Chronic pain can result from injuries caused in a car, pedestrian, bicycle, or motorcycle accident. Edmonton lawyers at our firm have represented accident victims whose quality of life and ability to function at home and at work are deeply impacted by the wide-ranging effects of chronic pain. Here is some information about chronic pain and some tips for coping with chronic pain from our team of Edmonton lawyers.
WHIPLASH, SPRAINS, AND STRAINS ARE AMONG THE TOP INJURIES THAT LEAD TO CHRONIC PAIN
Injuries such as concussions, spinal trauma, and fractured bones have the potential to lead to chronic pain, but it is also common for chronic pain to be caused by a soft tissue injury, also known as whiplash. Edmonton lawyers at our firm have represented many accident victims who are left with persistent, chronic pain after sustaining soft tissue injuries to their neck, back, or shoulders, for example. Chronic pain can range from mild to severe, and it can be intermittent or constant. Regardless of whether chronic pain arises from a localized injury (e.g. a herniated disc) or more generalized soft tissue damage, the uniting feature is that the pain lasts for a long time, typically more six months. For some, chronic pain will be a life-long condition that causes permanent disability.
SYMPTOMS AND EFFECTS OF CHRONIC PAIN
Chronic pain can cause wide-ranging symptoms that interfere with many aspects of an accident victim’s life. In addition to the pain itself, common symptoms of chronic pain include fatigue, sleep disturbances such as insomnia, reduced physical mobility and strength, and increased irritability due to the stress of living with constant pain. Psychological difficulties such as depression and anxiety are common, as are cognitive difficulties with memory and concentration. Chronic pain sufferers are also vulnerable to substance abuse issues due to the ever-increasing need to use medication to deal with pain. The symptoms of chronic pain can have a negative effect on personal relationships and impair ability to function at work, engage in recreational activities, and perform household chores.
PROVING CHRONIC PAIN CAN BE CHALLENGING IN PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS
There is no way to predict why some accident victims recover from injuries within the “normal” or expected amount of time while others are left with lasting, debilitating chronic pain. That unpredictability leads some people to doubt the legitimacy of chronic pain claims. Compounding that is the fact that the pain can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint within the body, and in many cases, the damage or source of the pain is not detectible by imaging such as MRIs or CT scans. Insurance adjusters and defence lawyers will argue that the pain is “all in their head” or worse, that they are exaggerating or faking the pain altogether (known as “malingering”). If another driver’s negligence has left you suffering from chronic pain, it is important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side to help dispel skepticism with expert medical evidence and testimony from friends, relatives and coworkers about the negative effects of chronic pain on your lifestyle and ability to work.
TIPS FOR COPING WITH CHRONIC PAIN CAUSED BY A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT
Chronic pain is an exhausting, constant battle that impacts every area of life, from routine tasks to personal relationships and functional ability at work. If chronic pain is not properly treated, the battle will be even more challenging. Here are tips for coping with chronic pain caused by a motor vehicle accident:
Stay as active as possible, both physically and socially. Chronic pain can make you want to withdraw from activities, work, and relationships, but if you continually limit and isolate yourself due to pain, you will lose strength, stamina, and valuable support from family, friends and coworkers.
Have a supportive medical team, which will typically include your family doctor and other professionals such as a physiotherapist, massage therapist, rehabilitation specialist, occupational therapist, rheumatologist, physiatrist, and/or psychologist or counsellor.
Follow advice with respect to recommended treatment and medication use to control symptoms. If a particular type of treatment or medication does not work for you, discuss alternatives with your medical team until you find what gives you relief. Treatment of chronic pain is a highly individualized process.
GET COMPENSATION FOR CHRONIC PAIN CAUSED BY A CAR, PEDESTRIAN, MOTORCYCLE, OR BICYCLE INJURY
Edmonton lawyers at McCourt Law Offices exclusively represent personal injury claimants, including those who suffer chronic pain as a result of soft tissue injuries and whiplash. Lawyers at our Edmonton personal injury firm can help you if you have been injured in a car accident, pedestrian accident, motorcycle accident, or a bicycle accident. If you or a loved one is suffering from chronic pain caused by another’s negligence, call 780-448-0011 today to schedule a free consultation to find out how our experienced personal injury lawyers can help you establish your claim and get the money you deserve. If you decide to retain us there is no fee until you collect your cash compensation.