Workers’ Compensation for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
If you sustain a workplace injury such as broken leg, in most cases the injury will heal and eventually the pain will fade away. However, there is a chronic pain condition called complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). This agonizing condition is an incurable neurological disorder that causes chronic pain to an area of the body where the patient may have suffered an injury previously. The pain associated with CRPS/RSD worsens over time and it is far more intense than the pain from the initial injury.
CRPS/RSD symptoms
CRPS often occurs in a limb that has suffered trauma from a blow, or a burn and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Although they vary, the most common symptoms of CRPS include constant and acute pain in the skin, bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. There may be swelling, discolorations of the skin, changes in the temperature of the body, extremely sensitive skin and increased sweating.
CRPS and workers’ compensation
If you have CRPS that is related to an on the job injury, you would need to report the illness and see a doctor to get a diagnosis. Depending on how far advanced the symptoms are, you may be in significant enough pain that it keeps you from being able to do your work. When you get approved for workers’ compensation benefits in Delaware, you will receive disability payments that will replace part of your salary when you must miss work due to your injury, and it also covers medical expenses related to your injury.
Because CRPS and RSD can be a bit complicated to diagnose and prove, it is important that you get a competent, skilled workers’ compensation attorney from the law firm of Silverman, McDonald & Friedman. We have experience helping other clients before you who have suffered from CRPS to obtain the compensation they need and deserve. Our attorneys can help you to navigate the complicated workers’ compensation system. If you should find yourself in a dispute with your employer’s insurer, who may not be convinced of the validity of your condition, we will be your advocate and make sure that your interests are protected.
If you have been injured on the job, or have contracted an occupational illness, the experienced Delaware workers’ compensation lawyers at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman are determined to help get you the compensation you deserve. You may call us or fill out our contact form to make a free appointment at our offices in Wilmington, Newark or Seaford.
Attorney Jeffrey S. Friedman joined Silverman, McDonald & Friedman in 2001. He graduated from Widener University School of Law, and is admitted to practice law in Delaware and Pennsylvania, and in several Federal Circuit courts. He areas of concentration include auto accident and workers’ compensation cases. Read more about Attorney Friedman here.