How long it takes for whiplash symptoms to appear will vary from one injured person to the next. It can take days, sometimes even weeks. If you were involved in an accident that jarred you or caused you to brace yourself or sustain blunt force trauma, be on the lookout for whiplash symptoms.
Do not hesitate to get medical care right away, as it can set you up for a fuller and speedier recovery. You may also want to consider hiring a lawyer too, as they can help you hold the other party responsible for your injuries.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by the forceful whipping and snapping of your neck in a back-to-front or side-to-side motion. This painful condition can greatly limit your range of motion.
Rear-end car accidents are the most common cause of whiplash, in addition to slip and fall accidents and physical assault. If one of these or any other negligence-based accident caused your whiplash, a personal injury lawyer can help you pursue financial compensation.
What Symptoms of Whiplash Can Be Delayed?
According to Mayo Clinic research, it can take days or weeks for the symptoms to show. When they do, they can include:
- Pain that worsens with movement
- Stiffness and limited ability to move
- Difficulty turning your neck
- Headaches radiating from the base of the skull
- Shoulder pain or tenderness
- Upper back or arm pain and tenderness
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
- Fatigue, dizziness, and irritability
- Blurred vision and tinnitus
- Trouble concentrating
- Memory issues
Whiplash symptoms can also be masked in the immediate aftermath of an accident due to an adrenaline rush. They can also be confused with other injuries or overlooked when treating more readily apparent injuries.
If a loved one was injured in the same accident, you may be so focused on them that recognizing your own symptoms is delayed.
How Is Whiplash Diagnosed Once the Symptoms Start?
When whiplash symptoms appear later, it can mean a corresponding delay in your diagnosis and treatment, which can lead to worsening symptoms and possibly longer recovery times.
To reach a conclusive diagnosis, your healthcare provider will:
- Conduct a comprehensive physical exam
- Tests of your range of motion
- Tests of your reflexes and strength
- Imaging exams like X-ray, CT, and MRI
Once diagnosed, your doctor will develop a treatment plan customized to your needs and ability and with your prescribed recovery goal in mind.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Whiplash?
It can take several months to fully recover your agility, mobility, and range of motion. It can also take time to return to work and to your previously enjoyed lifestyle and activities.
Because whiplash symptoms come and go at times, it can be hard to know when your recovery is complete on your own. Let your doctor diagnose your recovery, and follow all their orders until they release you from their care.
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An Accident Can My Whiplash—Will the At-Fault Party Pay My Medical Bills?
The person or entity whose negligent action was the cause of your accident is responsible for covering your medical bills. The costs of treating whiplash can include:
- Prolonged immobilization
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Muscle relaxers to prevent spasms
- Nerve blockers to treat chronic pain
- Stretching and physical therapy
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Radiofrequency (RF) nerve ablation
- Spine surgery in rare cases
You have a limited amount of time after your accident to pursue the other party for these costs. The sooner you get a personal injury lawyer involved in your vase, the better. Early intervention means they have sufficient time to investigate, speak to witnesses, and meet the personal injury statute of limitations under CC Art. 3492.
What Other Compensation Can I Receive?
In addition to your medical bills, you and your attorney can recover the following economic damages:
- Injury-related lost income
- Loss of future earning ability
- Property damage expenses
- Diminished property value
You could also demand compensation for non-economic or intangible damages, which can include:
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
The at-fault party owed you a duty of care. If they failed to provide it and their actions caused your accident, injury, and financial damages, your lawyer will fight hard for compensation.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Sue the At-Fault Party?
You don’t have to have legal representation, but there are many benefits to letting a personal injury lawyer handle your whiplash case. They can:
- Identify the at-fault party
- Review accident and incident reports
- Build a compelling evidence file
- Determine the monetary value of your case
- Comply with the statute of limitations
- Handle all case-related communication
- Draft and file your insurance claim or court case
- Provide ongoing updates as your case progresses
A lawyer can help you resolve your case with a settlement versus a lengthy trial by negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurance company. They will field settlement offers, weigh their feasibility, and guide you toward a well-informed decision.
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Call for Your Free Whiplash Case Review Today
If you or someone you love was injured in a negligence-based accident and was later diagnosed with whiplash, we can help you get compensation for your injury and losses. We will investigate the accident and consult medical experts to understand how long it can take for whiplash symptoms to fully appear and how they can affect your life.
Leave your personal injury case to us. Contact Laborde Earles today to learn more in a free consultation.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
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