Understanding CRPS
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic condition primarily affecting the limbs but occasionally extending to other parts of the body. It is characterized by post-traumatic autonomic disturbances persisting even after the initial injury appears to have healed. Despite its debilitating nature, the cause of CRPS remains elusive, with minimal objective findings. Consequently, insurance defense attorneys in cases involving car accidents often question the physical basis of CRPS, attributing it to psychosomatic factors.
Types of CRPS
CRPS manifests in two forms:
1. CRPS 1: Typically occurs in the arms or legs following minor injuries, such as those from motor vehicle accidents. Identifying nerve injury immediately is challenging in such cases, complicating personal injury claims.
2. CRPS 2 (or Causalgia): Arises from direct nerve injury.
Symptoms of CRPS
Key symptoms of CRPS include intense and disproportionate burning sensations, pathological changes in bone and skin, excessive sweating, inflammation, spasms, hypersensitivity to touch, insomnia, and emotional distress.
Legal Precedents and Case Outcomes
Several jury verdicts and settlements across the country shed light on the compensation victims of CRPS may receive:
- Maryland (2023): A caregiver, aged 70, received $450,000 after sustaining a hand injury from a vehicle collision, subsequently diagnosed with CRPS. Despite minimal medical bills, a Baltimore County jury awarded $511,399, emphasizing the significance of pain and suffering.
- California (2022): A woman hit by an Amazon delivery van was awarded $5 million by a California state court jury for injuries, including CRPS, surpassing Amazon's proposed compensation.
- California (2021): Verdicts ranging from $1,253,000 to $8,400,000 were awarded in various cases, underscoring the severity of CRPS-related injuries and associated damages.
CRPS and Car Accidents
CRPS can indeed result from car accidents, primarily due to back and neck trauma affecting the nervous systems. However, establishing a causal link between the accident and CRPS may pose challenges in legal proceedings.
Settlement Amounts and Factors Impacting Value
The average settlement for CRPS in personal injury lawsuits typically ranges from $10,000 to $30,000, contingent upon the severity of symptoms and credibility of the plaintiff. Additional factors influencing settlement value include the presence of other underlying injuries and the subjective nature of CRPS symptoms.
Seek Legal Representation
If you suffer from CRPS, seek legal counsel from our experienced attorneys at Dordick Law Corporation. We handle accident lawsuits throughout Southern California and are dedicated to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. At Dordick Law Corporation, our personal injury attorneys in California will provide the advocacy and representation necessary to obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us at (310) 551-0949 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.