Whiplash Accidents

Whiplash is typically linked with vehicle accidents. However, there are other kinds of accidents which can result in this type of injury as well.

Whiplash happens when the neck of an individual is tossed backwards, and then forward suddenly; this can result in damage to bone and soft tissues in the region of the neck.

Depending on the critical nature, injuries from whiplash accidents can range from mild discomfort to critical and extensive healthcare conditions.

In the United States, annually, these injuries are approximately $30 billion, with a financial toll for lost wages, healthcare treatment, and disability.

Any overextension or hyperextension suddenly of the neck can result in whiplash injury. Whiplash, most typically, happens in rear-end vehicle accidents, when the impact can cause the head of a person to snap back, then, in a fast motion, forward.

Motor vehicle collisions, however, are among many ways to cause this kind of injury.

Other causes entail the following:

Either on or off ground, a certain far can result in whiplash injury; a heavy object falling on the head of a person can result in whiplash; karate, boxing, bicycle, horseback riding falls, and other contact sports may result in the impact of the head to cause whiplash; any blow to the head that is hard could result in whiplash injuries; and when an individual is struck suddenly by another vehicle, the force can place a major impact on his or her neck.

An individual may not be aware that he or she has a whiplash injury when it happens immediately. Usually, the symptoms will begin to happen 12 to 24 hours subsequent to the accident, or head blow, worsening over several days many times.

Typical symptoms connected with whiplash accidents entail the following: headaches; tender, sore, or stiff neck; limited movement in the neck; blurred vision, dizziness, and vertigo; fatigue; pain in lower back, hands, or arm; and loss of memory, problems with concentration, and irritability.

Healthcare treatment of whiplash will normally begin with administering X-Rays of the neck to make certain there aren’t other injuries. A neck collar or brace is usually prescribed to minimize neck motion to enable healing. There may be a prescription of medications to diminish inflammation, pain, and control muscle spasms.

Other healthcare treatments may be recommended, which may entail massage, chiropractic treatments, and physical therapy. Mild whiplash cases can heal within a duration of a week or two; many cases may take several weeks to some months for complete healing.

Some individuals, however, can have chronic pain, which can last for several months, if not years, subsequent to the occurrence of the injury.

Most individuals, from mild to severe, with whiplash can incur expenses due to the result of sustained injury.

Recovery of damages can happen when the sustained injury was due to negligence, such as a workplace or vehicle accident, and can entail lost wages, medical bills, restricted earning potential, and suffering and pain.

A personal injury attorney with skills and experience to represent victims of whiplash accidents can make sure all expenses are paid, normally from the insurance company of the party held liable.

Contact us for a free consultation or call Anzalone Law Firm PLLC, at: 603.548.3797.