CRPS Workers Compensation Settlements and Claims Payouts

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), is a severe, chronic condition that often results in debilitating pain, limited mobility, and permanent disability. If you’ve developed CRPS following a workplace injury, navigating workers’ compensation claims can be particularly challenging. At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we represent injured workers suffering from CRPS, advocating zealously to secure fair and comprehensive settlements.

Contact us at 276-618-3327 today for a free consultation. Our experienced CRPS workers compensation settlement attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your CRPS claim.

What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?

CRPS is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by prolonged, intense pain, typically affecting limbs but potentially impacting any area of the body. This condition arises most frequently after an injury, surgery, or trauma, though the exact mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Medical professionals recognize two distinct types:

• CRPS Type I: Occurs after an injury without direct nerve damage.
• CRPS Type II: Occurs specifically following a nerve injury.

What Are Common Symptoms of CRPS?

CRPS symptoms can vary widely but typically include:

• Severe, persistent burning or throbbing pain
• Swelling and stiffness of affected limbs
• Changes in skin color, texture, or temperature
• Abnormal hair or nail growth
• Decreased ability to move the affected body part

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms after a workplace injury, immediate medical attention is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

How is CRPS Diagnosed?

Diagnosing CRPS can be difficult due to symptom overlap with other conditions and the absence of a definitive diagnostic test. Physicians typically employ several steps:

• Comprehensive patient medical history
• Detailed physical examinations
• Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, or bone scans
• Nerve conduction studies and other specialized tests

As CRPS workers compensation settlement attorneys with decades of legal experience, we regularly collaborate with medical experts specializing in CRPS diagnosis and treatment. This partnership allows us to build robust cases that maximize the potential compensation for our clients, addressing their current and future medical and financial needs comprehensively.

What Triggers CRPS in Workplace Injuries?

While the precise cause of CRPS remains unclear, medical research indicates it commonly arises after specific types of trauma or prolonged immobility associated with workplace injuries. Frequent triggers include:

• Fractures and sprains: Injuries that damage bones, muscles, or ligaments can disrupt normal nerve function, potentially initiating CRPS.
• Crush injuries: Severe compression injuries sustained in workplaces, such as heavy machinery accidents or falling objects, can cause extensive tissue and nerve damage, increasing the likelihood of developing CRPS.
• Surgical procedures related to workplace injuries: Surgery itself can trigger CRPS, particularly if nerve pathways are affected during the procedure.
• Extended immobilization due to casts or braces: Prolonged immobility of limbs due to necessary treatments like casting or splinting may lead to decreased circulation, muscle atrophy, and nerve dysfunction, all of which can trigger CRPS.
• Injuries causing nerve damage: Direct injury to nerves, such as deep lacerations, puncture wounds, or trauma from electrical accidents at the workplace, significantly heightens the risk of developing CRPS.

Understanding these triggers helps patients and their attorneys effectively document and advocate for their claims, ensuring comprehensive workers’ compensation settlements that reflect the true extent of their injuries and required care.

Workers Compensation Settlements for CRPS: What to Expect

CRPS claims typically result in higher settlements due to the severe nature and lifelong implications of the condition. The settlement amount depends heavily on factors such as:

• Severity and permanency of symptoms
• Impact on future earning capacity
• Cost of ongoing medical care and treatment
• Availability of supportive medical documentation

Our experienced attorneys at The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt regularly provide comprehensive evaluations of CRPS claims, carefully analyzing medical records, expert opinions, and the full scope of your losses. By thoroughly understanding your unique situation, we can accurately estimate the compensation to which you may be entitled, ensuring that your settlement adequately covers both immediate needs and future expenses associated with your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions about CRPS Workers Compensation Claims

What is the average workers comp settlement for CRPS?

Workers’ compensation settlements for CRPS in Virginia can differ significantly based on the facts of each case. Settlements are influenced by a variety of factors, including the severity and permanence of your symptoms, the impact on your ability to work, the extent of ongoing medical care required, and the strength of your supporting documentation. Because CRPS is a complex and often misunderstood condition, working with an experienced attorney can make a critical difference in securing a fair and comprehensive settlement.

How long does it take to settle a CRPS workers comp claim?

Settlement durations vary considerably, typically ranging from several months to over a year. Claims involving CRPS often require extensive medical evaluations and strong legal advocacy, which can lengthen the process.

What benefits are available through workers comp for CRPS?

Workers’ compensation may cover medical expenses, ongoing care, prescription medications, vocational rehabilitation, and wage replacement. However, it does not provide compensation for pain and suffering—highlighting the importance of securing a fair financial settlement.

Can my workers comp claim for CRPS be denied?

Claims for CRPS are frequently contested due to diagnostic challenges and the subjective nature of pain assessments. Insurance companies may dispute causation or severity, underscoring the necessity of legal representation to establish strong medical and legal support for your claim.

How Can The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt Help with Your CRPS Claim?

At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we understand the intricacies of CRPS-related claims and have successfully represented numerous clients facing this challenging diagnosis. Our dedicated CRPS settlement attorneys:

• Work diligently with medical experts to establish clear causation
• Fight aggressively against insurer tactics aimed at minimizing your claim
• Pursue maximum settlements to cover your current and future financial needs

How Much Does It Cost To Hire An Experienced CRPS Workers’ Comp. Settlement Lawyer?

Our law firm represents injured workers on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Under Virginia law, attorney fees for workers’ compensation cases cannot exceed 20% of the recovery, and all fees must receive approval from the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

CRPS is a severe and debilitating condition requiring experienced legal representation to secure the compensation you deserve. At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we are committed to guiding you through this complex process and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.

Don’t wait—contact us today at 276-618-3327 to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you seek to navigate your CRPS workers compensation claim successfully.