WHIPLASH CLAIM - PERSONAL INJURY COMPENSATION

A whiplash claim is the most common legal action resulting from road traffic accidents. The injury accounts for tens of thousands of compensation claims made every year in the UK. This injury can be sustained by drivers and passengers of most types of vehicle and is usually caused by a rear-end collision, with side impact causing a similar injury. Whiplash is characterised as a collection of injuries caused by damage to the neck and upper back. These injuries affect muscles, tissue, discs, nerves and tendons. Normally whiplash occurs when the head is thrown violently in any direction and then the head snaps back immediately in a reflex reaction in the opposite direction. These rapid neck movements result in swelling and inflammation that places pressure on the nerves causing pain and discomfort.

Damages

If you have been involved in a motor accident that was not your fault then you might be entitled to make a whiplash claim for compensation. The amount of an award depends on several factors including the severity of the injuries, the recovery period and any long term symptoms or disability resulting from the accident. In addition to compensation for pain and suffering, actual financial losses resulting from the accident may also be awarded in a whiplash claim.

Symptoms

Whiplash can cause severe trauma to the spine which may take a long time to fully recover. In rare cases this injury can lead to more severe conditions that result in chronic pain. Occasionally damage is done to the vertebrae in the spinal cord. Symptoms may include dizziness, blurred vision, headaches, nausea, vomiting, pins and needles and poor balance. The pain can also cause loss of concentration and memory, irritability, nervousness, insomnia, fatigue and depression. A whiplash claim can result in substantial compensation in cases where there is long term damage.

Diagnosis

If you are suffering pain as a result of a motor accident you should see a doctor as soon as you can. Diagnosis will depend on the symptoms, physical examination and any past medical history of neck or spinal injuries. In more severe cases you may need a full physical and neurological examination, involving CAT scans or MRI scans. X-rays may be required to check for fractures in the vertebrae.

Treatment

Treatment normally involves medication for the pain and anti-inflammatory drugs. Physiotherapy and heat therapy are also sometimes used. More severe injuries may require the sufferer to wear a surgical collar, or be placed in cervical traction. The need for surgery is rare but may be necessary when there are tears in the inter-vertebral discs of the spine, which have to be removed followed by fusing the neck vertebrae.

Specialist Personal Injury Solicitors

If you would like to talk to a lawyer about a whiplash claim, without any charge or further obligation just use the helpline or complete the contact form and a specialist personal injury solicitor will speak to you on the phone. Our advocates operate on a no win no fee basis which means that you pay nothing, regardless of the result and your compensation will be paid in full. Win or lose there is no charge.