How Much Compensation Can You Get for CRPS?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) following a car wreck or other injury, you may be wondering how much compensation you could be entitled to in your claim. CRPS is a chronic pain condition that often arises after an injury or trauma, causing intense, long-lasting pain, swelling, changes in skin color, and loss of function in the affected limb. Because CRPS can be debilitating, it’s important to understand how compensation is calculated in personal injury cases involving this condition.

In this blog, we’ll explore the factors that influence compensation for CRPS, the types of damages you may be able to recover, and how a skilled personal injury lawyer can help you maximize your settlement or verdict.

Understanding CRPS: The Impact on Your Life

CRPS is a condition that usually occurs after an injury, such as a fracture, surgery, or trauma. The pain associated with CRPS is often disproportionate to the injury itself, and it can lead to a range of debilitating symptoms, including:

Severe, burning pain in the affected area
Swelling and changes in skin temperature or color
Muscle weakness and limited mobility
Decreased range of motion in joints
Abnormal hair or nail growth

In severe cases, CRPS can lead to permanent disability, significantly affecting the quality of life, ability to work, and ability to perform everyday tasks. This can be especially challenging as the condition often has no definitive cure, meaning individuals may face long-term pain management and ongoing treatment.

Types of Compensation Available for CRPS Claims

The compensation you may receive for CRPS in a personal injury claim can vary based on the specifics of your case, including the severity of your condition, the impact on your life, and how the injury occurred. However, there are several key categories of damages you could be entitled to.

Medical Expenses

If you’re diagnosed with CRPS following an injury, you’ll likely face significant medical expenses. These can include:

Emergency room visits or hospital stays
Surgeries or interventions, such as nerve blocks or spinal cord stimulators
Physical therapy or rehabilitation
Prescription pain medications and other treatments
Long-term care for pain management or home assistance if you’re unable to perform basic tasks

In a personal injury lawsuit, you can seek compensation for past and future medical expenses related to your CRPS diagnosis and treatment. This includes not just the costs you’ve already incurred, but also anticipated future costs if your condition requires ongoing treatment or if you suffer permanent disability.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

CRPS can have a profound impact on your ability to work, particularly if the condition limits your mobility or requires significant time off for medical treatment. If your ability to work has been impaired, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Lost wages from time missed at work due to your injury or treatment
Loss of earning capacity if CRPS affects your long-term ability to perform your job or return to work in the same capacity, or if it is deemed permanent and you can no longer earn the same wages you did prior to your injury

The more severe and long-lasting your CRPS, the greater the potential impact on your future earnings, which can be factored into your settlement or jury verdict.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering refers to the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life that you experience as a result of your CRPS. This is often the most subjective form of compensation and can be difficult to quantify. However, personal injury lawyers rely on expert testimony, medical records, and other evidence to demonstrate the extent of the pain and suffering.

Factors that may affect your pain and suffering award include:

Nature and type of physical pain and emotional distress you experience
Severity of the condition and level of pain
Duration of the symptoms and the likelihood of future pain
Impact on your ability to perform daily activities and your overall quality of life
Psychological effects, such as depression or anxiety, which often accompany chronic pain conditions like CRPS

The longer the duration and more severe the pain, the higher the potential award for pain and suffering.

Emotional Distress and Mental Health Effects

Dealing with chronic pain from CRPS can take a significant emotional toll, leading to conditions such as:

Depression
Anxiety
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

In cases where CRPS leads to emotional distress, you may be entitled to damages for the psychological impact of living with the condition. Emotional distress damages can be added to your pain and suffering compensation and may be awarded based on the severity of your mental health symptoms.

Loss of Consortium

If CRPS has affected your relationship with your spouse or family members—whether due to your inability to engage in activities together, a reduction in intimacy, or your emotional distress—you may be eligible for loss of consortium damages. This category compensates your spouse or family members for the negative impact on their relationship with you as a result of the injury.

Factors That Influence the Amount of Compensation for CRPS

While every CRPS case is unique, several factors can influence how much compensation you may be awarded:

The Severity of Your CRPS

The more severe and disabling your condition, the higher your compensation is likely to be. For example, if you suffer permanent impairment or are unable to return to work, you may be entitled to a larger settlement.

The Evidence in Your Case

The strength of the evidence supporting your claim will play a critical role in determining how much compensation you can receive. Strong medical records, expert testimony, and a well-documented history of the injury and its effects on your life will help establish the extent of your damages.

The Circumstances of the Injury

If your CRPS resulted from someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing (e.g., a car accident, slip and fall, medical malpractice), you may be entitled to a larger settlement or verdict. Cases involving gross negligence or particularly egregious actions may result in higher punitive damages, although these are less common.

The Jurisdiction and Legal Team

The location of your case and the skill of your personal injury lawyer can impact your compensation. Different states have different laws regarding compensation caps, insurance policies, and what types of damages are available. A skilled lawyer with experience handling CRPS cases will know how to navigate these complexities and fight for the best possible outcome.

How a Katy CRPS Lawyer Can Help Maximize Your Compensation

Given the complexity of CRPS and the significant impact it can have on your life, it’s crucial to have a skilled personal injury lawyer by your side. A lawyer experienced with CRPS cases can help you:

Obtain proper medical evaluations and expert testimony to support your claim
Document all your damages, including both physical and emotional harm
Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation
Represent you in court, if necessary, to fight for the maximum possible award

Attorney Scott Callahan has the experience necessary to successfully maximize CRPS claims and win the compensation you deserve. The firm is available 24/7 at 713-888-9000 to give a free legal consultation to evaluate your case.