Whiplash Compensation Claim

Whiplash is an increasingly common injury that can cause the sufferer high levels of discomfort for weeks or sometimes months after the initial injury has occurred. Whiplash can be a complex condition, and can be caused by a number of other incidences than a car shunt.

Read on to find out what you need to know about the condition, how it is caused, and what to do if you think you have it.

How is whiplashed caused?

In the most common incidence, whiplash is caused by a sudden and unexpected jolt forward, most often in a car accident. The sudden movement caused by a rear collision causes your car to spring forward. Subsequently your body follows, but often after a very brief delay, causing the head to tilt downwards slightly, towards the steering wheel. This in turn causes the neck to extend forwards. As a result, the soft tissue (ligaments, tendons and muscles) at the back of the neck can stretch and tear. Nerves in the area may also be damaged by the sudden movement.

What are the symptoms of whiplash?

Whiplash symptoms will usually occur within hours of the incident occurring, but they can vary greatly. They can include:

• Pain and stiffness in the neck
• Headache
• Numbness in the arms and hands
• Back pain
• Tiredness
• Dizziness
• Poor concentration
• Memory loss
• Poor mental performance
• Ringing in the ears or tinnitus
• Blurred vision

How is Whiplash diagnosed? What do I do if I think I have it?

If you think you may be suffering from Whiplash, your doctor is your first port of call. He/she will normally be able to diagnose the condition by simply listening to your detailed description of the causing incident.

Your doctor will also perform a simple examination of your neck and arms to confirm your symptoms are indeed Whiplash. This way he/she will be able to quickly diagnose signs of damage to the spinal nerves, vertebrae or spinal cord. At this stage further treatment may be recommended.

What will the further treatment involve?

The usual treatment for patients suffering from Whiplash symptoms is to encase the neck in a supportive collar, thereby preventing movement.

Additionally, NHS guidelines for the treatment of all soft tissues apply, and are listed below:

• Apply an ice pack as soon as possible in order to reduce swelling
• Take pain relief medicine such as aspirin or ibuprofen. It is essential the medication you take is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory - check with your doctor if you are unsure
• Rest the area as much as you can, before gradually increasing the movement gradually to build up the muscles again. But be sure not to overdo it, again consult your doctor for precise advice.
• Massage treatment is often effective. As is traction, ultrasound and physical treatment. Consult a chiropractor or physiotherapist for more advice

If you think you are suffering from whiplash as a result of an accident that wasn't your fault, contact us immediately and we can quickly assess whether you have a claim. If you do we can begin working on your case, and help you claim back compensation for the injuries you have suffered.

Articles about Whiplash Compensation on Legal Request