In many cases, whiplash goes away after a few weeks. Sometimes, however, victims may feel whiplash symptoms for years after an accident. Each person heals differently, so your recovery process may not look the same as someone else’s. Whiplash is a debilitating injury caused when your head and neck are forcefully whipped back and forth.
If you have whiplash because of an accident someone else caused, you could seek compensation. A personal injury lawyer in your area can help you prove the cause of your injury and establish your right to financial recovery. They can also help you identify the at-fault party and seek compensation from them or their insurer.
Types of Whiplash Injuries You Could Sustain in an Accident
According to Cleveland Clinic research, motor vehicle accidents are the most common causes of whiplash. This research also suggests that whiplash injuries can range in severity. For example:
- Grade 1: An injury that results in ongoing pain
- Grade 2: An injury with pain and signs of injury like muscle spasms and bruising
- Grade 3: An injury with pain, symptoms such as pins and needles or headaches, and neurological damage
- Grade 4: An injury with severe symptoms, neurological defects, and signs of damage to the vertebra in your neck
Whiplash can also lead to more serious, even chronic, medical issues. If this is the case with your injury, a personal injury lawyer will help you establish the cause of your injury and pursue the at-fault party for compensation.
Temporary Consequences of a Whiplash Injury
In some cases of whiplash, your symptoms might include:
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Lost range of motion in your neck
- Headaches
- Numbness in the arms
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Depression
- Irritability
- Issues with memory
The lawyer who handles your case will obtain your past, current, and future medical records. They will use this information along with proof of negligence to hold the at-fault party financially accountable for their actions.
Ongoing Consequences of a Whiplash Injury
Receiving prompt medical care and a definitive diagnosis are important parts of recovering from any injury. With whiplash, a lack of appropriate medical care can lead to serious complications. In some cases, even with appropriate care, you might still suffer added complications including:
- Persistent pain and headaches
- Impaired neck joints and discs
- Torn or damaged neck ligaments
According to Frontiers in Neurology data, whiplash can cause chronic pain. You deserve justice from the person who caused your injury.
For a free legal consultation, call (337) 777-7777
The Ongoing Costs of Treating Whiplash
Depending on the extent and severity of your injury, you could be faced with costly and long-term medical care. When you hold the at-fault party responsible for your post-accident costs, you can recover:
- Past, present, and future medical bills
- Physical and occupational therapy costs
- Required assistive medical devices
- Treatment-related travel expenses
The longer you require medical care and ongoing therapies, the more expensive your recovery costs will be. Our personal injury law firm can help you recover these and other costs from the appropriate party.
In addition to your medical records, the lawyer who handles your case will interview medical experts who can substantiate the severity of your whiplash. Your lawyer may also obtain a written statement from you detailing the toll your injury has taken on your life.
Your Whiplash Medical Care and Related Expenses Could Be Recoverable
Medical bills are not the only recoverable damages in your personal injury case. You can also request compensation for any income loss for the time your injury prevents you from returning to work. Additional recoverable damages may include:
- Future lost earnings
- Property damage
- Property loss
- Physical disability
- Physical disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
To pursue the costs of your injuries and related expenses, your lawyer will gather evidence that proves the at-fault party’s negligence. Your lawyer will handle evidence collection and settlement negotiations for you. While they do, you can focus on your recovery.
Call for a Free Consultation on Your Whiplash Injury Case
Are you or someone you love suffering from whiplash caused by someone else’s negligence? If so, our personal injury law firm can help you recover financial compensation from the at-fault party. You should not have to deal with the ongoing costs associated with treating whiplash.
We know how hard it can be to live with a permanent injury and are passionate about helping our clients recover damages. Contact one of our case review team members at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers to learn more about your options for monetary recovery today.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
