Were you involved in an accident that resulted in a catastrophic personal injury? Were you left with broken bones or intense pain? While many assume that once bones heal, the pain disappears, unfortunately, the truth is that pain can persist for much longer.
A recent study found that over 70 percent of people dealing with chronic pain had been involved in a car or work accident. If you were involved in an accident and experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be considered a chronic pain patient:
- Pain that persists longer than six months after an accident or injury
- Bone pain
Bones that are recovering from being broken can continue to cause pain as they heal and ache long afterward. Shattered bones are especially susceptible, as they have affected nerve damage. - Somatic pain
- Muscular pain that persists after an accident, or begins to hurt within weeks or months of an injury. This can include muscles near broken bones, or those that were strained, torn, stretched, or damaged by broken bones during an accident or injury.
- Visceral pain
- Post-accident pain that affects the organs often remains even after internal bleeding or scarring has healed.
- In addition to physical pain, psychological pain, including depression and anxiety, can also be a chronic issue.
There are a number of tests that Virginia doctors may request to determine if your pain is chronic and caused by an accident or injury including x-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. Additionally, ultrasounds, EMG testing and psychological evaluations may be given.
Once it has been established that you are a chronic pain sufferer, your doctor may prescribe any of the following treatment options:
- Physical therapy
- Pain medication
- Injections
- Surgery
- Psychological counseling
Treatment for chronic pain can be costly, and the ongoing pain can take a toll. You should not be left to deal with a lifetime of pain and suffering. If you or a loved one is dealing with a catastrophic personal injury in Virginia or DC, contact the trusted attorneys at Shevlin Smith. We have the experience necessary to help you get the compensation you deserve. Our Fairfax lawyers will fight for you! Call (703) 721-4233 today.
