Chronic Pain and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
We have recovered millions of pounds in compensation on behalf of clients who have developed chronic pain conditions, including functional neurological disorder (FND) or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) as a result of road traffic accidents.
FAQ’s
What is CRPS?
The main symptom of CRPS is pain, which can sometimes be severe, continuous and debilitating. It’s usually confined to one limb, but can sometimes spread to other parts of the body.
There are also two types of CRPS: Type I (formally known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy – RSD) and Type II (formerly known as causalgia).
The pain of CRPS is usually triggered by an injury. But the pain is a lot more severe and long-lasting than would normally be expected. The pain may feel like a mix of burning, stabbing or stinging. There may also be tingling and numbness and you may have periods of pain lasting a few days or weeks, called flare-ups, where the pain gets worse.
Stress in particular can lead to flare-ups, which is why relaxation techniques and mindfulness training can be an important part of treating CRPS.
If you have CRPS, your skin in the affected area can become very sensitive. Even the slightest touch, bump or change in temperature can cause intense pain.
What is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
FND is a condition where patients experience neurological symptoms, like weakness, tremors or seizures arising from a problem with how the brain and body communicate.
Treatment focuses on physical therapy, occupational therapy and psychological treatment (e.g., CBT).
Other Types of Chronic Pain
We have dealt with multiple Claimants who have developed chronic pain arising from nerve damage, myofascial pain, and other types of chronic pain syndrome, including Fibromyalgia.
Other types of chronic pain can be psychosomatic, such as bodily distress disorder (BDD) or somatic symptom disorder (SSD).
Where we come in
Many chronic pain conditions are poorly understood and take time to diagnose.
They are also, sadly, routinely challenged by Defendant solicitors, who often argue that symptoms are imagined, or feigned, or – if accepted – that they were not caused by the accident.
Bikelawyer has significant experience of acting for claimants with chronic pain conditions, including FND and CRPS (including what was at the time the largest CRPS settlement of its type), and of insuring referrals to leading experts for diagnosis and treatment.
Don instructed Bikelawyer and advised:
“I do not think that any words or accolades can truly reflect the dedication and care that Ian Dexter and Bikelawyer have shown to me, not only as my solicitors who are responsible for securing the best outcome, but also as someone who went beyond the call of duty in order to see me through the immense difficulties and complexities of my case.
I developed CRPS after a motorcycle accident. As this illness continued to develop through my body I also started to become depressed and isolated. My work and career was also about to become non-existent and it was difficult to have treatment secured under NHS promptly.
This is where Mr. Dexter did not settle for anything less than to secure an immediate review by the best experts in the world who specialise in this condition. This resulted in prompt tests, subsequent treatments and management programmes which continue to be reviewed and improved to this day.
This was just half the battle – coming to terms with what this illness is doing to me and watching it gradually stripping away my life is impossible to describe. Mr Dexter did not stop there, he and his colleagues secured funding so that I can continue with physical and mental medical support. I am able to afford to pay for care and equipment to help me cope and also recover some independence.
Mr Dexter has not only been very prompt to update me on the progress of the case but his explanations were very clear. Additionally, Mr Dexter would call to check on me through genuine concern for my welfare and to ensure that I have everything I need in the meantime. I enjoyed Mr Dexter’s calm, caring and very reassuring demeanor. I always felt I was in good hands with him.
Bikelawyer’s and Ian Dexter’s professionalism, I have never felt that they came up short in any way. Mr Dexter is always thorough, prompt, clearly very skilled, knowledgeable and his communications were above and beyond the call of duty.
Most importantly for me, Mr Dexter is a kind and very empathetic person who always dedicated more than his fair share to help me with any problems I had during this stressful period. Following the accident, Mr Dexter fought tooth and nail to bring about the best possible outcome and made me feel that some justice was delivered at the end.
Because of this I feel that some of what I lost of my life has been returned to me by Bikelawyers and especially by Ian Dexter. I cannot recommend them enough if you are looking for more than just the run of the mill solicitor to represent your case. Bikelwayer makes it a quest to deliver justice.”
