CRPS is one of the most heavily disputed conditions in workers' compensation. The pain is real and often devastating — but because CRPS is diagnosed clinically and its symptoms fluctuate, insurers routinely deny these claims. Winning takes the right evidence and a lawyer who has done it before. Attorney Michael Cardamone has handled hundreds of CRPS and RSD cases and knows exactly how insurers attack them. Start with our CRPS lawyer overview.
Why Insurers Deny CRPS Claims
- "The pain is out of proportion." They argue symptoms are exaggerated because the original injury looked minor.
- "It's not work-related." They claim the condition came from something else.
- Defense medical exams. They send you to a doctor of their choosing who disputes the diagnosis.
- Surveillance. They watch for any activity they can twist to suggest you are not disabled.
- Fluctuating symptoms. Because good days and bad days are part of CRPS, they use good days against you.
What It Takes to Prove CRPS
- A proper diagnosis — typically under the Budapest Criteria, documented by qualified physicians
- Consistent treatment records from pain-management and specialist providers
- Objective findings where available — temperature and color changes, swelling, bone scans, and other supporting evidence
- Credible expert testimony connecting the CRPS to the work injury
- A clear, documented timeline from the original injury to the onset of symptoms
Why Experience Matters Here
CRPS cases are won or lost on medical evidence and cross-examination of the insurer's experts. A lawyer who has handled these cases knows which specialists to involve, how to prepare you for a defense medical exam, and how to counter the "it's exaggerated" narrative. This is not the kind of claim to hand to someone doing it for the first time.
How We Help
Attorney Michael Cardamone, a Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist, handles CRPS comp claims directly — building the medical record, defending against denials and defense exams, and litigating before a workers' comp judge when necessary. If a third party caused the underlying injury, we coordinate that case with our heavyweight Personal Injury colleagues. Learn what a CRPS case is worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the insurance company sends me to their doctor?
Attend the defense medical exam, but prepare carefully. What you say and do is documented and used against your claim. An experienced workers' comp attorney will prepare you and can counter a biased report with your treating specialists' evidence.
Can I still win if my CRPS claim was already denied?
Often, yes. A denial is not the end. A Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist can build the medical record, obtain expert testimony, and litigate the claim before a workers' compensation judge.
How long do I have to file a workers' comp claim in Pennsylvania?
You should report a work injury to your employer as soon as possible (generally within 120 days), and there are separate deadlines for filing claim petitions. Because CRPS can develop over time, talk to a lawyer promptly to protect your rights.
Was Your CRPS Claim Denied?
Speak with a Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist who has handled hundreds of CRPS and RSD cases. Free, confidential consultation. No fee unless we win.
(215) 206-9068