Concord CRPS Lawyer

Concord CRPS Attorney

Experiencing a workplace injury can be overwhelming. You have to handle the sudden need for medical intervention and the costs of your treatment while also being unable to work. Workers’ compensation can help provide some relief. When the injury you suffered results in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), you could be facing a lifetime of severe, persistent pain. If you experience CRPS symptoms, a Concord CRPS lawyer can help you get the benefits you need.

Hire a CRPS Lawyer

Although it is rare, CRPS results in serious symptoms that can completely disrupt your day-to-day life. If you experience CRPS symptoms, you need to hire a CRPS lawyer who can advocate for your rights while seeking appropriate compensation for your injury. At Ayers, Ayers and Dressler, we understand how difficult it can be to experience these symptoms after suffering a workplace injury. We’re here to represent your interests.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina

CRPS is a rare neurological condition that causes chronic, severe pain either in a localized area or throughout the body. It most commonly develops after an injury, surgery, or a stroke. In addition to intense pain, it can also cause changes in the skin’s color, temperature, or texture, swelling or stiffness in the affected area, sensitivity to touch or the cold, and abnormal skin or nail growth.

There are two distinct types of CRPS. CRPS Type I develops without any evidence of a nerve injury, while CRPS Type II shows confirmed evidence of a nerve injury. According to information provided by the National Organization for Rare Disorders, in the United States, 5.46 people per 100,000 develop CRPS Type I per year. Estimates show that almost 200,000 patients are affected by CRPS symptoms annually.

When a workplace injury precipitated the onset of CRPS symptoms, the affected employee may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. In North Carolina, during 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a total of 81,100 workplace injury or illness cases within the private sector and the state and local government sector.

To file for workers’ compensation benefits from an injury that happened while you lived or worked in Concord, you can file your claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC). Claims are reviewed by Deputy Commissioners who travel throughout the state. If your case is denied, you can file an appeal and have your case considered by the full commission.

Filing a Workers Compensation Claim in Concord, NC

When you suspect that your CRPS symptoms are the result of a workplace incident, a Concord CRPS attorney can help you gather the necessary documents and file your claim with the NCIC. There are several steps in filing a claim, which include:

• Notifying your employer as soon as you are injured or become ill
• Seeking medical attention from a healthcare provider sanctioned by your workplace
• Informing your manager of the incident
• Providing a written statement, within 30 days, that includes the date of the incident, what happened, and how you were injured
• Following any instructions provided by your healthcare provider

Within five days of submitting notice of your workplace accident, your employer has to send notice of the accident to the NCIC through Form 19. They also have to provide you with a copy of Form 19 and a blank Form 18. You have to complete and submit Form 18 to retain your right to exercise your benefits.

FAQs About Concord, NC CRPS Laws

What Is the Emotional Distress Law in North Carolina?

Emotional distress in North Carolina is recognized by two personal injury torts, Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress and Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress. However, you cannot file a personal injury claim against your employer for a workplace injury.

Workers’ compensation does cover therapy costs and any other medical costs associated with your recovery. If the incident that caused the emotional distress was an intentional act of harm against you, you can file a claim against them in civil court.

Is There a Cap on Pain and Suffering in Concord?

There is no cap on pain and suffering in Concord. However, if you are filing a workers’ compensation claim, you are not able to recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, from a workplace injury. If your workplace injury was caused by someone other than your employer or a coworker, you could file a third-party claim against the at-fault party to recover damages.

How Long Do You Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, from the date of the injury or illness, you have two years to file a workers’ compensation claim with the NCIC. However, you are also required to notify your employer in writing within 30 days of the date you suffered the injury or illness. When filing your claim with the NCIC, you also have to provide proof of written notice to your employer.

What Are the Causes of CRPS?

Although the exact reasons for the condition are unknown, some triggering events have been shown to result in CRPS symptoms. Specific injuries such as bone fractures, soft tissue injuries, and nerve damage have been shown to trigger symptoms of CRPS. CRPS has also been diagnosed following surgeries and significant medical events, such as burns, infections, or heart attacks. In very rare cases, symptoms occur spontaneously with no clear trigger.

Can CRPS Be Effectively Treated to Eliminate the Pain?

There is no cure for CRPS that can permanently eliminate the pain experienced by those who suffer from the condition. However, there are effective treatments that can reduce the pain, restore limb mobility, or put the condition into long-term remission. The key to successful treatment is to catch the condition early, use intense forms of treatment, and rely on a multifaceted medical intervention.

Contact Ayers, Ayers and Dressler

When managing a condition such as CRPS, you are likely to encounter many obstacles and setbacks. Receiving workers’ compensation benefits should not be one of the challenges you face. To help you access the benefits you are entitled to receive, our team at Ayers, Ayers and Dressler is here to help you submit your initial application or respond to a denial letter. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.