When someone develops Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after a workplace injury or car wreck, their case immediately becomes more complicated than the typical injury claim. CRPS is not just a sprain, fracture, or nerve irritation — it is a life-altering neurological pain condition that insurance companies often misunderstand, minimize, or aggressively dispute.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with CRPS, hiring a Knoxville personal injury attorney with real experience handling CRPS cases can make a critical difference.
Contact The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto today — call (865) 691-2777.
What Is CRPS?
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic neurological pain condition that typically develops after trauma such as a fracture, surgery, crush injury, or even a relatively minor sprain. It most often affects an arm, hand, leg, or foot.
CRPS can cause:
- Severe, burning pain out of proportion to the original injury
- Extreme sensitivity to touch (allodynia)
- Swelling
- Skin temperature changes
- Color changes (red, blue, or pale appearance)
- Shiny or thin skin
- Decreased range of motion
- Muscle atrophy over time
The pain and functional loss can become permanent if not treated aggressively and early.
The Diagnosis of CRPS Is Complicated
Unlike a broken bone, CRPS does not show up clearly on a single X-ray or MRI. The diagnosis is clinical, meaning it depends on a physician’s evaluation of symptoms and physical findings.
Most doctors rely on what are commonly called the Budapest Criteria, a structured set of diagnostic guidelines used to confirm CRPS. Even then:
- Symptoms can fluctuate.
- Early CRPS may not present “classically.”
- Not all providers are experienced in diagnosing it.
- Independent medical examiners frequently dispute it.
An attorney unfamiliar with CRPS may not understand:
- Why objective imaging may appear “normal.”
- Why early documentation is critical.
- Why referral to the right specialist (pain management, neurology, or physiatry) is essential.
- How to defend the diagnosis when challenged.
A car accident lawyer in Knoxville experienced with CRPS cases understands the medical literature, the diagnostic criteria, and the importance of consistent documentation.
Judges, Juries, and Adjusters Often Need Education About CRPS
CRPS is not widely understood by the general public — and unfortunately, that sometimes includes insurance adjusters and even courts.
Because:
- The pain is severe but often invisible.
- There may be minimal findings on imaging.
- The condition sounds unfamiliar or rare.
It can be mistakenly characterized as exaggerated or psychological.
An experienced CRPS attorney knows how to:
- Present medical testimony clearly and effectively.
- Use treating physicians to explain the condition.
- Demonstrate objective findings such as temperature asymmetry or trophic changes.
- Show functional limitations through daily life impact.
- Explain why CRPS pain is neurologically real and recognized in the medical community.
Without proper presentation, a legitimate CRPS case can be undervalued or misunderstood.
Insurance Companies Aggressively Fight CRPS Claims
Insurance carriers understand that CRPS can be extremely expensive.
Treatment may include:
- Long-term pain management
- Nerve blocks
- Spinal cord stimulators
- Ketamine infusions
- Ongoing therapy
- Psychological support
- Potential lifetime medication costs
The condition can also result in permanent disability and lost earning capacity.
Because of the financial exposure, insurers often:
- Deny that CRPS exists
- Blame symptoms on a pre-existing condition
- Claim the condition is psychological
- Argue it is unrelated to the original injury
- Hire “independent” examiners to dispute the diagnosis
An attorney experienced in CRPS litigation anticipates these tactics and builds the case from day one with those defenses in mind.
Timing Is Critical in CRPS Cases
Early treatment dramatically improves outcomes. Delays caused by insurance denials can worsen the condition.
An experienced attorney understands:
- The urgency of obtaining specialist referrals
- How to push for authorization of nerve blocks or stimulators
- How to protect wage-loss benefits
- How to document permanent impairment
The legal strategy must run parallel with the medical strategy.
CRPS Cases Often Involve Significant Long-Term Damages
CRPS can permanently affect:
- Ability to work
- Independence in daily life
- Sleep
- Mental health
- Family relationships
Properly valuing a CRPS case requires understanding long-term medical needs, life care planning, and future wage loss.
An attorney who treats CRPS like a routine soft-tissue injury may dramatically undervalue the case.
Experience Matters in CRPS Cases
CRPS cases require:
- Knowledge of complex medical standards
- Strategic early documentation
- Skilled presentation of invisible pain
- Preparation for aggressive insurance defenses
- Understanding of long-term financial impact
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with CRPS after a workplace injury or motor vehicle collision, choosing a Knoxville CRPS attorney with specific experience in CRPS litigation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Call (865) 691-2777 or contact our firm online to schedule a free consultation.