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Filing a CRPS Lawsuit

CRPS/RSD Lawyers in Missouri

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and regional sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) lawyers in MO seeking maximum compensation for injured clients in Kansas City, St. Louis, and throughout Missouri

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), sometimes called reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), is one of the most debilitating and misunderstood chronic pain conditions a person can develop after an injury. If you’ve received this diagnosis and believe the condition developed, even partially, because of someone else’s negligence, you may have legal recourse and be able to file a civil lawsuit.

We know that money can’t take the pain away, but you shouldn’t have to carry these costs and losses on your own. Our team has experience handling these types of cases and can help you fight for justice. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

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Table of contents

What is complex regional pain syndrome?

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a long-lasting and extremely painful condition that usually affects an arm or a leg after an injury, surgery, or, sometimes, without a clear reason. People with CRPS often experience pain that is much more severe than they would expect from the original injury. This pain can feel like burning, stabbing, or throbbing, and it may be constant or get worse over time. It’s essentially believed to be nerves misfiring, sending severe pain signals when there’s no actual injury anymore.

Signs of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

Recognizing the signs of complex regional pain syndrome early is critical, both for your health and for building a strong legal case. CRPS can manifest in a wide range of symptoms, and understanding what to look for can help you seek timely medical treatment and preserve important evidence for a potential claim. Some of the most common signs include:

  • Intense, burning pain
  • Severe swelling in the affected limb or area
  • Noticeable changes in skin color, including redness, blotchiness, or a purplish hue
  • Increased or decreased skin temperature
  • Heightened sensitivity to touch or cold
  • Abnormal sweating patterns in the affected area
  • Shiny, thin, or waxy skin texture changes
  • Brittle, cracked, or irregularly growing nails
  • Muscle spasms or weakness
  • Joint stiffness and decreased range of motion
  • Muscle wasting or atrophy over time

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to see a doctor right away. The longer you wait, the harder it is to treat generally.

How does CRPS work? A timeline

Knowing the typical progression of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) helps both with guiding your medical care and showing just how serious this disorder can be, which is important when you need to document its impact for an insurance claim or lawsuit.

1. Triggering event

CRPS most often starts after some kind of trauma, like a broken bone, sprain, crush injury, or surgery on the arm or leg. Usually, symptoms don’t show up right away; sometimes it can take days or even several weeks. This delay is why the condition is sometimes overlooked or misdiagnosed.

2. Acute stage (First 0-3 months)

At the beginning, CRPS’s symptoms come on quickly and are severe. You may notice severe, burning pain along with intense swelling. The skin on the affected limb often turns red, becomes unusually shiny or sweaty, and may feel warmer to the touch. Every day movement or touching the skin becomes extremely difficult. Most people avoid using the limb due to pain, which only worsens the weakness and loss of mobility.

3. Dystrophic stage (about 3 to 6 months)

If CRPS continues, the pain usually becomes constant and is sometimes felt even in places that weren’t injured initially. The look of the skin changes – maybe getting blotchy, cooler, or even appearing purplish. You may see nail problems, such as brittleness or abnormal growth, as well as muscle loss from constant guarding. Joints can get stiff, making basic movement a struggle.

4. Atrophic stage (6 months and beyond)

In the final, most serious stage, the changes from CRPS can turn permanent. Joints in the affected area might actually shrink or lock in place. Muscles get thinner and weaker, and bones nearby can start to lose important minerals, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. At this stage, the damage can be severely disabling and may not be reversible.

Risks of leaving CRPS untreated

Living with CRPS is difficult, but ignoring your symptoms or delaying care can have serious lifelong consequences. Understanding these risks helps explain why early medical and legal intervention is so crucial for Missouri families.

Worsening pain and sensitivity

Left unchecked, CRPS may lead to pain so intense it spreads beyond the original injury, changing how your body responds to even gentle touch or movement.

Mobility loss and stiffness

Joints and muscles are at increased risk of permanent stiffness, weakness, or contractures, which severely impair daily activities.

Mental and emotional toll

Chronic pain, especially when it isn't addressed properly, can take a significant mental and emotional toll on the person suffering. This might lead to depression, isolation, or even something like substance abuse to try to deal with the physical and emotional struggles.

Less effective treatment

Some types of treatments work better, or only work at all, when they’re started early. If you don’t take action right away, you could miss your chance for significant improvement.

There's no guarantee that early treatment will work, but you typically have a much better chance at improvement when you start as soon as possible.

Common treatments of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

Complex regional pain syndrome brings constant pain and changes how you approach everyday activities. Fortunately, several effective treatments are available.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation

Consistent movement led by trained therapists can maintain or restore use of affected limbs and prevent long-term stiffness or muscle loss.

Psychotherapy

CRPS can cause depression and anxiety, so counseling or therapy becomes just as crucial as physical treatment in truly regaining quality of life.

Spinal cord stimulation

An implanted device is placed in your spinal cord to try to block pain signals before they reach your brain. For many with CRPS, this gives them considerable relief.

Medications

Doctors may recommend pain medications, antidepressants, or anti-inflammatory drugs to help control symptoms day-to-day. Bisphosphonates may also be an option.

Sympathetic nerve block

Doctors give you an injection into the nerves. The goal is to block painful nerve impulses and reset your brain, leading to reduced pain.

Ketamine treatments

There is evidence that IV ketamine infusions can successfully reduce severe CRPS symptoms in patients who may not benefit from standard therapies.

Alternative therapies

There are some other types of treatments that may work for you as well.

Managing CRPS isn’t easy, but it’s important to take this condition seriously and consider all treatments and therapies.

What is a CRPS lawsuit?

A CRPS lawsuit is a personal injury claim in which CRPS is part of the damages caused by another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct. The goal is to seek monetary compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Your right to seek compensation for CRPS in Kansas City and throughout Missouri

If your CRPS developed after an accident caused by another party’s negligence, Missouri law allows you to pursue compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. Your options are usually an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, depending on the specifics. Our team will help you choose the right path and put together a strong case for you.

How The CRPS Law Firm can help

Recovering from life-changing pain and fighting for justice at the same time should never be your burden alone. That’s why our Missouri legal team is dedicated to supporting CRPS sufferers every step of the way. Here's how we can assist:

  • Gather medical records and consult with medical experts to prove the extent of your CRPS symptoms
  • Pursue all available options for liability
  • Deal directly with complicated insurance adjusters who try to diminish CRPS claims
  • Represent you fiercely in negotiations or take the fight all the way to a Missouri jury if needed

Living with CRPS/RSD shouldn’t leave you feeling ignored or powerless; our attorneys make it their mission to help you in these difficult situations.

Why choose The CRPS Law Firm?

Finding justice after developing CRPS because of someone else's behavior is one of the steps you can take toward healing. Here's why our law firm is a great choice in these cases:

Representing victims injured in all kinds of accidents

We’ve helped victims in many different types of incidents. From vehicular accidents, job-site injuries involving third parties, and slip and falls, our legal team knows how to identify all potential sources of relief for each unique case.

Securing millions of dollars in recoveries for clients every year

The clients we represent have received substantial monetary recoveries through our proactive, aggressive representation. While past recoveries can’t guarantee future outcomes, they do reflect our experience handling complex claims. We can take on even the largest insurance companies.

Handling the legal process so you can focus on getting better

While you focus on your health and family, our professionals manage every detail. This includes keeping track of deadlines, filing paperwork, communicating with insurance companies, and ensuring your case stays on track.

Don’t hesitate to contact our team to learn more about what we can offer to you during this time.

The CRPS Law Firm handles CRPS cases in Missouri

At The CRPS Law Firm, we understand how Missouri’s legal system and local medical resources shape the journey for people living with complex regional pain syndrome. Our firm has first-hand experience with courts and insurance carriers throughout St. Louis, Kansas City, and the rest of the state. If you're dealing with significant pain because of an injury in Missouri, our team can guide you through every step. Reach out as soon as you're ready.

Frequently asked questions about seeking compensation for complex regional pain syndrome

Under what circumstances can you sue for complex regional pain syndrome?

To successfully sue someone for your CRPS, you’ll usually need to be able to provide evidence that they did something negligent, which harmed you and led to your CRPS. In some situations, you may be able to file a lawsuit based on someone’s intentional actions, like if you’re assaulted, and then you develop the condition.

How can a CRPS lawsuit improve life with a chronic pain disorder?

When you file a lawsuit against someone who you believe caused your CRPS, you’re basically asking them to pay you money for your losses. CRPS is a complicated and misunderstood condition, and some of the treatments for it may not be covered by your health insurance. While money won’t make up for what you’ve lost as a result of the condition, it can at least allow you to get the treatment you deserve and cover some of the lost wages you’re experiencing as a result of CRPS.

What compensation can you receive through a CRPS/RSD lawsuit?

CRPS treatment can be expensive, and it’s likely that you've missed some work and may continue to miss work in the future, if you’re able to work at all. Lawsuits allow you to recover these losses - anything you’ve had to pay for your treatment and whatever you’ll need to pay for it in the future. Pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life are also compensable, as this condition severely and negatively affects most patients’ lives, sometimes forever.

Why do you need an experienced CRPS/RSD lawyer to handle your injury claim?

If you don’t work with an experienced CRPS/RSD lawyer for your claim, it’s possible that you’ll end up saying something to the insurance company or a defense attorney that hurts your case. This is because you aren’t trained to handle legal cases and may not have a full understanding of how to present the facts. A lawyer can level the playing field and negotiate with these companies to try to secure the best possible settlement.

Contact the CRPS Law Firm, CRPS/RSD lawyers in Missouri, today for a free case review

Living with CRPS/RSD is an overwhelming experience that no one should have to go through. Unfortunately, some people do find themselves in this situation. If you’re dealing with this painful diagnosis because someone else was negligent, you shouldn’t have to deal with the costs of your injuries and losses on your own. Let us help you fight back against the responsible party and seek justice and compensation on your behalf. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.