Florida RSD / CRPS Attorney – Jacksonville / Orlando / Statewide
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) / Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) is a chronic pain disorder that affects the sympathetic nervous system. RSD is also known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Between six to eight million people are afflicted with this condition. Most are women. The pain usually starts in one extremity, such as the foot or hand, gets progressively worse and spreads to other areas of the body. This pain syndrome often occurs after an injury, such as a broken bone or a crush type injury. The degree of pain is usually beyond that of a normal injury and often continues well after the injury is healed.
Unbearable, Unrelenting Pain
We know the pain you are suffering is very real and often difficult to prove. Complex regional pain syndrome and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy cannot be diagnosed by a simple imaging test. It doesn’t show up on an X-ray, MRI or CAT scan. No blood test will pinpoint the problem. However, the pain is acute and very real. We work with a number of nationally renowned RSD experts who are capable of making a definitive diagnosis regarding this serious disorder. If you or a loved one is suffering from these types of symptoms consult a medical professional and contact the Butler Law Group in Jacksonville, Florida to arrange a free consultation with an experienced Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy lawyer.
What causes RSD?
Relatively minor injuries can lead to the condition, which can develop at any time after the injury from immediately after you are injured to days later. The first sign of RSD is a painful sensation that is out of proportion to the type of injury you suffered.
Traumas can lead to RSD:
Broken bones
Crush injuries
Repetitive injuries, such as
carpal tunnel syndrome
Poor or tight-fitting casts
Cuts
Bruises
Surgery / Infection
What are some symptoms of RSD?
Not all symptoms of RSD are clearly evident for a person to have RSD. Patients can have different symptoms depending on the stage of their RSD. If you are experiencing at least three of the following symptoms, you may have Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy:
Extreme burning or aching pain
Change in skin color
Change in skin temperature
Muscle spasms
Bone softening
Swelling and tenderness of the joints
Tremors
Partial or complete loss of motor function
Increased sweating around the injured or afflicted area
There are Three Stages of RSD
Each stage can last for months but the different stages can progress at different speeds depending on the patient. A person can experience different stages of RSD in different parts of the body simultaneously. The stages are very unpredictable.
1. Acute Stage
There is severe pain in the injured area, including swelling, muscle stiffness, and cramping. The patient may sweat profusely. His or her skin may experience changes in color and temperature and be more sensitive to light and touch.
2. Dystrophic Stage
The swelling and pain increase and will spread to other body parts. Bone and muscle tissue may start to break down. Nails and hair may change consistency, and their growth may become erratic.
3. Atrophic Stage
The victim experiences unmanageable pain and irreversible muscle atrophy. Some patients may experience this third stage of RSD over all parts of their bodies.
Why you need an RSD lawyer
A victim may have RSD as a result of an injury from an accident caused by the negligence of someone else. Injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident or other negligent acts can be grounds for a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
RSD cases can be very complicated. Contact Jacksonville personal injury lawyer Howard G. Butler, Esq. to obtain help from an experienced Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) attorney. Mr. Butler is listed as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” and is Nationally Board Certified in Civil Trial Law.
Initial consultations are free. The majority of our services are provided on a contingent fee basis. This means you will pay no attorneys’ fees unless we are able to achieve a verdict or settlement on your behalf.
