Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic condition characterized by severe and prolonged pain. The affected area also has swelling and changes in skin color and temperature.
CRPS typically develops after an injury or trauma to a limb, such as a fracture, surgery or sprain. Still, the pain experienced is out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury.
Challenges in diagnoses and treatment
Diagnosing CRPS can be challenging, as no specific diagnostic test exists. Diagnosis is often based on a combination of symptoms, medical history and exclusion of other possible causes of pain. Treatment for this condition may involve a combination of physical therapy, medication and nerve blocks. Treatment may also involve psychological therapy. This condition can be resistant to treatment and may become disabling over time.
Workers’ compensation claims for CRPS
Workers who develop CRPS due to a workplace injury may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical expenses and lost wages. However, obtaining benefits for the condition can be challenging due to its complex nature and difficulty in proving its connection to a specific injury.
Proving causation and disability
One of the primary challenges in workers’ compensation claims for CRPS is proving the cause of the condition. Since this condition can develop after relatively minor injuries or procedures, establishing a direct link between workplace injury and the development of CRPS is difficult. This process may need thorough medical documentation and expert testimony. Additionally, demonstrating the extent of disability and its impact on the ability to work may require detailed medical evidence and vocational assessments.
Navigating the claims process
Navigating the workers’ compensation claims process for CRPS can be complex and may require the help of medical and vocational professionals and legal advocates. Injured workers with this condition need to understand their rights and gather comprehensive medical documentation to do so effectively.