Car crashes are incredibly traumatic events that can take a heavy physical and emotional toll. In fact, a crash could be so disruptive that it may trigger fibromyalgia.
This blog explores the possible connection between fibromyalgia and car crashes and whether a Windsor auto accident lawyer can include this chronic disorder in a claim for compensation.
If you are experiencing fibromyalgia symptoms after a crash, or were diagnosed with this condition, we may be able to help you seek compensation for the damages you suffered. Potential damages you could seek may include the cost of medical treatment, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Call to set up a free legal consultation. No upfront fees. Phone: (866) 320-4770.
What Is the Definition of Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects the musculoskeletal system. This condition changes the way your brain and spinal cord process pain signals, causing heightened sensitivity to pain and pressure.
Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic, widespread pain and fatigue. The pain lasts for a minimum of three months and usually affects patients for a much longer period.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Commonly recognized fibromyalgia symptoms include:
- Severe pain in multiple regions, often described as a dull ache
- Extreme tenderness
- Increased sensitivity to light and sound
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Irritability
- Aching, throbbing, shooting, burning or stabbing muscle pain
- Severe fatigue, even after sleeping for an extended period
- Difficulty sleeping because of the pain
- Heightened sensitivity to stress
- Cognitive problems, often referred to as “fibro fog”
- Struggling to concentrate
- Difficulty remembering things
- Trouble focusing
The intensity of your symptoms may fluctuate. You may have periods of remission broken up by periods of even worse pain.
Many people with fibromyalgia have associated conditions. They may not necessarily be caused by fibromyalgia, but they tend to coexist with fibromyalgia. These conditions can include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Temporomandibular joint disorder
- Postural tachycardia syndrome
What Is the Cause of Fibromyalgia?
Unfortunately, medical experts do not know what causes fibromyalgia. However, research shows certain factors may contribute to the development of this condition, such as:
- Genetics – this condition tends to run in families
- Infections, such as hepatitis C, Lyme disease or HIV
- Physiological abnormalities in the brain
- Physical or emotional trauma
- Neurotransmitter imbalances, affecting how the brain processes pain
- Fluctuations in hormones
Diagnosing this condition can be challenging. Doctors may misdiagnose patients with other conditions that have similar symptoms.
Doctors must study the patient’s medical history and symptoms to rule out other conditions.
What Is the Connection Between Car Crashes and Fibromyalgia Diagnoses?
It is thought that serious physical or emotional trauma could result in fibromyalgia. Research even suggests events like car accidents could trigger fibromyalgia symptoms.
Physical injuries from a car crash could cause a flood of chemicals in the brain that signal pain. This experience might cause you to develop fibromyalgia.
Post-traumatic stress from a car accident could cause changes in how your body responds to pain. Crash victims could begin experiencing symptoms right after the crash, or there may be a delay of a few months.
Unfortunately, the connection between fibromyalgia and its root cause is not fully understood. Delays in the onset of symptoms can make it more difficult to link your condition to the crash.
Could a Collision Make Your Fibromyalgia Symptoms Worse?
People who are already living with fibromyalgia could see their symptoms worsen after a crash. Physical or emotional injury is thought to make fibromyalgia worse if your nervous system is already more sensitive to pain.
Recovery from your physical injuries takes a toll on your body, which is already in a heightened state of awareness. The crash injury may trigger a period of worsening symptoms, making your condition much harder to manage than before the accident.
How Could a Lawyer Prove You Have Fibromyalgia Because of a Crash?
It is important to note you can seek compensation for symptoms caused by a car crash. While it may be difficult to link fibromyalgia to the crash, it may be easier to show your symptoms only arose after the accident.
Given the challenges of including fibromyalgia in an accident claim, victims should strongly consider hiring an experienced lawyer to manage their case. Lawyers who have been taking on injury cases for many years know how to prove liability and connect injuries to the collision.
Evidence for a fibromyalgia car accident claim may include:
Medical Documentation
Your lawyer is going to need to present comprehensive medical records that detail the diagnosis, treatment and progression of fibromyalgia. You are likely going to need to present records from before and after the crash to show how your physical and emotional state has changed.
Medical documentation provides details of your treatment, such as:
- Follow-up appointments with doctors
- Therapy sessions with mental health professionals
- Prescription medication and other types of pain management
- Physical therapy to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life
Expert Testimony
Medical specialists who treat fibromyalgia can provide detailed explanations of how the crash may have contributed to the condition. This testimony may help to establish a direct link between your diagnosis and the collision.
Personal Testimony
The victim’s account of their symptoms and the impact on their daily life can help to show a connection between the diagnosis and the accident. Your lawyer can explain how to document these details to help strengthen your claim.
At Greg Monforton and Partners, we understand the complexities of linking car crashes to conditions like fibromyalgia. We employ a strategic approach to each case, with the goal of securing the best result to help you move forward with your life.
Call Today To Set Up a Free Legal Consultation To Discuss Your Options
Living with fibromyalgia can be very difficult. The fatigue and sensitivity to pain can make it much harder to go to work or spend time with family and friends.
If you have reason to believe your fibromyalgia was caused or made worse by a Windsor car crash, Greg Monforton and Partners is here to help. We have been committed to advocating for the rights of the injured for more than four decades.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation about your claim. If we represent you, there are no upfront costs.
Injured by a careless driver? Give us a call today: (866) 320-4770.