Acute pain generally shows up to warn us of a sudden—and sometimes urgent—problem that needs immediate attention. For example, the body may alert us to an appendix that’s about to burst by producing sharp, shooting pains in the abdomen. These pains compel us to seek emergency medical treatment so that we may heal and recover.
When pain lasts for more than 12 weeks, however, it is often referred to as chronic pain. Sometimes this pain is connected to an underlying issue that needs resolved, and with proper treatment, the chronic pain eventually subsides. Other times, we must learn to live with the pain, as is so often the case with conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis. When chronic pain becomes so severe that we are unable to work at full capacity, we may suffer a loss in income as a result.
How to Obtain Compensation for Chronic Pain
Short and long-term disability insurance provides coverage for lost income related to injury and illness, including chronic pain. But obtaining coverage for these conditions, and compensation for lost wages is rarely an easy process. Insurance adjusters are notorious for doing everything in their power to pay as little as possible to claimants.
Furthermore, claims for chronic pain are among the most difficult; they often occur over time, rather than due to sudden injury. As such, proving that you are suffering from chronic pain can be difficult. This is why it is so important to work with an experienced chronic pain injury lawyer in Alberta.
If you are suffering from any type of chronic pain, a knowledgeable Alberta injury lawyer can evaluate your case to determine the most appropriate legal strategy, and position you for the most favourable outcome possible. Depending on the type, severity, and cause of your chronic pain, you may be able to obtain compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other associated costs. Although there are myriad types of chronic pain, some of the most commonly cited in personal injury claims include:
Back Pain
A leading cause of chronic pain in the U.S. and Canada, back pain impacts four out of five Canadian adults in their lifetime. Most commonly affecting the lower back, this type of chronic pain can be caused by injury, arthritis, repetitive stress, or osteoporosis. Medical conditions contributing to back pain include:
- Slipped or bulging discs;
- Compression fractures;
- Soft-tissue damage; Spinal stenosis;
- Spinal fractures
Headaches
When it comes to headaches, migraines tend to be the most debilitating. And they are surprisingly common; more than four million people suffer from chronic daily migraines. Characterized by extreme pain, nausea, visual disturbances, and a sensitivity to light and noise, migraines are the sixth leading disabling illness in the world. Considering that 90 percent of migraine sufferers are unable to perform the duties of their job while having an episode, it is understandable why migraines are commonly cited in disability insurance claims in Canada.
Although adult women suffer from migraines more commonly than men, anyone can have migraines and other chronic headaches, regardless of sex, age, or race.
Joint Pain
Another leading cause of chronic pain-related personal injury claims, joint pain is often a result of injury, infection, or degenerative disease, such as arthritis. Some of the most common forms of chronic joint pain include:
- Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
Arthritis is Canada’s most common chronic health condition, with about six million Canadians suffering from this painful condition. To date, there is no known cure.
Nerve Pain
When the nerves are compressed or damaged in any way, the resulting pain can be severe. If damage is extensive, the pain may last for months, years, or even a lifetime. Common examples of chronic nerve pain include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Sciatica
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Trigeminal neuralgia
Contact Roberts Law Today
Whether chronic pain is caused by an autoimmune disorder, injury, illness, degenerative disease, or repetitive motion injury, the impact on the sufferer’s ability to work can be financially devastating for the entire family. Although having disability insurance increases your chances of being able to obtain compensation for your injuries, it is no guarantee. If you are suffering from any type of chronic pain, it is in your best interest to seek legal counsel. Contact Roberts Law today at 587-391-5110 for a free and confidential consultation about your case.