Car accidents are a common source of painful injuries, and while some individuals heal relatively quickly, others may endure long-term discomfort in the form of chronic pain. This type of pain can persist for months or even years, affecting quality of life.
In Miami, car accident victims facing chronic pain may require ongoing pain management treatment and could be entitled to compensation for the costs. Understanding what chronic pain is and how it differs from typical post-accident pain can help you fight for fair compensation for your injuries.
At Aigen Injury Law, our Miami car accident lawyers can help protect your interests by calculating the full extent of your chronic pain on your life. We want to help you pursue a settlement that reflects your suffering and supports your physical and financial recovery.
What Is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is an ongoing condition that can severely impact daily life. It differs from the usual aches following a car accident that tend to fade as wounds close and the body heals. While acute pain is a natural response to injury and usually improves over time, chronic pain can persist for months or years after the injury that initially caused it. Patients may be diagnosed with chronic pain if the pain is still present three to six months following their accident.
This type of pain may affect areas such as the back, neck, head, or limbs and is often linked to issues like whiplash, herniated discs, traumatic brain injuries, and nerve damage. Unfortunately, because chronic pain can be difficult to measure, many people struggle to get the right care or fair compensation without legal support.
How Common Is Chronic Pain After a Car Accident?
Chronic pain after a car accident is more common than many might expect. Studies show that 22% of individuals who experience pain shortly after a motor vehicle collision continue to suffer from widespread pain long after the crash. Neck injuries in particular are associated with high rates of chronic pain, with around 50% of those injured reporting ongoing neck pain a year later.
Whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) can lead to lasting symptoms, such as shoulder stiffness, headaches, and arm pain, with these issues sometimes persisting for years. One study found some WAD sufferers were still experiencing symptoms even 20 years after their accidents.
In addition to physical discomfort, over 67% of those with chronic pain also struggle with anxiety or depression, adding another layer of complexity to their recovery. These findings highlight the serious, long-term effects that car accidents can have on crash victims.
Treatment Methods for Chronic Pain
Coping with chronic pain after a car accident requires a multi-faceted approach, as treatment varies based on the location, severity, and underlying cause of the pain. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available that can provide relief:
- Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, are often recommended to manage chronic pain. In more severe cases, doctors may prescribe medications like muscle relaxants or opioids, though these come with a risk of dependency.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is one of the most common non-invasive treatments for chronic pain. A physical therapist can design a rehabilitation plan tailored to the individual’s needs, focusing on exercises that strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and promote healing.
- Chiropractic Care: Many car accident victims benefit from chiropractic care, especially those suffering from neck and back pain. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques to restore proper spinal alignment, which can help reduce nerve pressure and alleviate discomfort.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections are sometimes used to reduce inflammation and temporarily relieve chronic pain, particularly in cases involving joint pain or inflammation near the spine.
- Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, massage therapy, and biofeedback are alternative treatments that may help manage chronic pain. These methods focus on reducing tension, improving circulation, and teaching patients to control their pain through mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
- Surgery: In extreme cases where the pain is caused by a catastrophic injury like a herniated disc or nerve damage, surgery may be necessary. Surgical intervention can help repair the damaged tissue or relieve pressure on affected nerves, providing long-term relief.
Legal Considerations for Chronic Pain Claims
If you’re suffering from chronic pain after a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation not only for your immediate injuries but also for your ongoing pain and suffering. Chronic pain can be tough to prove, however, since the cause of the pain doesn’t always show up on X-rays or other diagnostic tests, and the level of pain can vary from person to person.
Doctors often rate chronic pain using scales like the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) or the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), which rely on your descriptions to gauge the intensity of the pain. A skilled Miami car accident lawyer can work with your medical team to gather this kind of evidence and show how your pain affects your daily life.
Our skilled car accident attorneys at Aigen Injury Law can collect medical records and gather expert testimony from healthcare providers and pain specialists to build your case. We can also compile other evidence to demonstrate how chronic pain has impacted your ability to work, enjoy life, and manage everyday tasks.
With this evidence, we can negotiate with insurance companies to help ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured.
Secure Compensation for Chronic Pain After a Collision in Miami
Chronic pain after a car accident is a serious issue that can take a toll on your physical and emotional well-being. If you or a loved one is struggling with chronic pain in Miami after a crash, seek legal counsel from our knowledgeable team at Aigen Injury Law.
We have secured substantial settlements for car crash victims, providing financial support for medical costs, rehabilitation, and long-term treatments for chronic pain. Our attorneys use strong legal strategies and negotiation techniques to win the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation and speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options for recovery.