Posted on Monday, January 9th, 2017 at 4:22 am
Whiplash has received a bad reputation as a “scam” accident injury. Many television shows and movies have made fun of this fact. However, for the victim of a whiplash injury, it is no laughing matter. Whiplash can result in long-term, chronic pain and reduction in the range of motion that impairs the person’s ability to work and take care of himself.
If you have been in an accident and you are suffering from whiplash, we can help. Contact our office for a free consultation with a Sacramento personal injury lawyer.
How Does Whiplash Occur?
Falls and motor vehicle accidents are the two most common causes of whiplash injuries. Whiplash occurs when the head is forcefully moved back and forth. The movement causes strains in the joints of the neck. In some cases, whiplash can result in damage to the discs of the neck. It can also result in nerve damage and torn ligaments and cervical muscles in the neck and upper back. In some cases, whiplash can damage the esophagus or larynx causing difficulty swallowing and chewing. This type of accident injury should not be taken lightly. Accident victims should seek medical attention to determine the severity of whiplash.
Symptoms of Whiplash
Unfortunately, whiplash can be difficult to diagnose because of a lack of outward trauma to the neck and back. Symptoms of whiplash can vary depending on several factors including the force of the impact and the level of overextension of the neck. In most cases, whiplash results in tenderness and pain in the neck, stiffness, and headaches. In some cases, the victim may suffer worsening pain, loss of range of motion, pain in the upper back and shoulders, numbness or tingling in the arms, dizziness, and fatigue. For most whiplash victims, a course of treatment including rest and pain medication is enough to allow for a full recovery. Other cases may require treatment that includes applying ice or heat, muscle relaxants, injections, and physical therapy. Cervical collars may be prescribed to hold the neck and head still; however, cervical collars should only be used under the supervision and on the advice of a doctor.
Proving Whiplash
As discussed above, whiplash has a bad reputation because some people of used whiplash as a way to cheat insurance companies. However, whiplash is a real injury that can result in long-term pain and disability. Our Sacramento car accident attorneys understand how to prove damages in whiplash cases. If your whiplash is due to the negligence of another person or entity, you are entitled to receive compensation from that party. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, physical pain, emotional suffering, and other expenses related to your injuries.
Call A Sacramento Injury Attorney
If you believe your whiplash was the result of an accident caused by another person, don’t wait to call our office for a free appointment. You have a limited time to file a claim against the party who caused the accident. Call Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or chat with a representative on our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
