If you were in a car accident and believe it caused or contributed to your fibromyalgia, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Proving that your car accident caused your fibromyalgia can be difficult, but there are steps you can take. An experienced car accident attorney in Charleston should be sought so they can help you with this complex matter. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a medical disorder characterized by chronic musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and sleep problems. It is believed that painful sensations are amplified in those with fibromyalgia by affecting how the brain processes pain signals.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
- Depression and anxiety
- Headaches and migraines
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Problems with memory and concentration (known as “fibro fog”)
- Paresthesia (numbness or tingling in the hands and feet)
Fibromyalgia has no known cure, but there are treatments that can help manage it. Treatments include medication, exercise, relaxation techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Emotional & Physical Trauma Can Be Linked to Fibromyalgia
While the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, it is believed that physical trauma can play a role in its development. One theory is that fibromyalgia may result from miniaturized tears in muscle tissue. These tears are too small to be detected by medical imaging, but they can lead to persistent pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms.
Another theory is that physical trauma can cause changes in the central nervous system. These changes may include an increase in pain-sensing nerve fibers and a decrease in the brain’s ability to process pain signals. These change may lead to widespread pain and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.
Finally, it is also believed that physical trauma can trigger changes in brain chemistry that may contribute to the development of fibromyalgia. These changes may include an imbalance of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that help relay messages between nerve cells. An imbalance of neurotransmitters has been linked to various chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia.
Steps to Take to Prove Your Car Accident Caused Fibromyalgia
First, you will want to get a diagnosis from a doctor. Once you have a diagnosis, you can look at other evidence that may support your claim, such as:
How Severe Was The Accident?
Did you experience significant impact in the car accident? Were you thrown from the vehicle? Did you hit your head? These factors can help show that the accident was severe enough to cause long-term damage, like fibromyalgia.
Did Anyone Witness The Accident?
Another way to establish a connection between the accident and your condition is through eyewitness testimony. If there are people who saw the accident happen, they may be able to provide valuable information about what happened and how it affected you. Frequently, insurance companies will use eyewitness testimony to help make their decision about approving a claim.
Can Friends/Family/Expert Witnesses Help Your Claim?
Finally, you can use testimony from friends, family, and doctors to support your case. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
It is important to note that testimony is not just what happened during the accident. It also includes your medical records and diagnosis. This means that you will need to have records from your treating physician linking your diagnosis of fibromyalgia to the accident. Ideally, you should have seen a doctor within a few days of the accident so that there is a record of your symptoms soon after the accident occurred.
Remember that the insurance company will likely hire their own expert to review your records and testify on their behalf. This expert may say that your fibromyalgia was not caused by the accident or that it was pre-existing. To counteract this, it is crucial to have your own expert who can testify that the car accident was indeed the cause of your fibromyalgia.
Additionally, you may be able to have friends and family testify to how your life was before the accident and how it is now. What have they noticed? Are there activities you can’t participate in anymore due to pain from your fibromyalgia? Anything they can testify to that links your injuries to the car accident can be helpful.
Speak to a Car Accident Attorney Today
Ultimately, the best way to prove that your car accident caused your fibromyalgia is by working with an experienced car accident attorney. They will be able to help you gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case for compensation. If you have been in a car accident and are struggling with chronic pain or other symptoms, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.