WHIPLASH SYMPTOMS EXPLAINED

Whiplash symptoms are characterised by discomfort that occurs following damage to the neck usually as a result of a sudden moderate to severe strain affecting the bones, discs, muscles, nerves, or tendons of the neck, which is composed of seven small bones known as the cervical spine. The injury is caused by a sudden jerk such as in a car accident but may also occur in other types of accident. The head is violently thrown back, forwards or sideways followed by reflex contraction in the opposite direction. Swelling and inflammation occur due to the rapid movement which leads to pressure being placed on the nerves.

Following an accident there is often general neck pain which may be present directly or may develop gradually over hours, days or weeks after the injury. Pain and stiffness is caused by muscle spasms. Whiplash symptoms may include

Pain or stiffness of the neck, back, jaw, shoulders, or arms
Headache and dizziness
Psychological conditions including memory loss, concentration impairment, nervousness, irritability, sleep disturbances, fatigue and depression
Loss of feeling, or burning or prickling in an arm or hand
Nausea or vomiting

Diagnosis can be difficult because X rays and scans do not always reveal the injury and is usually based on observation of symptoms, medical history, and physical examination.

Treatment is usually by way of pain medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-depressants, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, and supportive treatments. Severe injury may be treated with a surgical collar, cervical traction and heat therapy.

The amount of compensation payable depends on the severity of the injury, the recovery period, and whether or not there are any permanent residual symptoms. In addition to compensation for pain and suffering a claim can be made for most other losses including loss of past and future income.

If you believe that you have suffered an injury in an accident it is important that you seek medical advice as soon as possible from either your own doctor or in more serious cases the Emergency room of your local Hospital. The medical record will used in part for the assessment of the value of your claim, and it is therefore important that the injury is documented as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms.

We are an independent network of attorneys whose expertise will maximize your claim. We'll ensure that you get a fair deal by sending your claim to a lawyer who is a member of The Association Of Trial Lawyers Of America who has a track record of many years successful verdicts and settlements. We only recommend lawyers who are car accident claim experts and who will deal with your claim using a contingency fee arrangement. If you don't succeed in receiving a settlement then your lawyer won't get paid. If you are the innocent victim of a car accident and it wasn't your fault then someone must pay you compensation.

If you are suffering from whiplash symptoms and you would like free advice without obligation from an accredited specialist 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.

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