Phoenix Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Lawyer

Attorney John Kelly: A CRPS Attorney You Can Trust

An injury can change a life in ways no one is prepared for. In some cases, it leads to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a chronic and often serious condition that may develop after a traumatic injury, surgical complication, or nerve damage. Instead of improving with time, the pain can persist or even intensify, often in ways that are hard to explain and even more difficult to endure. What starts as a moment of trauma can turn into an ongoing struggle that affects nearly every aspect of life. 

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome presents not only medical challenges, but it can also have a devastating emotional and psychological impact. Many patients and families feel frightened, overwhelmed, and exhausted. They don’t know where to turn for help. 

Having a compassionate and experienced legal team by their side can make a meaningful difference. With someone there to guide and advocate for them, patients are better able to focus on their health and well-being. They know their rights are being protected and their future will be more secure. 

Complex is an Accurate Word

CRPS is a medically recognized diagnosis that not everyone is familiar with. The word “complex” isn’t just part of the name, it reflects the layered and deeply personal nature of the condition.

A variety of accidents and injuries can trigger CRPS, and the symptoms can vary from one patient to the next. In many cases, the pain felt by those suffering from CRPS is far worse than would normally be expected from the original injury. It affects daily life, work, mobility, and emotional well-being.

The combination of physical and emotional pain can lead to reduced quality of life. Chronic pain often leads to anxiety, distress, and depression.

Although Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is the terminology used by the medical profession, many people refer to it as “Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome.” People suffering from CRPS may not seem to be getting any better.

It can also bring a sense of embarrassment and isolation. Because CRPS isn’t always visible, others may misunderstand what is happening and may assume the pain is exaggerated. Comments about “moving on” or “getting back to normal” can be especially difficult to hear when the reality is far different.

What Can Lead to Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome?

• Car Accidents
• Surgery Complications
• Accidents at Work
• Falls
• Sports Injuries
• Wrist, Hand, Ankle and Foot Fractures
• Joint Dislocations
• Sprains, Ligament Tears, Torn Tendons
• Animal Bites
• Cuts
• Puncture Wounds
• Crushed Bones
• Damage to Nerves Caused by Trauma

What are some of the symptoms of CRPS?

An extreme burning sensation is a common symptom of CRPS.  Patients also can feel deep aching, stabbing, and electric shocks.

Severe sensitivity to pressure or skin contact can be a sign of CRPS. Skin can feel hot or cold compared to another part of the body. It sometimes turns red or may appear thin.

Symptoms can include weakness, tremors, stiffness, and difficulty gripping objects. Persistent swelling around joints is symptomatic of CRPS.

Often multiple symptoms are present. If left untreated they can result in muscle wasting, frozen joints, difficulty walking, and limited mobility.

 How do I know for sure it’s Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome?

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome can be confusing. Patients wonder what is happening to their body to cause so much pain. Some doctors may be hesitant to assign the pain to CRPS because they don’t fully accept or question the diagnosis.

An Experienced Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Lawyer has Knowledgeable Contacts within the Medical Community

It is important to see a doctor immediately after an accident. Since even a minor accident can lead to CRPS, documentation after the original event is very important. It establishes a starting point. If pain and other symptoms develop later, the causation event is documented.

Just as important, it helps a knowledgeable doctor with a timeline in the development of a treatment plan. Early treatment plays a critical role in managing pain and may prevent progression.

The Kelly Law Team has a list of knowledgeable healthcare providers who know how to develop an effective treatment plan. We even work with our clients to make appointments and ensure they see the medical professionals with expertise in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

What if I want to Give My Pain Time to Decrease?

It’s understandable to hope pain will fade with time. We want the very best for our clients, and if symptoms improve, that’s fantastic.

However, we’ve also seen cases where the pain improved, then gradually worsened after time. Unfortunately, cyclical and long-term pain are not unusual with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

How is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Diagnosed?

CRPS is usually diagnosed under the “Budapest Criteria” instead of a single lab test. A skilled medical professional must determine that a patient is experiencing “continuous and disproportionate” pain and that several other criteria are met.

Does it Make a Difference How I Was Injured?

Yes, how and where you suffered your initial injury is an important factor.

In Arizona, injuries due to a car accident, slip and fall, and medical malpractice are treated as personal injury claims. Cases with sizable damage claims are generally filed in the Arizona Superior Court of the county where the accident occurred.

If CRPS develops after an injury on the job, it may become a workers’ compensation matter, and the case is filed in the Industrial Commission of Arizona.

A third category of claims sometimes crosses lines with the two courts. If an employee is injured by a third party for example in a car accident while working, separate lawsuits may be filed in the Industrial Court of Arizona and the Arizona Superior Court.

How Insurance Companies Push Back

Insurance companies often take a very aggressive stance when faced with a CRPS claim. They know that Complex Regional Pain Syndrome can require costly lifelong treatment.

Insurance companies often dispute a CRPS diagnosis. They will attempt to break the link between the injury and the onset of CRPS.

Insurers frequently argue that claims are exaggerated or pre-existing. They employ investigators to conduct surveillance on a patient to catch them in an activity that will cast doubt on the case.

Insurers use delay tactics hoping the person will give up their attempt to seek compensation. Insurance investigators may attempt to secretly record a person in a strenuous activity to make a case for denial of compensation. They sometimes dig into a person’s social media, looking for conflicting timelines for injuries or evidence that shows an injury isn’t consequential.

Insurance companies often assign a specialized litigation manager who focuses on limiting high financial exposure associated with long-term care.

Insurance Company Tactics May Surprise an Inexperienced Attorney

A common misconception, even among many attorneys, is that a small injury can’t trigger major CRPS symptoms.

An inexperienced general practice lawyer may not be aware of the differences between a basic injury claim and a CRPS case. Most lawyers do not have deep experience with CRPS cases and will be unprepared for the aggressive tactics used by insurance companies.

A general practice lawyer often substantially undervalues a claim by relying on recovery timelines that fail to reflect CRPS’s long-term nature.

A Good Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Lawyer Knows What to Expect

An attorney with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome experience and advanced legal skills will be prepared for insurance company tactics.

They know their client’s case will be aggressively scrutinized for:

• Delayed Diagnosis
• Poor Medical Notes
• Poor Documentation of Symptoms like Skin Color or Swelling
• Lack of Early Referral to Doctors Specializing in CRPS Pain Management

A good CRPS Lawyer knows that an insurance company will often try to reframe chronic pain as a mental health issue rather than a physical condition.

Is the Kelly Law Team the Right Choice?

Living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is exhausting, painful, and discouraging. It impacts a person’s ability to work, maintain relationships, and enjoy life.

When CRPS is caused by someone’s negligence, the legal system needs to recognize the full scope of that loss. Fair compensation requires far more expertise than is needed for a more basic injury claim.

The Kelly Law Team understands how insurers challenge CRPS claims, how crucial proper medical documentation, and how easily a case can be undervalued when CRPS is misunderstood. Knowing that the wrong medical witness can undermine a case, we work exclusively with physicians who specialize in CRPS pain treatment.

We prepare each case with attention to the long-term nature of CRPS and the possibility that care may be ongoing.

If you or a loved one has developed CRPS, you deserve information on your rights and options. The Kelly Law Team is ready to stand with you to make sure your interests are protected. We fight for the just compensation you will need for a secure future.