The neck is a very sensitive part of the body and is often prone to injury. One of the most common neck injuries is whiplash. Whether you experienced a car accident, slip and fall, or physical assault, you may be left to deal with the physical and financial repercussions of a whiplash injury.
When you sustain a whiplash injury at the hands of another, you may have legal options. The personal injury attorneys at The Joel Bieber Firm are ready to discuss your case and help get you on the path to recovery.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is an injury to the neck caused by a quick and forceful movement of the neck back and forward. The injury gets its name from the motion the neck makes, which is similar to the cracking of a whip.
What makes whiplash a serious injury is that it involves the muscles, tendons, discs, and nerves in the neck.
Several types of accidents and incidents can result in whiplash, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Physical assault
Whiplash is a common injury that poses a threat to your health. After an accident, make sure to seek medical attention right away for diagnosis and treatment of whiplash.
Signs and Symptoms of Whiplash
If you’ve never experienced whiplash, you may be unsure of the symptoms and indicators. Some of the common symptoms accident victims experience after suffering whiplash injuries include:
- Significant neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Pain that worsens when moving the neck
- Shoulder pain
- Loss of range of motion in the neck
- Tingling or numbness radiating down the arms
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
When you see a healthcare provider, the physician can start by performing a physical exam. X-rays may also help determine whether your injury is whiplash, but if you’re also suffering from soft tissue injuries, an X-ray cannot show that. Therefore, you may also need a CT scan or MRI.
Whiplash can cause a wide variety of symptoms. Therefore, if you feel like something is off or experience sudden pain or discomfort, it’s best to get medical care to determine the cause of your condition.
Treatment for Whiplash Injuries
As with most injuries, the treatment for whiplash depends on the severity of the injury. Some whiplash injuries can be treated with pain medication, a cervical collar, and rest.
If the injury is more significant, steroid injections and physical therapy may be necessary to treat pain and regain your full range of motion. Surgery may be necessary in the most severe cases to help relieve persistent pain.
Complications and Long-Term Effects of Whiplash
While many accident victims recover from whiplash, some face health complications and the long-term effects of this injury.
Some of the common complications of whiplash injuries include:
- Neck fractures
- Nerve damage
- Dislocation
- Ruptured or herniated discs
Whiplash can also affect your health and well-being long-term, with persistent neck pain, limited range of motion in the neck, and pain in the arms.
Not only can whiplash affect you physically, but also mentally. Some victims are left to deal with mental anguish, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after sustaining a whiplash injury.
The complications and long-term effects may worsen if your whiplash goes untreated for some time. Therefore, if you believe you suffered whiplash, see a doctor as soon as possible. The sooner you get a proper diagnosis, the quicker you can begin treating your injury and recovering.
Taking Action After Suffering Whiplash
The next steps following your whiplash highly depend on the cause of your injury. For example, if you suffer whiplash in an auto accident, you may need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to pursue financial compensation.
In any event, you should always discuss your situation with an experienced personal injury attorney. Accident and injury cases can quickly take a turn for the worst, becoming complicated and tough to handle. A lawyer can provide valuable legal advice and create a strategy to help you seek justice and monetary recovery.
An attorney is especially helpful if you need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party. Having a qualified lawyer on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
Potential Compensation for an Accident Resulting in Whiplash and Injuries
After sustaining whiplash, you may be eligible for compensation. The amount of monetary recovery typically depends on the details of your accident, the extent of your injuries, and your losses.
Potential damages for an accident resulting in whiplash injuries include:
- Medical expenses
- Therapy costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
Determining how much your case is worth can be tough, and you want to make sure you know the value of your case to pursue the right amount of compensation. A personal injury lawyer can review your case to calculate your damages and work diligently to help you obtain the fairest possible outcome.
Discuss Your Situation with a Skilled Personal Injury Attorney
While it may be tempting to handle your injury claim on your own, a personal injury lawyer can be a valuable ally. You can rely on your attorney to handle the most critical parts of your case, including:
- Investigating the cause of your injury
- Determining liability
- Obtaining strong evidence
- Calculating the value of your case
- Communicating with insurance companies
- Engaging in negotiations for settlement
- Representing you in court
The attorneys at The Joel Bieber Firm have extensive experience handling cases involving whiplash. We’re familiar with the challenges whiplash can cause physically but also financially, especially if you suffer additional harm. Our lawyers dedicate themselves to protecting your rights to justice and fair compensation.
When you’re ready to speak to a personal injury attorney, contact us to schedule a complimentary case review.
Interesting Reads:
How Much Money Can You Sue for Pain and Suffering?
How Much Money Can You Sue for Pain and Suffering as a Victim?