Whiplash is often an extremely complicated and painful injury that can lead to a chronic health condition. Whiplash is commonly associated with rear-end car collisions, but it can also occur in various accident situations, including nearly any type of car accident or slip-and-fall incident. Because whiplash often affects the mobility of the victim’s neck, it can be an especially difficult injury with which to contend. Fortunately, our personal injury lawyers can assist you in filing a claim to recover compensation for your accident-related losses.
Understanding Whiplash Injuries and Their Impact
Whiplash is characterized as a sprain or strain of the neck, defined by a collection of symptoms. Whiplash can lead to vertebral damage that requires a lengthy recovery period. Whiplash is caused by the abrupt jerking of the head back and forth on the neck, which is common in car accidents. Symptoms related to whiplash can be slow to present – sometimes taking 24 hours or longer – which can further complicate the injury and can lead to a delay in receiving necessary medical treatment. The telltale symptoms of whiplash can include:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck
- Pain in the shoulders and/or between the shoulder blades
- Pain in the lower back
- Pain or numbness in the arm(s) and/or hand(s)
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Lapses in memory and/or concentration
- Fatigue, irritability, and/or sleep disturbances
Some sufferers experience additional symptoms, such as blurry vision, depression, and/or ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Whiplash is a soft-tissue injury that can lead to chronic health concerns and should never be ignored.
Obtain the Medical Attention You Need
Many cases of whiplash will heal with time, but some cases lead to serious complications. If you have been in an accident that leaves you with any of whiplash’s symptoms (even if it’s just a sore neck), it is in your best interest to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis of whiplash is closely associated with improved prognosis, and your medical provider can help rule out complications such as a broken bone or tissue damage that could be causing or intensifying your symptoms.
When There Are Serious Complications
Every whiplash case is unique in its own circumstances. Generally, whiplash that begins with intense symptoms, comes on quickly, and includes severe neck pain, headaches, and pain that shoots from the neck through the arms is more likely to morph into a chronic condition. Even a relatively quick-healing whiplash case can still lead to extensive medical bills and time lost on the job.
Consult with an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Whiplash is a painful injury that can lead to chronic complications and should always be taken extremely seriously. If you’ve suffered whiplash as a result of someone else’s negligence, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Bednarz & Bednarz in Hendersonville, TN, are here to help. Our dedicated legal team understands exactly how debilitating whiplash can be, and we’re committed to aggressively advocating for the compensation you need to reach your fullest recovery. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact or call us today.
