Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) After a Work Injury
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) After a Work Injury
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is one of the most painful and life-altering conditions a worker can suffer — and it can develop from even a relatively minor injury on the job.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, the most common causes of CRPS include:
Fractures involving nerve damage
Surgical injuries to nerves
Severe sprains or strains
Burns or lacerations
CRPS can affect either your upper or lower extremities — arms, hands, legs, or feet — and often leads to extreme, chronic pain. It may also result in visible symptoms such as:
Swelling (edema)
Abnormal skin temperature (cool to touch)
Discoloration or mottled skin
Unusual hair or nail growth
Muscle atrophy
Skin appearing either too dry or too moist
Insurance companies often fight hard to deny treatment for CRPS, arguing the diagnosis is unclear or unsupported. This is where having the right legal team matters.
Why Lee Partners Law?
At Lee Partners Law, David and Michael Lee are certified Workers’ Compensation Specialists with experience handling dozens of CRPS cases. We know what it takes to:
Prove the CRPS diagnosis under California law
Push back against insurance denials
Secure the medical care you deserve
Maximize your permanent disability rating
CRPS and Permanent Disability Ratings
The AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (Fifth Edition) — which California law uses for rating injuries — outlines objective signs of CRPS on page 496, including:
Skin color changes
Cool temperature
Edema (swelling)
Abnormal moisture (dry or sweaty)
Positive bone scan findings
In severe cases where the affected limb is no longer usable, we have successfully argued that CRPS is functionally equivalent to an amputation — and pushed for Whole Person Impairments of 60% or higher.
In some cases, we even bring in vocational experts to fight for a 100% Permanent and Total Disability award if CRPS has left you unable to work at all.
CRPS Requires a Multidisciplinary Approach
CRPS is not just physical. It often requires a lifetime of coordinated care — including physical therapy, pain management, and psychological support. Getting that care covered is one of the most important legal battles we fight.
Think your CRPS may be work-related?
You’re not alone — and you’re not out of options.
📞 Call Lee Partners Law today for a free consultation. (310) 295-0822 CALL TODAY FREE CONSULT!
We’re here to fight for your diagnosis, your treatment, and your future.