BenGlassLaw Legal Team Settles Crash-Caused Fibromyalgia Claim
In August, the BenGlassLaw car Virginia accident team settled a very important case involving a 32-year old woman who developed fibromyalgia following an automobile accident.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory issues, and mood swings. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. The condition affects the way the brain processes pain signals, amplifying painful sensations. Symptoms can vary in intensity and may be triggered by stress, physical trauma, or infections. Diagnosis is often challenging due to the overlap of symptoms with other conditions, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms through medication, lifestyle changes, and therapy to improve quality of life.
Fibromyalgia Can Be Caused by Trauma, Such as a Car Accident
Fibromyalgia can be triggered by physical or emotional trauma, such as a car accident. Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood, it’s widely accepted that stressful or traumatic events can precipitate the onset of the condition in some individuals. Trauma can disrupt the normal functioning of the nervous system, leading to the widespread pain and other symptoms characteristic of fibromyalgia. This association highlights the potential impact of significant stressors or injuries on developing chronic pain conditions.
The Tyson’s Corner Car Accident Triggered Fibromyalgia
The BenGlassLaw client was injured in an accident at Tyson’s Corner, Virginia. She was seen and released in the emergency department and then followed up with a chiropractor, an osteopath and an orthopedist.
Chiropractors, osteopaths, and orthopedists are healthcare professionals who specialize in different approaches to treating musculoskeletal issues. A chiropractor focuses on diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders primarily through spinal manipulation and adjustments to improve function and alleviate pain. An osteopath, or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), also emphasizes a holistic approach, using hands-on techniques known as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) to address structural problems, but they have full medical training and can prescribe medication and perform surgery. An orthopedist, or orthopedic surgeon, is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and performing surgery on conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
She never got better and eventually saw over 23 doctors and other health care providers, including at least five rheumatologists (a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones).
Each of the rheumatologists diagnosed her as suffering from fibromyalgia. She developed severe “all body” pain and ultimately needed a wheelchair to travel outside of the house. The defense experts were of the opinion that this was “only a strain” and that she needed no additional treatment. Although the defendant had only $50,000 in insurance, our client was well protected by “underinsured” automobile insurance and we were able to settle her case on the morning before trial.