Chronic Pain Compensation for Truck Accident Injuries
For many semi-truck accident survivors, the road to recovery is long, complicated, and rife with uncertainty. Even when broken bones and burns heal, many injuries have longer-term repercussions that outlast initial treatment. Chronic pain is a common condition that can change your life.
Although no amount of money can alleviate disability, a personal injury lawsuit could provide the resources needed to protect your future. For nearly 20 years, the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, PC, LLO, has helped injured people stand up against negligent trucking companies. Please send us a message online and read on to learn about your rights after a serious Iowa truck accident.
Two Types of Truck Accident Pain
You may experience different types of pain after a truck accident.
Acute Pain
Acute pain is typically short in duration. If it has any apparent cause, like physical trauma, it may last anywhere from a matter of minutes to several months. Its presence can be a source of intense discomfort, but symptoms often begin to subside as the body heals.
Chronic Pain
Pain that persists for a period of three or months, with or without reason, is termed chronic. In many cases, chronic pain has an obvious underlying cause—especially in situations where victims have suffered particularly serious or complex injuries. But, in others, it can defy any attempt at explanation.
The symptoms of chronic pain vary, as do their intensity. Some survivors experience chronic aches that never relent or intermittent—but excruciatingly intense—episodes of sudden, shooting pain.
If chronic pain lasts for months or years after an accident, victims could find their quality of life impeded to the extent they can no longer get a good night’s sleep, hold down a job, or perform basic tasks without assistance.
Common Causes of Chronic Pain After a Commercial Truck Accident
The most common medical definition of chronic pain is any type of pain that lasts for three or more months. Common pain-related conditions include, but are not limited to, the following:
Chronic Pain Syndrome
Chronic pain syndrome is any type of ongoing pain that lasts for six or more months.
It is common in survivors of serious motor vehicle accidents and is typically diagnosed in patients whose symptoms either do not respond to or cannot be treated by standard models of medical care.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Complex regional pain syndrome is another form of chronic pain that usually affects an arm or a leg. The symptoms of CRPS could include:
- Continuous burning or throbbing pain
- Sensitivity to touch
- Changes in skin color, temperature, and texture
- Joint stiffness and swelling
- Muscle spasms and tremors
Without treatment, complex regional pain syndrome could result in the partial or total loss of functionality in the affected appendage.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome, referred to by medical professionals as myalgic encephalomyelitis, is a complex disorder that can cause extreme fatigue that lasts for six or more months. Its symptoms may worsen with intense physical or mental activity and do not resolve even after extended rest periods.
Since chronic fatigue symptoms are not always consistent, often occurring intermittently and without warning, patients may find it challenging to work regular hours or maintain their health and hygiene.
Your Rights After a Semi-Truck Crash
Chronic pain and pain-related conditions can take a devastating toll on semi-truck accident survivors’ ability to live a healthy and productive life. Even when treatment is an option, the costs of care can be steep and may not always be covered by insurance.
However, semi-truck accident victims do not have to accept uncertainty and hardship.
In Iowa, truck accident survivors have a legal right to file a claim for compensation against the person or party who caused their injuries. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you could be entitled to damages that include compensation for the following:
- Your existing medical bills
- Anticipated health care costs
- Physical rehabilitation
- Reconstructive surgery
- Prescription medication co-pays
- Lost income from work
- Diminished earning potential
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
- Disfigurement
Iowa generally limits non-economic truck accident damages to $5 million. However, there are some exceptions to this compensation limit that your truck accident attorney will explore if you may need additional compensation for your chronic pain injuries.