As Atlanta, Georgia Workers’ Compensation Attorneys, we have seen the devastating effects that Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can have on our clients. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) are disorders of the nervous system that can cause significant pain and have a major impact on your work and your life. Unfortunately, both RSD and CRPS are progressive conditions that require prompt treatment and, unfortunately, it can be difficult to prove the severity of both conditions.
If you have developed either reflex sympathetic dystrophy or complex regional pain syndrome as a direct result of performance of work tasks, your employer is responsible for paying for your medical care through workers’ compensation. Atlanta, Georgia workers’ compensation should also provide you with lost wages as well as with disability benefits if your nervous-system disorder renders you unable to work.
Because of the importance of getting prompt treatment as well as the severity of both RSD and CRPS, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced Atlanta, Georgia Workers’ Compensation Attorney as soon as possible if you are suffering from one of these conditions. The Atlanta, Georgia Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Van Sant Law, LLC have extensive experience representing victims or RSD and CRPS and helping them to obtain workers’ compensation benefits for their debilitating conditions.
Atlanta, Georgia Worker Injuries and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or CRPS, is a disorder of your nervous system that causes you to experience severe symptoms including burning pain, sensitivity to temperature and touch, changes to the texture, color or temperature of your skin, joint problems, and mobility limitations. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy, or RSD, is a specific type of CRPS that is now more commonly referred to as Type I CRPS.
- RSD or Type I CRPS is a chronic condition that you can develop even if you have no injury or only mild injury to the nerves. The pain is severe and will continue to get worse over time. RSD is common in the arms, legs, hands and feet.
- Type II CRPS develops when there is injury to or infection in the nerve
Both RSD and CRPS have three stages. The initial stage involves some joint pain, burning nerve pain, muscle spasms, touch sensitivity, changes in the temperature and color of your skin (blotchiness, redness or purpleness) and accelerated growth of hair and nails. Stage II involves further changes including slower hair growth, nail breakage, and muscle and joint weakness. Finally, Stage III involves muscle wasting and severe pain throughout the limb. If your CRPS or RSD reaches stage III, the changes are not reversible.
Atlanta, Georgia Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Because both complex regional pain syndrome and reflex sympathetic dystrophy are progressive and debilitating conditions, you need to get medical help right away. Your employer should pay for all of your medical costs, as full medical benefits are provided by Georgia workers’ compensation laws.
If your condition precludes you from working, your employer will pay either permanent or temporary disability benefits. These benefits, if you are totally disabled, are equal to 2/3 of your prior weekly wages up to $500. If your condition limits your ability to work but you can still earn something, then you can receive either permanent or temporary partial disability benefits equal to a portion of the difference between the money you earned before developing CRPS or RSD and the money you make after your condition has improved as much as it can.
Conclusively diagnosing CRPS or RSD and proving how debilitating it is can be difficult. As such, it is important that you speak with an experienced Atlanta, Georgia Workers’ Comp Lawyer for help making your claim or appealing any benefits denials.
Getting Help from an Atlanta, Georgia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
At Van Sant Law, LLC, our experienced Atlanta, Georgia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers have represented clients throughout the Georgia who are suffering from CRPS and RSD. We understand the importance of prompt treatment and will work with you to make sure your initial claim for benefits is approved and that you continue to receive all the benefits that you deserve.
Have You Been Injured On The Job?
If you’ve been injured at work you need to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at (800) 234-9556 to schedule your free consultation.