Chronic Pain
Pain can be felt for all kinds of reasons. Sensory receptors all over our bodies work with our nervous system to send signals to the brain indicating discomfort, which is then processed into the feelings of an ache, sting, or strain. Injuries cause pain when they first happen, and that pain will likely continue until you have fully recovered. However, this sensation does not always stop. Those who suffer from chronic pain know it is an ongoing struggle long after you have gotten better. Most medical professionals agree that acute (short-term) pain becomes chronic after a period of six months.
Living with this disability means that completing everyday tasks might feel nearly impossible. You could be frustrated due to your symptoms despite tests showing that your injury has healed properly. Even finding a voice with doctors can be disheartening if they shrug off your pain, although it’s clear that it’s impacting your quality of life. Fatigue can also negatively influence aspects of your day-to-day, causing you to tire from simple activities and/or never quite feel like yourself when it comes to things you used to be able to do easily. Neither condition is visible, and both can defy explanations or accurate medical measurements. It is common for these illnesses to be easily dismissed by family, friends, and insurance adjusters as “all in your head.”
Chronic pain and fatigue are not injuries themselves, but rather are by-products of injuries, and often accompany more easily measurable damage such as brain or spinal problems. At Bergeron Clifford, we understand the turmoil that unrelenting soreness can cause. Our chronic pain lawyers can help support your claim for compensation, ensuring the court is aware of the continuous negative impacts on all areas of your life.
The Challenges of Chronic Pain
The invisibility of chronic pain makes it tough to fully understand the burden it has on each person afflicted with it. It may range from a dull but continual poking feeling, infrequent throbbing or aching, a stinging and shooting sensation, or a combination of uncomfortable issues. The difficulties lie in diagnosing the pain, especially since it could ebb and flow unexpectedly. Medication is a typical treatment option which may work for a time, but it is not always a permanent solution.
Similarly, injuries that cause increased fatigue can be hard to measure medically. Your exhaustion could come out of nowhere, causing you to feel dizzy, drained of energy to the point of losing consciousness, or strain on your muscles. Confusion, disorientation, and difficulty processing information can all be linked to a common diagnosis called chronic fatigue syndrome (something we touched on earlier). It is important that you continue to monitor and record your symptoms so doctors can fully understand the struggles you are facing.
In either case, you may cause yourself further harm because you choose to ignore the pain, pushing through it so that your life can return to normal. This may create problems in other parts of your body as you put pressure on them to support yourself. For example, if you have chronic pain in your left knee, you’ll likely put more weight on your right one when you walk, which could injure it. You may struggle to find a job that understands what you are going through or maintain relationships with people who don’t believe you are suffering.
The Unfair Stigma
There is a harsh stigma that comes with chronic pain and fatigue, most notably when you are seeking compensation. Without what many consider evidence from medical tests, people can be dismissive and assume you are faking it for sympathy. They might think you are trying to avoid working and returning to normal life instead of seeking a settlement so you can do nothing all day. You might feel shameful for bringing up your condition or could even second guess what your body is telling you because no one seems to believe what you are going through. Depression can creep in, leaving you feeling further debilitated and isolated. Do not give in to these feelings, and continue to push for a proper diagnosis. If something feels wrong, it very likely could be a real issue that needs to be resolved.
Hiring a Chronic Injury Lawyer
In Ontario, the law is more concerned with impairments to your life than the details of the actual injury. This means that if your chronic pain or fatigue causes you suffering, then you have a qualifying claim. At Bergeron Clifford, we have years of experience working with medical professionals who can help prove your case for fair compensation. It is important you are candid about the ways your specific illness has affected your life, including your earning potential, emotional duress, physical struggles, and otherwise. Contact us to learn more about how our chronic pain lawyers can help.
Contact Bergeron | Clifford LLP
If you suffer from chronic pain or fatigue, contact us at 866-384-5886 or fill out our online form. We can meet you at any of our office locations, including Kingston, Ottawa, Whitby, Carleton Place, Perth, or wherever is most convenient for you.
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