| Trauma caused Dupuytren's? prove it, they say. |
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03/29/2013 10:04
mountain_runner 
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03/29/2013 10:04
mountain_runner
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Trauma caused Dupuytren's? prove it, they say.
I am 46 years old. I was recently diagnosed with Dupuytren's contracture. I was hit by a car on my bicycle in late 2011, flew over the handle bars and broke the fall with my left palm. Landed hard enough to break forearm, ribs, and freeze shoulder. Several months following the crash, I started to notice a nodule growing on my left palm, then another next to it. They slowly grew. I saw a hand doctor as my hand wasn't healing quick enough and showed him the palm.
I am STILL trying to get the insurance company of the woman who hit me to compensate me. They are now stating that there is no connection between the trauma of the accident and the Duputren's. I didn't get a lawyer, I am just dealing with them alone. Should I get a lawyer or can no direct connection between Dupuytren's and trauma be made? Please advise.
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03/29/2013 11:39
zinkadoodle 
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03/29/2013 11:39
zinkadoodle
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Re: Trauma caused Dupuytren's? prove it, they say.
Yikes!! This could be a really tough call. First, sorry that you had the accident and now have to go through this. No doubt, it sucks. But, even though the bike accident may have brought on the DD, you were obviously predisposed to the condition wherein any trauma would have brought it on, and likely it may have been just a matter of time anyway. At least, that is likely what the insurance company legals would argue. And, in fact, even the timeline for the onset after the accident may not be enough to convince them that you never would have gotten the disease were it not for this accident. I'm guessing that they may also argue, in addition to being predisposed to it in the first place, is that you likely had early disease that you were not even aware of yet. I'm not an attorney, but that's my best guess, playing devil's advocate here. I guess what I'm saying is that I think you may be SOL here.
In fact, sometimes all it takes is a minor trauma to trigger the disease. For me, there was no trigger at all that I can identify. My right hand is most contracted at the ring MCP and PIP, and I'm going to be injected with Xiaflex within the next two weeks. Still awaiting results of blood work from the doc for the final clearance for the multi cord clinical trial. If money is really a big obstacle for you, first try NA, as it is the cheapest option. The clinical trials, if you fit one, is even cheaper, as they bear all the costs. Hell, I just realized after reading all the trial stuff and initializing all the pages is that they're even going to pay me $120 when it's over. Absent a clinical trial, Xiaflex is ridiculously expensive, though not so much as open surgery. Others try diet and other new age-y stuff, and some have had success with massage.
Not sure I really helped you here. I suppose if you really want to fight the insurance company, you're going to have to find a DD specialist MD-type who will testify on your behalf. I'm not sure many would. But, to be sure, I wish the best for you.
~ Diane
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03/29/2013 12:40
spanishbuddha  Administrator
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03/29/2013 12:40
spanishbuddha Administrator
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Re: Trauma caused Dupuytren's? prove it, they say.
IANAL but I think that even with a lawyer, and medical experts on your side, you would have difficulty establishing proof between your accident and the onset of DD. There are some reported studies you might be able to find in support, but also studies that do not. You can of course also state the timing is quite co-incidental, but any connection is mere supposition. I feel this is a battle that would need deep pockets.
Of course I assume you have a claim that is valid for the direct consequential injuries and I would focus on that.
Good luck!
http://pmj.bmj.com/content/81/957/425.full.pdf+html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3123614/
Edited 03/29/13 20:39
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03/29/2013 14:34
zinkadoodle
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03/29/2013 14:34
zinkadoodle
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Re: Trauma caused Dupuytren's? prove it, they say.
Yup, as spanishbuddha said. And, as others say, "For every PhD, there is an equal and opposite PhD." It would be a battle that may not be worth fighting, and one for which you should maybe think about dropping in deference to fighting for your direct injuries. ~ Diane
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03/30/2013 18:13
JohnG
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03/30/2013 18:13
JohnG
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Re: Trauma caused Dupuytren's? prove it, they say.
mountain_runner:
Should I get a lawyer or can no direct connection between Dupuytren's and trauma be made? Please advise.
Are you in the U.S. mountain_runner?
I'm no expert, but I think your situation does not have the best circumstances to make it worthwhile to spend money on a lawyer. It would be more worthwhile if you had contracted a more expensive disease that had more obviously been caused by the accident.
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04/03/2013 00:30
stephenp
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04/03/2013 00:30
stephenp
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Re: Trauma caused Dupuytren's? prove it, they say.
While I love the idea of the conga trial, I think that the data may still be equivocal!
The clear genetic link, irrespective of trauma makes a successful claim unlikely. Probably better not to waste money on a lawyer.
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