After a traumatic injury, most people expect pain to fade as the body heals. But for some, the pain only worsens with persistent burning and swelling that lasts for months or even years. This condition is known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
CRPS is often life changing. Victims may lose mobility, independence, or the ability to work. If your CRPS developed because of another person’s negligence, (such as a car crash, workplace accident, or surgical error) you may be entitled to compensation.
At Fieger Law, our experienced Michigan personal injury attorneys stand up for people whose pain is ignored or minimized. We work hard to prove your condition, connect you with trusted medical specialists, and pursue the financial recovery you need to rebuild your life.
Contact Fieger Law today for a free consultation.
What Is CRPS?
CRPS is a chronic nervous-system disorder that typically develops after an injury like a broken bone, burn, or surgery. Instead of healing normally, the body’s pain signals malfunction, triggering extreme and disproportionate pain in the affected limb.
Two Types of CRPS
- Type I: Sometimes called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), this type occurs after an injury without direct nerve damage.
- Type II: Also known as causalgia, this type results from a specific, confirmed nerve injury.
Although CRPS symptoms can vary widely, they often include:
- Continuous burning or throbbing pain
- Sensitivity to touch or temperature
- Swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility
- Changes in skin color, temperature, or texture
- Muscle weakness or spasms
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical, but CRPS is often misunderstood, even by doctors. Victims are frequently misdiagnosed or told the pain is “just in their head.”
Common Causes of CRPS in Michigan
CRPS can result from nearly any physical trauma. Some of the most common causes our law firm sees are:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes that damage soft tissue or nerves
- Workplace injuries involving crush injuries or trauma from repetitive stress
- Surgical complications or IV infiltration injuries
- Slip-and-fall accidents resulting in fractures or sprains
- Defective products that cause burns or nerve damage
Michigan’s auto manufacturing plants and industrial workplaces produce thousands of traumatic injuries each year. Once those injuries happen, CRPS can emerge weeks or months later.
Challenges in CRPS Personal Injury Claims
Because CRPS isn’t visible on X-rays or MRIs, proving it in court requires extensive documentation and expert medical testimony. Insurance companies know this and will frequently employ tactics designed to derail your claim and avoid paying damages, such as:
- Disputing the diagnosis or claim the pain is exaggerated
- Arguing that symptoms stem from anxiety or unrelated conditions
- Delaying payments for ongoing care or specialized therapy
The attorneys at Fieger Law have seen all these tactics in action and understand how to overcome them. We work with neurologists, pain management physicians, and vocational experts to connect your CRPS directly to the triggering injury.
CRPS Treatment and Long-Term Effects
While there is no cure, early treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent progression. Common therapies include:
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Nerve blocks or spinal cord stimulators
- Prescription medications for neuropathic pain
- Sympathetic nerve injections
- Counseling for anxiety and depression stemming from chronic pain
Left untreated, CRPS can spread to other parts of the body and lead to permanent disability. Victims may lose their ability to work, drive, or perform daily tasks, making fair compensation essential.
Compensation Available in CRPS Cases
Because CRPS affects nearly every aspect of life, victims may recover damages for:
- Medical expenses for ongoing pain management and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Costs related to home modification or mobility assistance
- Loss of enjoyment of life
When CRPS results from a workplace accident, you may also qualify for Michigan workers’ compensation benefits in addition to or separate from a personal injury claim.
Michigan Resources and Medical Support
Help for managing CRPS can be found at various local facilities, including:
- University of Michigan Back and Pain Center (Ann Arbor): Recognized for advanced CRPS and neuropathic pain research
- Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital Pain Management (Royal Oak): Offers multidisciplinary treatment programs
- Michigan Pain Management Consultants (Novi and Southfield): Statewide specialists experienced with chronic nerve pain conditions
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also provides access to disability benefit guidance and mental health resources for residents coping with chronic pain.
How Fieger Law Can Help CRPS Victims
For over seven decades, Fieger Law has been known around the state of Michigan for standing up to powerful insurance companies and corporations. We bring that same determination to CRPS and chronic pain cases where victims need advocates who will not back down.
When you partner with us, we can:
- Investigate the cause of your original injury
- Gather medical evidence and expert testimony proving your CRPS diagnosis
- Calculate lifetime medical and financial costs
- Negotiate aggressively with insurers for full compensation
- Take your case to trial if necessary
Our attorneys treat every client with compassion and respect, knowing that chronic pain cases require both legal and emotional understanding.
Why Choose Fieger Law
CRPS cases demand persistence, resources, and deep medical insight. Fieger Law has the experience and commitment to handle them. We’ve built a reputation across Michigan and the U.S. for holding negligent parties accountable and achieving record-setting verdicts.
When you hire our firm, you get a team that understands the medical science behind CRPS, works with top pain management experts, and handles all insurance and litigation complexities.
You’re not just another case to us. You’re a person who deserves to live without constant pain and financial stress.
Talk to a Michigan CRPS Lawyer Today
If you developed CRPS after an accident, surgery, or workplace injury, don’t let insurers dismiss your suffering. The Michigan attorneys at Fieger Law will help you prove your condition, secure proper medical care, and pursue full compensation for your losses.
Contact Fieger Law today to schedule your free consultation. We’re here to listen and fight for the justice you deserve.
