Whiplash Injuries

What is Whiplash?

“Whiplash” is a term used to describe a neck injury caused by the head being forced to move quickly forwards, backwards or even sideways.

The sudden impact caused by whiplash overstretches and damages the ligaments and tendons in the neck.

The most common accident leading to a whiplash injury is a motor accident. Due to the retraining effect of seat belts, the predominant movement during an accident occurs in the neck. The correct positioning of head rests can help to reduce the effect of a whiplash, but only for front and rear collisions, and not sideways impact.

Whiplash injuries can also be sustained during contact sports (such as rugby) or even from a blow to the head or a fall.

Often the full extent of the whiplash may not become evident until several days after the accident.

Some symptoms of whiplash

• Pain & discomfort
• Stiffness & loss of movement
• Headaches
• Muscle spasms
• Nausea
• Pain in the shoulders, back and arms
• Tingling in the fingers (known as “paresthesia”)

The role of medical evidence

Normally a medical report will be commissioned to establish that the cause of the injury was indeed the accident that occurred.

The medical expert will be requested to confirm what injuries have been sustained during the accident, and to give an opinion as to when it can be reasonably expected a full recovery will be made.

Length of recovery

The length of time it is likely to take to recover significantly impacts on the compensation likely to be achieved. The longer the period of recovery, the higher the likely award.

If absence from work has been an inevitable consequence of the accident then a claim for loss of earnings will be brought.

The lawyer’s role

Accident lawyers are often referred to as “ambulance chasers” but in reality all the lawyer is looking to achieve is a fair award or settlement to compensate the injured party for their pain and losses.

In addition to arranging proper medical assessment of your injuries the lawyer can also arrange private treatment if this proves necessary, reimbursement for the assistance received from friends or family members during a period of incapacitation, reimbursement for tax and insurance on unused vehicles, compensation for loss of earnings, and losses associated with restrictions to your general daily activities and hobbies.

The lawyer’s role is therefore key to securing the fairest financial settlement possible for the victim of the accident.