What is CRPS?
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a severe neuro-inflammatory condition that limits movement of the affected part of the body. It is a pain syndrome that causes crippling pain and requires medical care. CRPS does not have a simple treatment pathway, however psychological support can help injured people sustain a reduction of symptoms.
CRPS has two forms: acute and chronic. CRPS is characterised by the key symptoms, as follows:
- Experience varying combinations of spontaneous pain or excessive pain that is much greater than normal pain in response to even mild touch.
- Changes in skin colour, temperature, and/or swelling on the arm or leg below the injury site.
Can I work with CRPS?
CRPS is a rare disorder that produces significant pain and other symptoms. CRPS can be debilitating and may prevent injured people from working. Your medical specialist will advise you regarding the severity of your condition.
Can I claim compensation for CRPS?
The disease may severely impact your daily life and even prevent you from working as it has profound implications. It is a recognisable condition and as such the compensation you may claim depends on where the injury occurred. For example, you may be entitled to compensation if you suffered a CRPS injury during the course of employment under the Workers Compensation scheme. You can reach our workers compensation (WorkCover) lawyers for further details.
In addition to your potential workers compensation claim, regardless of where you are injured, you may be entitled to claim TPD Superannuation benefits if you are unable to work. Reach our TPD lawyers to start your claim.
CRPS compensation benefits
If you had a workplace accident, you may be entitled to
- Medical expenses –i.e. physiotherapy, psychology, surgery and equipment
- Weekly payments – depending on your capacity for work and average pre injury salary
- Lump sum payment – if your whole person impairment is greater than 10% for physical injuries, or greater than 14% for psychological injury or greater than 0% if you are an exempt workers in NSW
- Domestic assistance – if your injuries are greater than the 14% whole person impairment
- Common law – if your injuries are greater than the 14% whole person impairment and your employer was at fault
Impairment rating for CRPS
Your whole person impairment medical assessment will be conducted by a medical specialist. If you are a non-exempt worker and your permanent impairment is greater than the 10% whole person impairment threshold, you may be entitled to a lump sum payment. If you are an exempt worker and your permanent impairment rate is greater than 0%, you may be entitled to a lump sum payment.
The symptoms of the disease fluctuate over time, and it is recommended to see your medical specialist when the severity and number of symptoms are at the peak. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can help you go through the claiming process.
Compensation payouts for CRPS
Each personal injury case is unique, and so is the compensation. Payments for CRPS are calculated based on multiple variables such where the injury occurred, the injured person’s age, injury level, the possibility of going back to work and circumstances prior and post injury.
No Win No Fee Lawyers
Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers are approved by the Independent Review Office (IRO) which means you will not be liable to pay for for your legal costs and disbursements regardless of the outcome. We can give you an estimated compensation payout according to your Complex Regional Pain Syndrome once we understand the details of your claim. Call us on 1800 952 898 or book a consultation and we will break down the law for you to explain in the simplest possible way on your entitlements and how to claim them.
Issa Rabaya
• Bachelor of Laws
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
• Approved Legal Service Provider to the Independent Review Office
• Member of the Law Society
