Chronic Pain Compensation Claims Solicitors.

It can be difficult to determine the exact cause of an individual’s chronic pain because it may begin weeks or months after the initial injury. In some cases, injuries such as head, back, and spinal cord injuries could be responsible for causing the chronic pain; whilst in some cases it may be a trip or fall that results in a sprain or dislocation, which then leads to chronic pain.

Accidents such as road traffic accidents, industrial accidents, and slips, trips and falls are some of the common ways in which people sustain injuries that lead to chronic pain. If you’ve been involved in any type of accident which happened due to somebody else’s negligence, they can be held liable for your injuries and you may be able to claim compensation.

Chronic pain can take on many forms and present with a wide variety of different symptoms, therefore it can be difficult to diagnose. In most cases, your doctor will probably begin testing after you’ve experienced the pain for at least three months. Tests will usually include blood tests, urine tests, spinal fluid tests, imaging tests such as MRI, CT scan, and X-ray, and electromyography to test muscle activity.

In terms of treatment for chronic pain, patients are usually offered a combination of different remedies, including:

• Medication– Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen are often used as they help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Other painkillers like paracetamol can also be used, and some people find relief from topical capsaicin patches, anti-epileptic drugs, and antidepressants.
• Physical therapy– Some patients benefit from physiotherapy as it can help them to develop the tools to manage their condition and increase their activity. Treatment may involve soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, corrective exercises, posture awareness, and stretching to relieve spasms and tension.
• Psychological treatment– In some cases, those who suffer with chronic pain can also experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, and they may benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or counselling.
• Exercise– Some patients find exercise to be beneficial in managing their chronic pain. Cardiovascular exercise can improve the circulation, and stretching exercises such as yoga and Pilates can increase the range of motion and help to ease pain.
• Alternative therapy– Acupuncture can help some people with chronic pain to find short term relief, while some patients may find respite from TENS machines or electrotherapy, which is a low-level laser therapy to ease the symptoms of chronic pain.

Chronic pain can occur due to a number of different reasons, such as being involved in an accident, receiving negligent medical treatment, or from a repetitive strain injury. In order to claim compensation for your chronic pain you will need to be able to prove that the defendant owed you a duty of care, that they breached that duty of care, and that your chronic pain was a direct result of the accident which ensued.

For example, if the accident occurred in your place of work due to a breach in your employer’s duty of care, then they are liable for damages caused. Likewise, if your injuries arose from a road traffic accident, the person responsible for the collision is liable as all road users owe one another a duty of care to drive responsibly and safely.

If you are unsure about your eligibility to claim compensation, please get in touch and our specialist personal injury team will be happy to discuss your situation and offer guidance.