US WHIPLASH SETTLEMENTS ADVICE

Very substantial whiplash settlements may be payable as a result of an accident causing injury and loss, by the person at fault for causing the accident. Whiplash injury is characterised by discomfort following damage to the neck affecting the bones, discs, muscles, nerves, or tendons. The injury is caused when the head is violently thrown back, forwards or sideways followed by reflex contraction in the opposite direction.

If you have been involved in an accident that was caused as a result of the negligence of someone else then you are entitled to be compensated for all the losses that you have suffered. You are entitled to be compensated for the pain and suffering that you have gone through as a result of the injury and whiplash settlements also include past and future wage losses together with any detrimental change in lifestyle.

How much compensation an injured person will receive depends on the extent of the injury, the severity of the impact, the extent of the treatment, the amount of permanent or residual damage, the effect on lifestyle and the ability to work. Lawyers like to separate settlements into two main categories which are General Damages and Special Damages.

• Special Damages are losses that can be accurately calculated including loss of earnings both in the past and for the future, general losses and expenses and damage to property and vehicles.
• General damages often constitute the most significant loss suffered by an injured person and are represented by those items that are difficult to calculate accurately. General damages include physical and emotional pain and suffering and loss of the enjoyment of life. A claim can be made for psychological injuries such as depression, or post traumatic stress disorder. Assessment of the value of these damages follows consideration of medical reports prepared by a medical specialist after physical examination and perusal of all medical records. Compensation for pain and suffering includes consideration of the nature and severity of the personal injury and consequent symptoms, occupation, age, leisure activities, how it has affected lifestyle and domestic responsibilities and whether there is any long term permanent disability and the extent and severity of any residual problems.

All receipts and estimates should be carefully preserved together with a note of all expenses that are incurred. Compensation can usually be claimed for the following items;

• loss of past earnings
• loss of future earnings
• damage to property and vehicles
• medical charges, medicines and therapies
• car hire
• costs of assistance for household chores
• special care aids and equipment
• cost of care and assistance
• adapted accommodation and adapted transport
• out of pocket expenses

We are an independent network of specialist attorneys whose expertise will maximize your claim. If you would like free advice without obligation from an accredited expert personal injury attorney just complete the contact form and a member of The Association Of Trial Lawyers Of America will telephone you immediately to discuss your compensation claim.