Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD/CRPS)
Some six to eight million people are afflicted with RSD. Most of these are women. RSD may be present in one extremity but may progressively worsen and spread. Grimes Teich Anderson has extensive experience with RDS/CRPS cases, and is prepared to demonstrate to the court and the insurance company the severity of this debilitating condition when it arises in an accident or disability claim. RSD/CRPS patients know the struggle they often endure finding doctors trained to recognize and treat the condition. Minor injuries can explode into severely debilitating conditions when RSD develops and either the wrong treatment is provided or the right treatment is not provided promptly.
RSD can be caused by minor injuries and can develop anytime from immediately after you are injured to several days later. The first sign of RSD is a painful sensation that is not in proportion to the type of injury and the pain often continues after the injury is healed.
If you have RSD/CRPS related to a work injury, personal injury or Social Security Disability claim, contact Grimes Teich Anderson LLP and ask to speak with one of our
Traumas that can lead to RSD:
- Heart attack
- Broken bones
- Bruises
- Tight-fitting casts
- Cuts Surgery
- Infection
- Repetitive motion disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
Symptoms of RSD
Not all symptoms of RSD need to be evident for a person to have RSD. Patients can have different symptoms depending on the stage of their RSD. If you are experiencing at least three of the following symptoms, you may have RSD:
- Swelling and tenderness of the joints
- Tremors
- Muscle spasms
- Extreme burning or aching pain
- Partial or complete loss of motor function
- Increased sweating around the injured or afflicted area
- Osteoporosis
- Bone softening
- Change in skin color
- Change in skin temperature
The Three Stages of RSD
There are three stages of RSD. Each stage is unpredictable and normally lasts for approximately three months however this may vary from person to person. A person can experience different stages of RSD in different parts of the body simultaneously.
Stage 1: Acute
There is severe pain in the area of the injury, including muscle stiffness, swelling, and muscle cramping. The person may sweat profusely. There may be changes in skin color and temperature and the person may be more sensitive to light and touch.
Stage 2: Dystrophic
Swelling and pain increase and begin to spread to other parts of the body. Muscle tissue and bone may start to deteriorate. Nails and hair may change in consistency, and their growth may become erratic.
Stage 3: Atrophic
A person experiences unmanageable pain and irreversible muscle atrophy. Some patients may experience this third stage of RSD in all parts of the body.
Why you need an RSD lawyer
RSD can develop from injuries received in an accident caused by someone else. Injuries from motor vehicle accidents or those caused by errors, such as a misdirected needle, unnecessary surgery, misdiagnosis or faulty medical treatments, can be grounds for a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
RSD cases can be very complicated. Those who have it need the help of a legal professional who is experienced in dealing with RSD cases and knows that RSD is a serious condition that can be permanent, painful, and costly. At Grimes Teich Anderson, we have experienced North Carolina and South Carolina RSD lawyers who can help you.
Grimes Teich Anderson Represents The People That Need Our Help The Most:
Firm Attorneys: S. Janson Grimes, Henry E. Teich, Scott M. Anderson, Thomas W. Henson Jr., Sarah Lockett and Brian A. Buchanan.
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Were you or someone you love injured in an accident? Contact Grimes Teich Anderson immediately and ask to speak with a
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