Can I recover damages for a whiplash injury?

Many individuals know that a rear-end car accident can result in whiplash, an injury that arises from a sudden impact causing the head to snap back and forth or sideways. These injuries can also occur as the result of a sports accident, physical abuse or other act of violence. In any case, this forceful motion can stretch or tear the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the neck, causing pain, stiffness and headaches. While most people can be treated with pain medication and physical therapy and recover within a few months, others may suffer chronic neck pain and other complications. By pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, however, these individuals can obtain financial compensation.

Who is at risk for whiplash?

In short, anyone whose neck is hyper-extended or hyper-flexed can experience whiplash. This injury typically causes muscle soreness, stiffness and tenderness, culminating is a reduced range of motion. Other symptoms of whiplash include headaches, fatigue, and numbness and weakness in the extremities. In more severe cases, individuals may experience ringing in the ears, blurred vision and memory loss. Regardless of the severity of the symptoms, whiplash should not be ignored and anyone who is injured in an accident should quickly seek medical treatment. Failing to do so can lead to serious complications such as depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances.

How can whiplash be treated?

There are different methods for treating whiplash, depending on the severity of the injury as well as the opinion of the doctor. A more mild case may simply require icing the neck. On the other hand, more severe injuries may necessitate using painkillers or pain blockers and immobilizing the neck with a neck with a brace or collar. Other treatments include physical therapy and exercises to repair the damaged muscles, ligaments and tendons. Doctors may also recommend alleviating the symptoms through a combination of massage therapy, acupuncture or chiropractic treatments.

The Takeaway

If you are injured in a car accident or suffer any other trauma that results in whiplash, you should seek treatment from a qualified medical professional. You should also engage the services of an experienced personal injury attorney to handle your case. A skilled attorney can gather evidence of the accident that caused your injury, and help you obtain the needed medical treatment. Most importantly, he or she can negotiate with the insurance company, most of which seek to settle cases as quickly, and for as little money, as possible.