Workers’ Compensation for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), formerly known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), is a nerve disorder that causes chronic pain. CRPS can affect any area of the body but often affects an arm, leg, hand or wrist. Workers who are injured on the job may sustain CRPS. Often, workers who have CRPS have sustained a traumatic injury. In some cases, workers first notice symptoms of CRPS after surgery. Symptoms of CRPS include:
- Severe pain
- Skin issues (e.g. skin becomes red, shiny or warm to the touch)
- Hair issues (e.g. hair loss or sudden hair growth)
Causes Of CRPS
The cause of complex regional pain syndrome isn’t fully understood, though it has been linked to injuries or abnormalities of the peripheral or central nervous systems which trigger inappropriate inflammatory responses. In many cases, CRPS occurs after a person suffers an injury. Types of trauma that may lead to CRPS include:
- Crushing injuries
- Bone fractures
- Limb Amputation
- Surgery
- Heart attacks
- Infections
Types Of CRPS
Complex regional pain syndrome can develop in two different types. While their signs and symptoms are similar, their causes are different.
- Type 1: Commonly referred to as reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSD), this type of CRPS develops after a fairly tame illness or injury which did not directly cause nerve damage, such as a sprained ankle. It is estimated that nearly 90% of people with CRPS have type 1.
- Type 2: This type of CRPS has very similar symptoms to type 1 but develops after an injury with clear evidence of nerve damage, such as a broken bone, surgery, or severe infection. This type of CRPS was formerly referred to as causalgia.
If left untreated, CRPS can progress to more debilitating complications such as tissue atrophy or muscle tightening. It is important to seek medical attention at the first sign of any of these symptoms.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits For CRPS
Workers’ compensation provides wage and medical benefits for workers who have sustained a work-related injury or illness, including those who have developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Benefits that may be available to you include wage loss benefits, medical care, necessary work retraining and permanent partial disability benefits. It is important to note that a diagnosis of CRPS does not automatically qualify you for disability benefits; you will need to be able to prove that your CRPS has affected your daily activities and ability to work to collect disability. Since the physiological and biological forces and effects of CRPS are not fully understood by doctors and scientists, disability cases involving this condition can be highly complex and often require the expertise of a trained attorney to be successful.
Put Our Experience To Work For You
Our Minnesota attorneys have years of legal experience. We have helped thousands of injured workers and have a proven record of results. Attorneys from our firm are highly regarded in the legal community. As a client of our firm, you will have a strong advocate on your side as you struggle with the effects of CRPS.
Contact A Minneapolis Work Comp Lawyer
If you have developed CRPS as a result of a work accident, we will work diligently on your behalf to obtain the full benefits you are entitled to receive. From our office in Coon Rapids, our attorneys represent workers’ compensation clients in Minneapolis and throughout Minnesota. We offer a free consultation and charge no fees unless we obtain compensation for you after a work injury.
To contact a Minnesota workers’ compensation attorney at Midwest Disability, P.A., call 888-387-4135 or complete our online form.