Greenfield Workers Compensation Attorneys

Navigating legal hurdles after a workplace injury can be challenging. Our workers' compensation attorneys are here to support you. With steadfast dedication and specialized expertise, our team is committed to advocating for injured workers' rights. We ensure fair treatment and rightful compensation, so you can concentrate on getting better.

Understanding Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

A work injury in Iowa could lead to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a severe condition characterized by chronic pain and sensitivity, primarily affecting the arms or legs. CRPS can develop following injuries that involve nerve damage.

Symptoms of CRPS

CRPS symptoms include:
- Burning pain in the hand, arm, foot, or leg
- Skin sensitivity
- Changes in skin texture, color, and temperature
- Tenderness
- Nail and hair growth changes
- Swollen or damaged joints
- Muscle spasms, weakness, and loss of muscle mass
- Decreased mobility in the affected area

Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the condition. Initially, you might experience redness, swelling, hypersensitivity, and temperature changes. As CRPS progresses, the affected limb might become pale and cold, with irreversible changes to nails and skin.

Causes of CRPS

There are two types of CRPS:
- Type 1: Known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, it occurs after an injury without direct nerve damage.
- Type 2: Known as causalgia, it involves a distinct nerve injury.

CRPS often follows forceful trauma, such as shrapnel blasts, sprains, or fractures. Discussing the circumstances of your injury with an Iowa Workers' Compensation lawyer can help clarify your case and maximize your claim.

Treatment for CRPS

Treatment includes medications and various therapies:
- Heat and cold therapy: Cold therapy relieves sweating and swelling, while heat therapy helps if the skin is cold.
- Physical therapy: Gentle exercises improve strength and range of motion.
- Spinal cord stimulation: Electrical currents sent to the spinal cord can alleviate pain.

Complications from untreated CRPS include muscle loss and contractures, where the hand or foot contracts into a fixed position. Rehabilitation often combines medication therapy for pain management and muscle inflammation. While some patients see gradual improvement, older adults may suffer long-term or permanent effects.

Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)

After a work injury, you might be told you've reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), meaning further recovery is unlikely. However, different doctors may have different opinions, and you have the right to seek additional medical care, usually at your expense unless you obtain alternative medical care through legal channels.

Independent Medical Examination (IME)

Iowa Code Section 85.39 grants you the right to a second opinion, known as an IME (Independent Medical Examination). The insurance company must cover the examination, your mileage, and missed work time. Choosing the right IME doctor is critical, as some may favor the insurance company. Legal assistance can help you select the best IME doctor for your case.

Understanding Facet Syndrome

Facet syndrome is a degenerative disorder of the spine that can be exacerbated by work-related duties, leading to chronic pain and potential disability.

Causes and Symptoms of Facet Syndrome

Facet syndrome results from wear and tear on the facet joints that connect vertebrae, causing significant back pain and discomfort. Causes include:
- Repetitive trauma and overuse
- Traumatic work accidents
- Obesity
- Other spinal conditions

Symptoms include:
- Radiating pain
- Headaches
- Weakness or numbness in extremities
- Tenderness in the spine
- Stiffness and reduced flexibility
- Difficulty bending, standing straight, or walking

Facet syndrome makes large movements painful, affecting daily activities like walking, running, bending, sitting, and twisting.

Treatment for Facet Syndrome

Treatment options range from non-surgical methods to surgical interventions:
- Non-surgical: Anti-inflammatory medication, pain medication, hot/cold packs, specific exercises, physical therapy, cervical traction, back braces, strength training, and posture corrections.
- Surgical: Fusion surgery or facet rhizotomy for severe cases.

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to manage symptoms and prevent chronic issues. If you suspect facet syndrome, notify your supervisor and document your care and treatments for a workers' comp claim.

Proving a Facet Syndrome Claim

Proving a facet syndrome claim can be challenging due to its degenerative nature and symptom overlap with other conditions. Employers or insurance companies might argue that the condition is unrelated to work. Legal assistance is crucial for gathering evidence and medical testimonies to establish the link between your job duties and the injury.

Getting Legal Assistance In Greenfield

Navigating the complexities of Iowa workers' compensation laws can be daunting, especially during the recovery process from a workplace injury. Seeking guidance from a seasoned Greenfield Workers' Comp attorney is invaluable in ensuring your rights are protected and maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome.

Legal professionals play a pivotal role in gathering evidence, preparing documentation, and advocating for your interests throughout the claims process. Don't risk missing out on the compensation you deserve – enlist the support of a qualified attorney to navigate the complexities with confidence.

The Iowa Workers' Compensation attorney team at Walker, Billingsley & Bair know the importance of protecting your work injury claim from the get-go. That's why we provide this FREE book; Iowa Workers' Compensation - An Insider's Guide to Work Injuries: 7 Deadly Mistakes To Avoid If You Are Hurt At Work. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa work injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation - 641-792-3595.