The Potential Long-Term Effects of Whiplash

As a general rule, you should try to avoid injuries to your upper back and neck as best as you possibly can. This applies to all types of injuries, but whiplash and its potential long-term effects can be especially brutal. Accident victims can suffer whiplash from a number of different scenarios, yet it is often overlooked, especially in the first few days or weeks after an accident. Unfortunately, it is not something that will simply go away after time, so it’s important to understand the symptoms and risks in order to identify and treat it as soon as possible.

If you suffered whiplash in an accident caused by another, you will need an experienced personal injury attorney by your side to get the proper treatment and compensation. Van Law Firm is committed to helping whiplash victims while holding liable parties accountable. Call our office nearest you today for more information.  

Whiplash is More Common Than You Might Think 

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Whiplash is most commonly caused by a sudden jerk or deceleration following a crash or other type of impact. When the motion of your body is suddenly stopped, your head and upper body will jolt forward and backward, which puts a tremendous strain on the muscles and ligaments in your neck, shoulders, and back. 

The majority of people are at least familiar with whiplash, or have experienced a mild version–jolts from roller coaster rides and playground equipment are common examples. Whiplash tends to be lumped together with vehicle accidents, as that is by far the common cause of severe cases. However, it is also regularly cited in workplace accidents, sports injuries, water-related accidents, and so much more. 

Symptoms May Not Appear Immediately 

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Perhaps the most important note about whiplash that all accident victims should understand is that it is common for symptoms to develop over time, rather than immediately after the accident. Oftentimes, the sheer adrenaline we experience in those frightful moments will numb the pain and side effects associated with whiplash. The moment you start to experience extended pain or tightness in your neck, you should consider meeting with a healthcare professional. 

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In a lot of cases, those who have suffered mild forms of whiplash will be prescribed low-grade pain medication and a suggestion to “take it easy” for a little while. This, however, is simply not enough for severe cases–those with more pressing symptoms will typically need special therapy and rehab, as well as specific muscle relaxers and other prescriptions. 

It is crucial for whiplash victims to at least consult with a medical professional and undergo a thorough examination right after an accident even if there are little to no symptoms because when it is left untreated, there are serious long-term effects that can be sustained. These can include:  

• Extreme pain or discomfort in the back, shoulders, or neck 
• Constant headaches and/or migraines
• Tingling or numbness in the extremities
• Trouble sleeping and constant fatigue
• Impaired memory or ability to focus 
• Dark spots or blurred vision
• Loss of balance and coordination
• Nausea and dizziness 
• Tinnitus– ringing in the ears

What Compensation Can Whiplash Victims Recover? 

There are no restrictions as far as what types of compensation whiplash victims can recover, as they are treated the same as all other injury cases. That means that they are entitled to both economic and non-economic damages, such as: 

• Reimbursement for medical costs/ prescriptions 
• Lost wages from time off the job 
• Pain and suffering 
• Loss of enjoyment 

Connect With Trusted Personal Injury Attorneys Today

If you suffered whiplash in an accident that was not your fault and would like to further explore your legal options in order to get the treatment and compensation you need, call the experienced personal injury and whiplash attorneys from Van Law Firm right away. We have the experience and the resources to maximize your case and get you back on your feet. Just remember– the longer you wait, the harder it is to recover compensation, and your injuries will not just go away. Take the first step toward defending your rights–call our location nearest you for more information.