Sometimes its symptoms can be so troublesome that going back to work can be incredibly challenging. Sufferers of this condition know all too well how debilitating it can be. But what do you do if you’ve been diagnosed with whiplash and are currently unable to work? If this medical condition is considered minor, can you still seek compensation? Stay tuned to learn more.
If you or a loved one has severe neck pain after a vehicular crash, contact a car accident lawyer from Trantolo Law. During a free consultation, one of their caring attorneys can help guide you to your best possible settlement and compensation.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck that is caused by a sudden and violent back-and-forth movement of the head. As its name implies, the head’s movement is similar to the cracking of a whip. This painful condition is a common result of the impact that occurs during a car crash. While most whiplash sufferers only experience minor pain that typically goes away within a week or two, others can have chronic neck pain that leads to long-lasting issues.
Common symptoms of whiplash after a car accident can include:
● Neck pain
● Neck stiffness
● Limited range of motion in the neck
● Headaches that originate in the base of the neck
● Upper back and shoulder tenderness
● Tingling sensation in the arms
More severe cases of whiplash can also include:
● Ringing ears
● Irritability
● Blurred or other vision issues
● Insomnia
● Difficulties with concentration
● Forgetfulness
● Depression
Types of Treatment for Whiplash
Mild forms of whiplash can usually be treated at home with common remedies that most sufferers find to be acceptable. For many, time is the best cure since minor soft tissue injuries will heal on their own without much or any treatment from a doctor. Typical minor whiplash cures can include:
● Bed rest
● Applying heat and cold
● Neck stretching exercises to reduce stiffness and increase blood flow
● Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen
For victims of severe and chronic forms of whiplash, the above methods may only provide temporary relief. Sufferers of whiplash may benefit from more aggressive forms of treatment such as:
● Prescription pain medications or muscle relaxers
● Lidocaine injections
● Chiropractic adjustments
● Therapeutic massage
● Acupressure or acupuncture
How to Receive Compensation for Whiplash
Since whiplash, even in severe cases, doesn’t show up in imaging tests, you’ll need to prove that the accident did cause the condition. With the help of a personal injury attorney, they can guide you through the process of seeking appropriate medical care along with gathering the required evidence to prove that whiplash has caused you hardships, both physically and emotionally. This can be achieved by gathering the following evidence:
● All emergency room, first responders, and doctors notes regarding your neck pain
● Chiropractic and physical therapy reports
● Medical expert testimony
● Family, friends, and co-workers sworn testimony
You’ll have the burden of proving that the accident caused your injury and that the injury has caused you damages. These can be of both an economic and non-economic nature. Evidence of whiplash damages can be:
● Medical bills
● The cost associated with prescription and OTC medications
● Pay stubs to prove lost income
● Professional medical testimony
The common types of damages sought after an accident-induced whiplash case are:
● Payment for all medical bills
● Payment for chiropractic treatments or other alternative methods of care
● Travel expenses incurred to attend medical appoints
● Loss of current and future income and benefits
● Pain and suffering
● Emotional trauma
● Loss of consortium
● Loss of enjoyment of life
Your personal injury attorney will have the savvy to negotiate with insurance companies and/or the legal team of the defendant. It’s important to point out that it’s up to you to continue with your whiplash treatment plan no matter how difficult, painful, or uncomfortable they are. Any lapse in medical treatment will send red flags to the defendant’s legal representatives, giving them cause to suspect the severity of your condition.
Seeking Compensation for Whiplash After a Car Accident Explained
Despite whiplash being sometimes unfairly lumped into the category of being a minor injury, many with this painful condition have difficulty returning to work. Some with more severe cases could also face changes to their mental health, causing them to not only have to cope with physical pain but also with a drop in their emotional strength and overall well-being.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident that’s caused you injury and damage, seek out guidance from an experienced car accident personal injury attorney. While you may feel that you have no other choice other than to accept a lowball settlement offer, this isn’t true. Having a legal team on your side is the best way to receive maximum compensation.
