Home Personal Injury Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Denver Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Lawyers

We Win Compensation for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Caused by Medical Malpractice

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a life-altering condition brought on by malfunctioning nerves. Not everyone who suffers a traumatic injury develops it, but those who do must deal with severe pain. The pain caused by CRPS may prevent you from performing normal day-to-day activities, and you may not be able to resume your career.

CRPS may be triggered by surgical error, previous injuries, or medical issues such as heart attacks. It’s important for your doctor to review your medical history, listen to the symptoms you describe, and conduct further tests to find out if you’re suffering from CRPS. Failure to correctly diagnose CRPS in a timely manner causes unnecessary treatment delays, and this increases the chances that you will experience irreversible medical harm and permanent disability.

If you are suffering from severe CRPS symptoms caused by a doctor’s negligent behavior, contact the Denver injury lawyers at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. We’ve been helping people in Denver for over 40 years. When you visit our office for a no-cost consultation, we’ll review your case and advise you on the best way to move forward.

Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. has won record-breaking verdicts and settlements for patients and their families who were harmed by medical malpractice. Our firm is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, and Super Lawyers lists our law firm based on peer reviews and professional achievement.

Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. partner Jim Puga won one of the largest medical malpractice jury verdict in the history of Colorado for $17.9 million, and partner Jim Leventhal is one of only 100 lawyers in the United States to achieve membership to The Inner Circle of Advocates, an invitation-only group reserved for best plaintiff attorneys in the nation.

Learn more by calling (303) 759-9945 today.

Back to Top

What Are the Symptoms of CRPS?

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic neuroinflammatory disorder that causes excruciating pain. Patients with CRPS often experience hyperalgesia, which means symptoms are more severe than you would normally expect. This is a red flag, and the doctor should order additional medical testing to find out what’s wrong.

Unfortunately, doctors often fail to take a patient’s concerns seriously. Instead of continuing to investigate the situation, a doctor might simply prescribe some pain relievers and hope the problem will get better on its own. This unprofessional attitude has disastrous consequences for patients with CRPS.

The most common symptom of CRPS is an intense, persistent pain that refuses to go away. It may feel as though the impacted limb is constantly being squeezed. It is also commonly referred to as a burning or pins and needles sensation. This pain may also spread up the limb. Even if it only started in a finger, it could affect your entire arm over time.

If you are experiencing any of the following issues combined with constant, nagging pain, seek medical attention right away:

  • Skin color and texture changes in the impacted area
  • An unusual sweating pattern in the affected limb
  • General stiffness in the impacted joints
  • Difficulty in controlling the movement of muscles
  • A decreased ability to actually move the impacted limb
  • Involuntary tremors or jerking movements from the limb
  • An inability to move the affected limb from one fixed position (called dystonia)
  • Odd hair and nail growth patterns
  • Skin becomes sensitive to the touch
  • Abnormal changes in skin temperature on the afflicted side of the body

Back to Top

Common Causes of CRPS

It’s still not completely known why some people develop CRPS while others don’t. However, research indicates that the syndrome is usually connected to some sort of physical injury or trauma. This sort of trauma may result from falls, automobile crashes, sports injuries, and medical emergencies.

CRPS may also be caused by negligent medical treatment, including a botched surgery, a cast that is too tight, delayed diagnosis, improper needle placement, and injection errors. CRPS is triggered by the following events:

Back to Top

CRPS and Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a patient is injured due to the negligent actions of a healthcare professional such as a doctor or nurse. If a reasonably qualified doctor would have responded differently in the same situation, then it may be medical malpractice.

Filing a claim is probably the last thing on your mind if you’re dealing with the pain that comes with CRPS. But if your syndrome was caused by someone else’s negligence, then you deserve compensation.

Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. will review your medical records and conduct a thorough investigation to find out if your injuries were caused by medical malpractice.

In Colorado, there are strict rules and deadlines for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit; you should not wait to call.

Back to Top

Damages Available for Patients Suffering from CRPS

“Damages” is a legal term that refers to monetary awards that aim to compensate for a loss or injury. If you were harmed by medical malpractice, you are eligible to receive damages.

When Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. files a CRPS medical malpractice claim or lawsuit, it includes the following types of damages:

  • Current and future medical bills
  • Pain and suffering
  • Medical devices
  • Disfigurement
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Lost wages
  • Rehabilitation and physical therapy
  • Reduced earning potential
  • In-home nursing care
  • Occupational therapy

Back to Top

Getting the Right Diagnosis for CRPS

It’s really important for doctors to listen to their patients and take the time to carefully consider what’s causing their symptoms. It is unacceptable for a doctor to simply dismiss your symptoms instead of looking for the root cause of your suffering. There is a range of tests and procedures that a doctor will want to use in these situations.

Your doctor should begin by ordering a blood test to find out if an infection or rheumatoid arthritis is the underlying issue. There are other possible ailments that can be detected using advanced imaging technology, such as an MRI exam.

A bone scan will reveal changes in bones that are consistent with CRPS, and a sweat production test will determine if the patient is sweating more heavily on one side of the body, a key indicator of CRPS. An X-ray test can be used to measure mineral loss that occurs during the later stages of CRPS.

Back to Top

Treatment Options for CRPS

Untreated CRPS causes irreversible injuries. That’s why it’s so important to get the correct diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible. Doctors recommend the following therapies to reduce the effects of CRPS:

  • Acupuncture
  • Biofeedback
  • Physical therapy
  • Heat therapy
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

Medical interventions prescribed to treat CRPS include:

  • Nerve-blocking medications that are injected to provide pain relief.
  • Ketamine can be administered intravenously to counteract CRPS symptoms.
  • Oral pain relievers may include over-the-counter remedies and prescription medications.
  • Pain patches and topical analgesics provide relief directly to the affected area.
  • Corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation.
  • Antidepressants to treat the effects of damaged nerves.
  • Intrathecal pain pumps are surgically implanted to deliver a steady dose of pain medication.
  • Blood pressure medication can help relieve CRPS symptoms.

Back to Top

The Hazards of CRPS Misdiagnosis and Treatment Delays

Misdiagnosis and treatment delay cause devastating harm to people with CRPS, including severe pain and permanent disabilities. This may include:

  • Reduced mobility
  • Skin, bone, and muscle deterioration
  • Pain and stiffness
  • Chronic pain
  • Hands, feet, toes, and limbs become stuck in a fixed position

Back to Top

We’ve Won Millions of Dollars for Our Clients

You shouldn’t be expected to pay for injuries that were caused by somebody else’s negligent behavior. Doctors and other healthcare professionals receive years of specialized training, and there’s no excuse for avoidable errors that cause patients to suffer catastrophic injuries and emotional harm.

Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. is one of the most successful and distinguished personal injury law firms in the United States. We got where we are by fighting tooth and nail to get justice for our clients.

We understand how important your case is. That’s why we treat every client like they’re our only client. We’ll remain in touch with you throughout the legal process, and we’re always available to answer your questions.

Contact us by calling (303) 759-9945 and schedule your no-cost consultation today.

Back to Top

Additional Information

Great Trial Lawyers Obtaining Unparalleled Results
303-759-9945
877-433-3906

More Information