CRPS workers’ comp lawyer in San Bernardino can provide legal advice and guidance and help you through the often-overwhelming process.
Contact a Knowledgeable CRPS Workers’ Compensation Attorney in San Bernardino
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a serious, painful, and often misunderstood condition that can develop from what seems to be a minor injury. It can often be much more severe than the original trauma you are suffering, and even involve other neurological, musculoskeletal, and vascular symptoms that get worse with time.
While the benefits process can often be frustrating, we can help you reach a fair resolution. Contact a compassionate San Bernardino CRPS workers’ compensation lawyer from our firm to schedule an appointment in our office and learn more.
(909) 885-1620