Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy - Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Micheal A. Edwards successfully defended a workers’ compensation claim by a 29 year old construction superintendent for permanent total disability and authorization of a psychiatrist.  The claimant sustained a crush injury to his foot resulting in Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).  The claimant alleged an inability to maintain sedentary employment due to the physical injuries and alleged cognitive difficulties as the result of prescription narcotic pain medications.  Before trial, claimant demanded $350,000 to settle the claim (which had potential exposure in excess of $700,000), and rejected a settlement offer of $175,000.  Following trial, at which conflicting factual, medical and vocational expert testimony was presented, the Judge of Compensation Claims denied all claims.