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The best treatment for whiplash varies depending on the severity of the injury, so talk to your doctor about the right treatment for you. Some cases of whiplash respond well to rest, while others require medical intervention. In addition to expensive medical bills, whiplash can cause chronic pain and physical impairment.
Whiplash is commonly caused by rear-end accidents but can also be caused by slip-and-fall accidents, sports injuries, and other accidents. If you sustained whiplash injuries because of another person’s carelessness, you may be entitled to financial compensation known as damages. Damages compensate you for losses such as medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. You can seek damages on your own or you can work with a personal injury lawyer.
A Slam On The Brakes, an Impact, and Subsequent Strain: What is Whiplash?
According to Mayo Clinic, whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the neck is thrown back and forth like a whip. Car accidents, serious falls, tackle sports like football, and physical abuse can cause whiplash.
Whiplash can cause:
- Pain in the neck, back, shoulders, and upper arms
- Limited range of motion in the neck
- Headaches
- Numbness
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Irritability
- Depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Other symptoms.
Negligence and Liability For Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash is not always someone’s fault. For example, you may slip at home and injure your neck. But if someone else caused your injuries because of their careless or reckless behavior, they may be liable for your medical bills and other related expenses. Here are some examples of negligence that can cause whiplash:
- Rear-end accidents: These car accidents usually cause the victim’s head to shake or jolt forward violently.
- Slip-and-fall accidents: Property owners may fail to remove hazards, such as ice, potholes, spills, bulging carpeting, and more.
Our lawyer can go over your case to determine which party is responsible for your injuries.
Treatment Options for Whiplash
Talk to your medical provider about your treatment options if you sustain whiplash after a car accident or other incident. Prompt medical care is important not only for your health but also for your legal case. Your medical records document your injuries and link them to the incident in question. If you do not have a regular doctor, our lawyer can help you find one.
According to Emory Healthcare, there are several treatments for shoulder and neck pain caused by whiplash injuries. Treatment options range from simple rest to medical treatments and alternative approaches.
At-Home Treatments For Whiplash
Your doctor may recommend:
- Rest
- Alternating hot and cold packs to the affected area
- Over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol or Advil for pain relief
Medical Treatment For Whiplash
More serious cases of whiplash may require:
- Prescription medications, such as pain relievers and muscle relaxants
- Injectable pain medications, such as lidocaine
- Physical therapy to reduce pain and improve range of motion
- Soft foam cervical collar to limit neck movement
Alternative Therapies for Whiplash
You may find relief through alternative therapies, including:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Tai chi, yoga, and other gentle exercises
Recovering Damages For Whiplash
If your whiplash was caused by an outside party, you may be entitled to these damages:
Economic Damages For Whiplash Injuries
You may be able to recover damages for direct losses such as:
- Medical bills for medical imaging, doctor’s appointments, pain medication, medical equipment, and more
- Ongoing care such as physical therapy or chiropractic treatment
- Lost wages for any unpaid time off work
- Property damage if your car is damaged or totaled
Noneconomic Damages For Whiplash Injuries
You may be able to recover damages for intangible losses such as pain and suffering if you experience:
- Chronic neck pain
- Long recovery period
- Physical impairment
- Depression, irritability, or other mental health issues
- Other ongoing symptoms
Our lawyers will use evidence such as your medical bills and records, past wage statements, vehicle repair or replacement receipts, and more to estimate how much your damages are worth.
Do I Need a Lawyer If I Have Whiplash?
You never need a lawyer, but you may find it easier to pursue damages with a lawyer’s help. Without legal experience, you may not realize the full value of your damages and be willing to accept a smaller payment than you deserve. You may not even know how to seek damages from the at-fault party. Our lawyer can:
- Investigate your accident
- Estimate the value of your case
- File an insurance claim for you
- Negotiate a settlement
- Sue the at-fault party, if necessary
We Can Help You Seek Damages For Whiplash Injuries
If you sustained whiplash injuries because of another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to damages for medical care, pain and suffering, and more. A lawyer may be able to help you get the best treatment for whiplash as well as financial compensation. Call George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, today at (888) 612-7001 today for a free case consultation. Remember: you pay nothing unless we win your case, so reach out to us today.