Whiplash injuries often occur as a result of trauma inflicted upon the neck, commonly associated with involvement in motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, or assault. Whiplash is typically associated with severe symptoms and can become a chronic condition later on in life, especially if the inury is not treated immediately. Unfortunately, whiplash is often overlooked as a severe injury, even though it can lead to significant complications like joint pain, muscle spasms, and ligament damage in the neck and upper back. Statistics show that about 25% of whiplash injuries will become recurring conditions or disabilities requiring long-term medical care. Victims of serious accident whiplash injuries should consult a whiplash injury attorney to discuss their options for legal recourse.
Whiplash typically occurs when a person’s head and neck are forced violently forward and then jerked backwards, due to an impact from behind. Symptoms of whiplash include pain and stiffness affecting the muscles and bones in the neck and shoulders, which can also involve one or both arms. Some people suffering from whiplash may experience additional symptoms like dizziness, nausea, headaches, fatigue, and irritability.
Neck and back injuries like whiplash typically require several different aspects of medical treatment in order for the injury to be resolved. Medical care for whiplash victims typically involves:
Depending on the nature and severity of whiplash injuries, victims may even require rehabilitation and physical therapy. In some cases, the whiplash victim may need to be monitored in order to ensure no other injuries have been sustained.
According to national statistics, one in seven cases of whiplash results in the victim suffering from significant lingering pain lasting more than three years after the initial accident. For most people, lingering neck and back pain can significantly affect their quality of life, potentially preventing them from performing their job properly or participating in normal daily activities. Because of the potential for whiplash injuries to lead to serious complications requiring long-term medical care, they are likely to result in costly medical expenses as well. For victims of whiplash injuries, seeking help from a qualified whiplash personal injury attorney may allow them to collect financial compensation for their injuries and medical costs.
