Car accident injuries can be serious and, in some cases, life-altering. From broken bones, brain injuries, and internal injuries, to whiplash and soft-tissue damage, the physical pain can be hard to tolerate even with medical treatment.

While many injuries after a car crash will heal with medical treatment within several months, when the pain lasts more than three months, it is considered chronic pain. Chronic pain after a car accident can be an incredibly difficult experience and can drastically affect a person’s quality of life.

Let’s take a closer look at chronic pain after an accident including its symptoms, ways to manage pain after an accident, and why working with a personal injury attorney offers you the best chance to receive fair compensation for your chronic pain.

Chronic Pain Symptoms

Unfortunately, chronic pain is a common issue among individuals who have been involved in car accidents. According to the National Institute of Health, about 20 percent of people who have been in a crash and reported neck or back pain continue to experience these symptoms at least six months after the accident.

It is important to note that chronic pain may not become apparent until several weeks or even months after the initial accident. Depending on the type of injury, symptoms of chronic pain include:

• Pain that persists for longer than 3-6 months
• Persistent aches in the neck, back, shoulder, or other areas of the body
• Headaches, joint pain, and even numbness in hands and feet
• Pain that radiates from the site of injury
• Ongoing aching or burning sensations
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Fatigue
• Low tolerance for physical activities
• Loss of range of motion in certain body parts

Chronic pain alters a victim’s quality of life and can interfere with their ability to work. If you suffer from chronic pain after an accident, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. Chronic pain claims are often hard to navigate successfully without the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you seek justice and compensation for your pain and suffering.

Managing Chronic Pain After an Accident

With the help of your medical team, you can manage chronic pain both through treatment and through medication. Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy, massage therapy, injections (such as nerve blocks or epidurals), and medication to manage your pain.

Because chronic pain can be aggravated by environmental stressors such as noise, temperature extremes, or overcrowded environments, it is important to identify and avoid these triggers. Additionally, regular exercise can improve your physical health as well as your mental well-being – even if it doesn’t reduce your pain levels.

Other chronic pain coping strategies include:

Breathing exercises: Deep breathing can help relax your body and mind, thus reducing stress levels.

Meditation: Meditation can help you stay focused on the present moment, calming your mind and body.

Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you gain insight and develop better coping strategies for dealing with your chronic pain.

Self-care: Taking regular breaks from activities that aggravate your pain, as well as engaging in enjoyable activities such as reading, listening to music, or spending time with family and friends can be helpful in managing chronic pain.

Yoga: Gentle yoga poses can help improve flexibility, strength, and relaxation.

Alternative therapies: There are several alternative therapies that may be helpful in managing chronic pain, such as massage therapy, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy.

Counseling: Seeking help from a mental health professional can assist in developing effective coping strategies to better manage the stress associated with chronic pain.

Getting good sleep: Poor sleep quality can increase pain levels, so it’s important to make sure you get adequate rest.

Eliminate tobacco and alcohol: Smoking and drinking can worsen inflammation and lead to further problems, so cutting back or eliminating these substances can be beneficial for managing chronic pain.

If you suffer from chronic pain, be sure to consult with your doctor on the best path forward to help alleviate your discomfort. With your treatment plan, your medical bills may start piling up. You have the right to pursue a personal injury claim for chronic pain. It’s always best to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to understand your rights.

Why Work with a Personal Injury Attorney for Your Chronic Pain Claim

A personal injury attorney can help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for your chronic pain. An attorney has the resources and experience to put together a strong case on your behalf, including gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court when necessary.

An experienced lawyer not only understands the legal process of a chronic pain case, but also knows how to calculate the value of non-economic damages. Non-economic damages, which are often referred to as pain and suffering, are awarded to the victim as compensation for the physical and emotional distress they have suffered as a result of their injury. These damages are subjective and difficult to quantify, as they reflect the pain, anxiety, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life that the victim may have experienced.

The valuation of non-economic damages in a chronic pain case requires a thorough understanding of the victim’s medical history, the severity of the injury, and the impact it has had on their quality of life. An experienced lawyer will work closely with the victim’s medical team to ensure that all the relevant medical and psychological evidence is presented to the court. This evidence may include medical records, expert testimony, and witness statements.

Chronic Pain Personal Injury Law Firm Lancaster, Pa.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. in Lancaster, PA, we understand how chronic pain can affect an individual’s physical and emotional well-being. We are highly experienced in representing victims of chronic pain in personal injury cases, and our lawyers have a deep understanding of the complexities of evaluating these types of cases.

Our team will work closely with you to ensure that your case is presented effectively, and we will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. We will work with your medical team to ensure that all relevant evidence is presented, including medical records, expert testimony, and witness statements. Our attorneys have extensive experience in negotiating with insurance companies to maximize the settlement for our clients. Just check out all of our 5-star reviews online.

If you are a victim of chronic pain and are seeking compensation for your injury, working with an experienced lawyer can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations to review your case and do not charge any upfront fees for our services. We are only paid when we win your case. Contact us today either online or by calling 1-800-HURT-NOW.