Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy & Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Lawyer in NYC

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), previously known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), is a nerve impulse condition that causes chronic pain in the affected site. While a great deal of mystery still shrouds the cause of RSD/CRPS, experts believe this condition stems from dysfunction in the central or peripheral nervous systems. This pain condition can affect one or more limbs after a personal injury. While some cases are mild, others last a lifetime and can cause long-term disability. If you have RSD/CRPS in New York City, you may be eligible for recovery.

What Is RSD/CRPS?

RSD/CRPS is an abnormal response to an injury that magnifies its effects. While doctors don’t completely understand this condition, they do know individuals with RSD/CRPS often have problems with the small sensory nerve fibers that carry pain messages to blood vessels. Issues with these fibers can trigger the myriad symptoms of RSD/CRPS, such as pain, tingling, and inflammation. In turn, peripheral nerve abnormalities can cause damage to the spinal cord and brain. RSD/CRPS can also affect the immune system, resulting in higher risk of illness.

Receiving a RSD/CRPS diagnosis is the first step in recovering compensation for this condition. There is no specific test to identify RSD/CRPS. A doctor may diagnose complex regional pain syndrome if a patient has a history of injuries and complains of symptoms such as a burning or “pins and needles” sensation in the affected limb. Other symptoms include a squeezing sensation, increased sensitivity, changes in skin temperature and skin color, swelling, abnormal sweating pattern, and problems coordinating muscles. If you believe you have RSD/CRPS, certain tests may help a doctor diagnose your condition.

The Connection Between RSD/CRPS and Negligence

Almost all personal injury lawsuits center on the legal doctrine of negligence. “Negligence” occurs when a person or entity fails to fulfill his/her/its duties of care in a given situation, resulting in harm to another party. To be eligible for financial damage recovery for RSD/CRPS, you must prove another party’s negligence. The only exceptions are if you’re claiming workers’ compensation or if you have a product liability claim against a manufacturer for a defective product.

A negligent party can cause RSD/CRPS by inflicting a serious personal injury on another person. Although it remains unclear why some people develop RSD/CRPS and others do not, researchers know that in 90% of cases, a history of injury or trauma triggers the development of this condition. The most common injuries that trigger RSD/CRPS are bone fractures, sprains, joint injuries, and soft tissue injuries. Surgeries and limb immobilization (e.g. a broken limb in a cast) have also caused RSD/CRPS.

If you recently had a personal injury such as one on the above-mentioned list and now have RSD/CRPS, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim against the person or company that caused your original accident. You can add RSD/CRPS to your list of damages that the injury caused. The development of this disorder can beg the need for greater compensation for future medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost capacity to earn. If the condition results in long-term disability, it’s especially important to try to recover. Contact Pazer, Epstein, Jaffe & Fein, P.C. to speak with someone about your RSD/CRPS claim.