On this page, our lawyers look at complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) as an injury in accident cases and the potential settlement value for CRPS in an injury lawsuit.
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic condition that usually affects a patient’s arm or leg but can in rare instances impact other body parts. Complex regional pain syndrome involves post-traumatic autonomic disturbances that continue even though the inciting injury appears to have healed.
The cause of complex regional pain syndrome is unknown and has few objective findings. As a result, insurance company defense lawyers in car accident cases often have questioned whether there is a physical basis for complex regional pain syndrome or whether the condition is psychosomatic.
Why? The development of CRPS often does not correlate with the magnitude of the injury. The sympathetic nervous system seems to assume an abnormal function after an injury. Insurance companies see the world very simplistically: if the injury itself is not extremely serious, none of the consequences can be serious. Juries can take a more open minded view but you need a good expert at trial to explain the science of CRPS.
The good news is that there are growing medical studies that support complex regional pain syndrome as a real, physical condition. Pain management experts, sometimes experts selected by accident lawyers but, even more typically, the pain management doctors that treat the patient who was injured in the accident, are now seemingly very well versed in the science and studies that support the phenomenon of complex regional pain syndrome. More pain management doctors are espousing the theory that there is great therapeutic benefit from early and aggressive treatment of complex regional pain syndrome.
Types of CRPS
CRPS has two forms. CRPS 1 occurs most often in the arms or legs after a minor injury, often from a motor vehicle accident. In these cases, doctors often cannot identify immediately a nerve injury. Certainly, this is the more difficult battle in a personal injury cases for the reasons discussed above. CRPS 2 (or Causalgia) is caused by an injury to the nerve.
Settlement Value of CRPS Injuries
Settlement amounts in complex regional pain syndrome lawsuits hinge on several critical factors. The starting point is always liability. For a high-value settlement, it you need to convincingly establish that the defendant’s negligence directly caused the initial injury leading to CRPS. This is particularly challenging in cases where the initial injury was seemingly minor. Defense lawyers always argue that the injury itself should not have led to severe consequences like CRPS. A solid liability case with clear evidence of defendant fault—such as accident reports, witness testimony, or video evidence—strengthens the plaintiff’s position significantly, as it limits the defense’s ability to dispute responsibility.
Causation is another related essential, and often complex, element in determining settlement amounts for CRPS claims. Defense attorneys frequently argue that CRPS is either psychosomatic or unrelated to the specific incident, contending that the condition’s development does not align with the severity of the injury or that it could have resulted from other factors. To counter these arguments, plaintiffs must present credible medical testimony from solid experts linking the CRPS diagnosis to the initial injury. You need strong expert witnesses who can explain how CRPS can develop even from seemingly minor injuries due to abnormalities in the sympathetic nervous system, helping to establish a direct causation link essential for a successful case.
After you get past those hurdles, the severity of CRPS symptoms and their impact on the plaintiff’s daily life and ability to work are major components in calculating settlement value. Cases involving severe, persistent pain that significantly limits a person’s ability to perform daily activities or maintain employment are likely to secure higher settlement amounts. Defense attorneys will invariably attempt to downplay the impact, suggesting plaintiffs have adapted to their condition or that their limitations are overstated. Nonetheless, when plaintiffs can provide documented medical evidence, like imaging showing physical changes or treatment histories illustrating persistent pain and disability, they strengthen the argument for higher compensation.
Medical expenses and lost, both past and projected, also play a critical role. CRPS often requires costly, long-term care, including nerve blocks, physical therapy, and pain management medications. Insurance adjusters are never happy to see a lot of economic damages. While defense attorneys may argue that future care estimates are exaggerated or unnecessary, strong, well-documented medical testimony supporting these needs can help secure compensation for future treatment, contributing to a higher settlement.
Jury Verdicts and Settlements in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Case
This is a non-representative sampling of jury verdicts and settlements around the country in claims where patient suffered from CRPS.
- 2024, Connecticut: $9,000,000 Verdict. The plaintiff was taking part in the lily pad water activity at an outdoor recreational facility. As he was trying to make his way across several soft foam discs, floating in a quarry, anchored by chains/cables when he slipped on one of them. The plaintiff reportedly fell into the water feet first, his left foot and ankle striking a sharp, submerged and concealed object that was part of the anchoring mechanism. The plaintiff allegedly suffered left foot and ankle avulsion/lacerations, left foot and ankle nerve damage, left foot and ankle infection, complex regional pain syndrome of the lower left extremity, and scarring.
- 2024, Iowa: $22,212 Verdict. The plaintiff was driving on the highway when the defendant changed into her lane and caused a collision. The plaintiff allegedly suffered a concussion, and injuries to her left hand, including numbness and paresthesia, left thumb CMC joint osteoarthritis, de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, radial nerve irritation, cubital tunnel syndrome, and complex regional pain syndrome.
- 2023, Maryland: $450,000 Verdict. A 70-year-old caregiver was struck by a vehicle while heading to her car, parked on a residential street, leading to a significant hand injury. Following the accident, she was diagnosed with CRPS in the injured hand. The treatment regimen for the caregiver involved physical therapy aimed at improving hand function and pain management strategies to cope with the syndrome’s debilitating effects. Despite these interventions, the individual reported a limited range of motion in the hand, impacting their ability to perform previous work duties and necessitating claims for medical expenses and compensation for the resulting limitations and suffering. This case went to trial. Why? Insurance companies often do not appreciate the suffering from CRPS, and the medical bills are rarely high enough to impress the insurance company. But the Baltimore County jury did not care about the amount of the medical bills. They focused on the pain and suffering and awarded her $511,399 in spite of only $11,399 in medical bills.
- 2022, California: $5,000,000 Verdict. A woman was hit by an Amazon delivery van in a parking lot, leading to significant injuries including a severely injured left leg, neck and back trauma, and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). A California state court jury awarded her $5 million in damages, recognizing the severity of her injuries. The verdict, reached after Amazon admitted liability, was less than the $24 million her attorneys sought but exceeded Amazon’s suggestion of $1.3 million as fair compensation.
- 2021, California: $1,253,000 Verdict. A woman walked through an office building’s second-floor exterior deck. The surface underneath her collapsed. The woman’s left leg broke through the surface. As a result, she fell. The woman’s leg protruded down the deck’s surface. She suffered L4-5 protrusions with radiculopathy, complex regional pain syndrome, tailbone pain, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, migraines, and ankle, knee, hip, and left shoulder injuries. The woman alleged negligence against the premises’ owners. She claimed they failed to maintain safe premises and repair the hazard. The jury awarded $1,253,000.
- 2021, Colorado: $8,400,000 Verdict. An electrician worked at a construction site. He came into contact with an electric box. The man experienced electric shock for 45 seconds. He developed complex regional pain syndrome in his leg and both arms. The man alleged negligence against the subcontractor. He claimed it failed to properly install the electric box, properly turn it off, maintain safe premises. The jury awarded $8,400,000.
- 2021, Colorado: $1,681,675 Verdict. A woman was rear-ended. She suffered complex regional pain syndrome to her lower left leg, lumbosacral radiculopathy with leg tingling and numbness, spondylosis, incontinence, trochanteric pain syndrome, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The woman underwent multiple surgeries. She alleged negligence against the at-fault driver. The woman claimed he failed to control his vehicle, timely brake, and maintain an appropriate distance between vehicles. A jury awarded $1,681,675.
- 2021, Minnesota: $8,000,000 Verdict. A 35-year-old railroad conductor attempted to remove a defective flashing rear-end device. He suffered left hand and wrist smash injuries with nerve damage. The man underwent a wrist decompression. He developed complex regional pain syndrome. The man could no longer work as a railroad conductor. He alleged negligence against his employer. The man claimed it failed to maintain safe working conditions and properly inspect and repair the equipment. A jury awarded $8,000,000.
- 2021, Pennsylvania: $15,556,000 Verdict. A 28-year-old traction power maintain was crushed by a three-ton copper trolley reel. The man suffered blunt abdominal trauma, small bowel tears, mesenteric tears, a brachial plexus injury, and an ascending colon. He underwent anastomosis and a small bowel resection. The man developed complex regional pain syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, cervical radiculopathy, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic migraines. He alleged negligence against his employer. The man claimed it failed to maintain a safe worksite, inspect and repair its equipment, and monitor the worksite. A jury awarded $15,556,000.
- 2021, Massachusetts: $100,000 Verdict. A 56-year-old man walked along an airport terminal’s crosswalk. He was struck by a tow truck. The man suffered a left meniscus tear, Morton’s neuroma, left knee and hip osteoarthritis, and complex regional pain syndrome to his lower left leg. He alleged negligence against the tow truck driver. The man claimed he failed to maintain an appropriate lookout. A jury awarded $100,000.
Can CRPS Be Caused by a Car Accident?
Yes. CRPS is caused by physical trauma or injury which results in malfunctioning or abnormality of the peripheral and central nervous systems. Back and neck trauma in auto accidents are one of the most common causes of CRPS.
What is the Average Settlement Amount for CRPS in a Lawsuit?
The average settlement value of CRPS in a personal injury lawsuit is around $10,000 to $30,000, depending on what type of related injuries are involved. CRPS is rarely a stand alone injury in a lawsuit, but rather an aggravating factor related to some underlying injury.
What Impacts the Settlement Value of CRPS in a Lawsuit?
The primary factors which will drive the potential settlement value of CRPS in a personal injury lawsuit are the severity of the CRPS symptoms, the nature and severity of the plaintiff’s other underlying injuries, and the plaintiff’s credibility. Cases of CRPS with more severe symptoms will obviously have a higher value, but this depends largely on whether the plaintiff is credible because CRPS symptoms can be subjective. Also, the value of CRPS is going to be lower if the plaintiff does not have any other significant physical injuries.
Is CRPS Hard to Prove in a Lawsuit?
It can sometimes be difficult to definitively prove CRPS in a lawsuit. There is not conclusive diagnostic test for CRPS. Instead the condition must be diagnosed based on symptoms in combination with interpretations of MRIs and other imaging.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Symptoms
The most critical symptom in CRPS is an intense and burning feeling that is out of proportion to the injury suffered. It usually begins at the point of injury but spreads to the entire limb, and will even go to the arm or leg on the opposite side of the body. This sensation with CRPS will get worse over time. Other symptoms include:
- pathological changes in bone and skin
- excessive sweating
- inflammation
- spasms
- extreme sensitivity to touch
- insomnia
- depression
- agitation and/or irritability
Hiring a Lawyer for Your Case
If you have complex regional pain syndrome, call one of our lawyers at 800-553-8082. We handle accident lawsuits throughout the United States. You can also click here for a free no obligation consultation.