Compensation Claims for Whiplash Injuries

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Claiming Compensation for Whiplash Injuires

When it comes to injuries caused by car accidents, whiplash is one of the most common. This is perhaps because it encompasses a number of types of injury and can range from a slight twinge which lasts a few hours to a serious disability which causes months of pain.

Very often people who end up with a whiplash injury will have been hit by another car from behind. In this case the other driver is almost always at fault and therefore the injured person is within their rights to claim compensation.

But how do you know if you have a whiplash injury and if it is serious enough to claim compensation for? Because whiplash can be notoriously difficult to diagnose, you should always see your doctor for their opinion, but the following points should help you decide if this is the best course of action.

What is whiplash?

The terms was first used in the 1920's and referred to similar injuries which occurred during railway accidents. It refers to injuries which include both the muscles and the bone structures around the neck and upper spine.

How does whiplash happen?

The most common way that whiplash occurs is when the driver is stationary in their car and are hit from behind. The head moves forward and then backwards independently of the rest of the body causing damage to the muscles around the neck. In addition the vertebrae tends to change into an "S" pulling and hyper-flexing the muscles and bones in the area.

Generally this happens due to the fact that the victim is wearing a seatbelt. This keeps the body rigid while letting the head move. Experts have suggested that ensuring car seat headrests are correctly positioned will help to minimise damage done.

Symptoms?

The most common symptoms of whiplash are neck pain, shoulder pain and a headache. Whiplash may also cause dizziness, tiredness and pain in the arms and back. Victims may also suffer from jaw pain and visual disturbances. Those who suffer long term complications may also have depressions, anxiety, stress and sleep disturbances. Some people even become addicted to the medication taken to control the pain.

Diagnosing

Doctors find it very difficult to accurately diagnose whiplash as the symptoms can vary from patient to patient. However they can make an educated diagnosis based on symptoms. The doctor may decide to give the patient a neck collar to support the head. If the pain continues, x-rays may be taken to see if there are any other injuries.

Treatment

Staying positive regarding whiplash is one of the most important aids to recovery. Those who go on to develop secondary symptoms of depression and anxiety are those who fail to realise their condition will improve given time.

Simple exercises which improve the range of motion are effective if performed several times each hour after the first four days. Resting is not recommended. In fact, the more the patient moves the quicker they seem to recover. Sometimes occupational or physical therapy is used to improve the strength in the back and neck muscles allowing the patient to stop wearing the collar for support.

So while the victim may find it impossible to prevent such an injury, there does seem to be hope for those affected. For those who have more long term and painful conditions, there is compensation available. While this will not take away the pain, it will help arrange treatment and to allow the patient the time to recover without having to be concerned about work.

Other popular articles related to this one include: Whiplash Injuries Claims, Motorbike Accident Compensation Claims, Compensation for a Car Crash, Car Injuries Claim, Car Accidents Claims, Injury from a Car Accident, Road Accidents, and . Please let us know if you find any errors.

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