CRPS aka RSD. Does your attorney believe in you?

Overheard a petitioner's lawyer at the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission trying to settle a case and as part of his pitch he said, "Oh and by the way, she's got one of those b.s. RSD problems too."

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is often disputed because many of the symptoms are subjective beyond a cold and purplish skin surface.  It's also a somewhat newer diagnosis and is often fought by insurance companies.

We have seen numerous clients suffer with this injury and know how legitimate of a problem that it is.  That reality was driven home by a friend of the firm that doesn't have a case.  We had carpal tunnel surgery that went bad and went on to cause severe CRPS in his hands, arms and neck.  This guy was one of the most active, athletic, outgoing people we know.  He now must takes scores of pills a day and if he wants to look to his left, he has to turn his whole body.  He missed years off of work and was a guy who was truly a workaholic.

Good news is that today he is back to working 70 hours a week like he loves to do.  Most of our clients eventually make a recovery too, although they are usually not the same person.  No matter what happens, we believe our clients and would never sell them out when trying to resolve their cases.  The attorney who said it was trying to be funny (as if that was funny), but let's be honest; he did nothing but hurt his client.

We are workers' compensation attorneys that help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys.  Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.

What is my case worth? Illinois PPD

The following was submitted recently:

I recently was injured at work and ruptured my left distal bicep tendon. It was surgically repaired 4 days later. I don't know if I can return to my old job and do not know how much function or strength  I will regain. Am I entitled to a settlement and if so, any idea of possibly how much?

We give more free advice than any attorney we have come across, but other than saying yes that this person is entitled to a settlement although depending on the ultimate recovery it might make more sense to not settle and keep his medical rights open.  Either way, we can't tell what the case is worth until he is as good as he is going to get medically speaking and we see what type of work he can do.

Bottom line is that it's worth something, probably a lot, but as an injured worker we suggest that you first focus on your health.  We have never seen a situation where someone received more without a lawyer than they would have with one.  If you want our help with evaluating your case let us know.

We are workers' compensation attorneys that help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys.  Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.

4 quick tips if you think you have a repetitive trauma injury

1. If your hands, back, arm or whatever is hurting is more than just an ache, get to a doctor.  Often these injuries can be cured with prompt medical care.

2. When you see your doctor make sure that you give a very detailed description of your job activities.  To win a repetitive trauma case like carpal tunnel, herniated disc, De Quervain's, etc. you need an opinion from a credible physician that your job played a role.

3. Inform your employer as soon as possible.  If you don't let your employer know about your problem in time, your case might get dismissed.

4. If you have work restrictions, follow them.

 

We are workers' compensation attorneys that help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys.  Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.