Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a painful and sometimes disabling condition that often develops after a traumatic event such as a collision or a serious injury. For some individuals, even a relatively minor accident – like a car crash – can trigger severe, ongoing pain well out of proportion to the original harm. Early diagnosis and guidance from an attorney familiar with CRPS can make a significant difference in protecting your legal rights and access to long-term care.

How a car accident can cause CRPS

An accident can cause CRPS when a physical injury disrupts the typical response of nerves, blood vessels, and tissues in part of the body. After a trauma, such as a fracture, sprain, or even a seemingly minor bump, the body’s nerves may become overly sensitive or damaged, creating abnormal pain signals that persist long after the original wound has begun to heal.

These nerves may begin to send pain signals without an apparent reason and can also trigger swelling, temperature changes, and changes in skin color in the affected area. CRPS is unique because the pain and sensitivity it causes are significantly more severe than would be expected from the original injury. Symptoms may persist for months, years, or even indefinitely.

Difference between CRPS type I and type II

CRPS is grouped into two types, and understanding the different types is helpful when trying to understand how a car accident can lead to this condition.

• CRPS Type I: This type occurs after an injury that didn’t directly damage a major nerve. Common with fractures, sprains, or bruising in crashes where specific nerve injuries can’t be clearly identified.
• CRPS Type II: This involves a direct, confirmed nerve injury such as when a nerve is cut or severely pinched in the crash.

While nerve damage can certainly happen in car accidents, many people who develop CRPS after a car crash end up with CRPS type I, where there isn’t a direct injury to the nerves.

Signs and symptoms of CRPS after a car accident

After a car accident, complex regional pain syndrome may appear with several distinctive signs and symptoms. Recognizing these symptoms early can help you get the treatment you need.

Burning, stabbing, or electric-like pain

Many people with CRPS describe their pain as burning, stabbing, or similar to an electric shock. In some cases, people with the condition have described it as being burned with a flamethrower. This pain is extremely severe and generally feels much worse than what the original injury would normally cause.

Swelling and inflammation

The affected area may become unusually swollen or inflamed, often without a clear connection to recent activity or additional trauma. Swelling may come and go, or it may be present constantly.

Abnormal skin temperature and color

Individuals with CRPS may notice that the affected limb or area of the body feels unusually warm, sometimes explained as a burning sensation. For others, it might feel incredibly cold. It’s also common to notice changes in the skin’s color, with a bluish, reddish, or mottled appearance.

Hypersensitivity to touch

Even mild touch, such as clothing brushing the skin, can cause intense discomfort. The area may also become very sensitive to temperature changes, like cold air.

Stiffness and loss of mobility

Joints and muscles near the injury may get stiff, making it tough or painful to move normally. Sometimes the person avoids using that limb altogether because of how painful it feels.

Tremors or muscle spasms

CRPS can cause shaking, tremors, or involuntary muscle spasms near the affected limb.

Changes in nail and hair growth

Unusual nail breakdown and excessive growth can be another clue that the nervous system is not working properly in that area.

If you notice several of these signs after a crash, speak with a doctor experienced in nerve and pain issues right away.

How a car accident lawyer proves CRPS in an injury claim

Proving a CRPS diagnosis resulting from a car accident can be complex, but an experienced injury attorney knows how to gather and present the right evidence to show the link.

Linking onset of CRPS to the crash

A lawyer will work hard to show that your CRPS symptoms started after the crash and that they didn’t already exist. While the symptoms may not show up immediately, this isn’t unusual.

Medical records and reports of symptoms

Detailed medical records are going to be one of the most important aspects of your CRPS claim. A lawyer will help you gather all medical documentation where you’ve complained of CRPS pain, as well as the results of any testing that was done.

Expert testimony from neurologists and pain specialists

Because CRPS is widely misunderstood, attorneys bring in testimony from specialists, such as board-certified neurologists or pain medicine doctors. These experts can explain how and why CRPS sometimes follows traumatic injuries and address misunderstandings about the condition.

Car accident attorneys present this evidence to insurance companies and, when needed, to juries, aiming to get fair compensation for your pain, treatment, and lost wages.

Arguments insurance companies raise in CRPS claims

When a victim claims CRPS following a car crash, insurance adjusters often raise doubts to try to deny, diminish, or delay payout. Here’s what they often bring up:

• They argue there’s no definitive test for CRPS, so you must be exaggerating symptoms.
• Insurers suggest your problems are psychological or stress-related instead of due to injury.
• Allegations are made that you’re overreporting pain or disabilities that can’t be factually proven.
• Some insurance companies offer early settlements before you receive a valid diagnosis, aiming to cut costs.

These tactics make life even more difficult for those dealing with CRPS after an accident. Fortunately, you don’t have to handle it on your own. Working with a legal professional who understands these cases and what you’re going through is always a good idea.

Contact us to schedule a free consultation

If you suspect you’re suffering from CRPS after a car accident, know that you don’t have to navigate this on your own. This condition is serious and life-altering, and is especially difficult to deal with when you’re trying to file a car accident claim and insurance companies argue that you aren’t actually injured or aren’t entitled to damages for your situation.

By working with a law firm that understands CRPS and its impact, you give yourself a better chance at getting appropriate compensation for your medical care, lost income, and long-term future. Our team is here to help you learn more. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a CRPS car accident lawyer. Get in touch by calling us today or completing our online contact form.