Making a Personal Injury Claim for CRPS

Living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is never easy to manage and psychologically it can be even harder if you know the syndrome has been caused by the actions of someone else. CRPS can be caused by an accident at work, a road traffic accident or perhaps a traumatic injury in a public place. In these instances it isn’t your fault and you can make a CRPS claim.

The first step is to find a solicitor who specialises in the condition or related chronic pain injury cases. You can utilise the Law Society directory to find a specialist or utilise the recommendations of friends or family.

Once you’ve chosen your solicitor they will need a considerable amount of information from you to put your case together, including:

• When the accident or injury took place
• The date of the accident or injury and how it happened
• The contact details of any witnesses
• The full details of your injury, medical diagnosis, treatment and long term prognosis

They may also ask you to provide proof of loss of earnings or any medical expenses such as the cost of physiotherapy or any other treatment you’ve had to alleviate the symptoms of your condition. With this information you solicitor should be able to tell you the likelihood of your case succeeding and the approximate compensation amount you should be able to expect.

If they agree to take your case on you should be provided with all the legal processes involved in the case and also send you a letter summarising the advice regarding your case and written proof they are acting on your behalf. All costings and potential fees should be worked into this letter and discussed where appropriate too.

CRPS can mean that your entire lifestyle needs to be adapted and this is why compensation exists.

Alternative Treatments for Chronic Pain Syndrome

Chronic pain syndrome is an all too common condition which comes about after a trauma in many cases. Whether it’s a hard fall, an RTA or something else the lasting damage of chronic pain syndrome can be life-changing. Learning to live with chronic pain syndrome takes time but considering some non-drug based treatments can help. Here are our five suggestions for alternative treatment for chronic pain.

Alternative Therapies

Although there isn’t any significant research to support the claim, evidence is beginning to suggest that acupuncture can provide significant relief from chronic pain syndrome. Other alternative therapies including massage, meditation and visiting an osteopath can also help to relieve symptoms.

Exercise

With recommendation from your GP light low-impact exercise such as walking and swimming can help relieve chronic pain. Many physiotherapy departments offer structured exercise classes which are designed to be gentle and help exercise the parts of your body which need to be stretched.

Physiotherapy

Sometimes your doctor will refer you for genuine physiotherapy or occupational therapy as opposed to exercising on your own. These sessions will be tailored to your medical needs and will work with your body to find ways of relieving your pain.

Nerve Stimulation

Nerve stimulation therapy comes in the form of electrical jolts (very small ones) being sent through the affected area of the body. The result is said to block the nerve impulses that cause the chronic pain. This type of therapy can be offered through a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine or you can have an implantable device fitted.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a form of psychotherapy which has seen impressive results with some chronic pain patients. It works by helping you find ways to manage the discomfort you’re suffering and limit the extent to which it interferes with daily life. CBT helps many people who feel they are bound to lying in bed for the rest of their days realise there is scope for movement and there are possibilities.

All treatments should be sought with the support of a medical professional and should be tailored to your specific pain. 

Chronic Pain Syndrome

Chronic Pain Syndrome

Here you can find out what types of accident or trauma could cause chronic pain syndrome, and how you can claim if you believe you have this syndrome due to an accident. If you have an accident or trauma and the pain last over 3 to 6 months it is then describe as chronic, this is when chronic pain syndrome comes into it. Chronic pain syndrome is a syndrome which refers to persistent pain that doesn't tend to have an identifiable source. It is often caused by a minor or major injury but doesn't always appear straight away, but a short period after; which sometimes means it can take a while to actually diagnose. Due to it being so unspecific and not having an identifiable source chronic pain syndrome can have a very poor response to therapy.