Chronic Pain Compensation After a Car Accident

The lasting impact chronic pain after a car accident has on your health and finances can be overwhelming. Getting the compensation you deserve from your insurance provider for this type of pain is often also a challenge. But with the right help from an experienced Florida car accident lawyer, you can navigate the complexities of the process and ensure fair compensation for your chronic pain.

Understanding Chronic Pain and Its Impact

Chronic pain is defined by its persistence. Unlike acute pain, a warning signal of injury or illness, chronic pain endures long after the initial damage has healed. It extends beyond the normal healing period, usually more than six months after a car accident. In some cases it can last a lifetime.

Post-car accident chronic pain is debilitating, negatively impacting mobility, sleep, and mood. It affects your ability to perform daily activities, work, and enjoy life fully.

The Impact of Chronic Pain on a Car Accident

Severe car accidents can amount to long-term consequences in the form of chronic pain. Examples include:

Spinal damage

The spinal cord and surrounding structures may be injured during a car accident, resulting in herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or nerve compression. The primary symptom is long-term chronic pain that radiates through the back, neck, and limbs, impacting mobility and functionality.

Impaired functionality

Chronic pain may limit mobility, decrease energy levels, and hinder concentration and focus. This leads to a loss of independence, reduced productivity, and financial strain due to missed work or reduced work capacity. The limitations imposed by chronic pain trigger a sense of frustration, isolation, and dependency.

Psychological impact

The constant presence of pain limits participation in daily activities. These challenges affect you or your loved one’s mental and emotional well-being, predisposing you to depression, anxiety, and stress.

Financial burden

The financial toll of chronic pain can be substantial. Ongoing medical expenses, specialized treatments, physical therapy, and the need for assistive devices can quickly accumulate. Lost wages due to an inability to work or reduced work capacity can also significantly burden accident victims and their families.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

CRPS is a chronic pain condition that develops after an injury or trauma. It typically affects a limb like the leg or arm. CPRS is characterized by intense burning pain, skin color and temperature changes, swelling, and increased sensitivity in the affected area. It can spread from the initial injury site and may lead to limited mobility, muscle weakness, and psychological distress.

Chronic Pain and Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are often reluctant to fairly compensate for chronic pain in car accident settlements. This is especially common if you’re seeking long-term or specialized treatments.

One of the main challenges accident victims encounter is the skepticism of insurance companies regarding chronic pain. Since chronic pain is subjective and not always visible on medical tests, insurers may attempt to downplay its severity or deny its existence. The insurers may argue that the pain is unrelated to the accident or that it is exaggerated for financial gain, undermining your legitimate need for treatment options.

Insurance companies may also limit coverage for specific treatments or therapies. They might argue that certain procedures or medications are not reasonable and medically necessary or are experimental. This can limit access to treatments that could help manage your chronic pain.

Making a claim is often complex and overwhelming, especially if you’re already dealing with the physical and emotional challenges of chronic pain conditions. Having an experienced attorney by your side levels the playing field, ensuring your rights are protected.

Skilled personal injury attorneys understand the tactics used by insurance companies to navigate the complexities of the claims process effectively. Our team will gather the necessary evidence, such as medical records, expert opinions, and documentation of the impact of chronic pain on your daily activities. This evidence is essential in building a strong case and countering the insurance company’s attempts to undervalue your claim.

Your attorney will also advocate on your behalf, negotiating with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement for your treatment options and ongoing care. We will fight to ensure you receive the financial resources necessary to manage chronic pain, cover medical expenses, and offset lost wages or reduced earning capacity.

Finding Chronic Pain Compensation After a Car Accident

Securing compensation for chronic pain after a car accident can be challenging, but it’s critical for covering medical costs and lost income. Overcoming these challenges requires skilled legal representation.

At Eltringham Law Group, we understand the importance of advocating for your rights and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have the knowledge and expertise to navigate the complexities of chronic pain compensation settlement cases. Contact us to schedule your free consultation if you or your loved one require a personal injury attorney in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, or elsewhere in Florida.

FAQs About Chronic Pain From a Car Accident