Whiplash Injury Claim

Whiplash injury is usually a result of a car accident - often when the car in which you are travelling is hit from behind.  It occurs where the neck flexes suddenly forwards and backwards causing the spine to compress and extend and can be made worse when the head is facing sideways to the direction of impact. The term "whiplash" is a very descriptive of this movement.

As whiplash is regularly cited as a bogus injury claim, honest sufferers may be put off claiming compensation. If you believe you may be suffering from whiplash, you should speak to your GP and seek treatment as soon as possible.

Whiplash has been a recognised medical complaint for many years. It had already been noted in railway collisions and these days may also occur through falls from the likes of horses, bikes and high stools, from playing sports and funfair rides.

Whiplash injury symptoms and diagnosis

One reason why whiplash is regarded as a dubious injury by those who have not suffered it is that it can vary so much in its severity, duration and the symptoms presented. Sufferers often report pain and aches in the neck, back and/or shoulders. Others feel 'pins and needles' in their arms and legs and some suffer headaches. Further symptoms associated with whiplash have included restricted mobility in the neck, loss of memory, inability to concentrate, tiredness and disturbed sleep.

Symptoms may sometimes appear immediately but often are not felt until some days after an accident. When symptoms appear they may last anything between a few days and a number of years.

Diagnosis is made through examination of the head and neck. Where there is any suspicion of fracture or other damage X-ray or other scanning technology may be used.

Typically the extent of any whiplash injury found will be graded according to severity and  will be a major factor in determining the amount of compensation due to the sufferer.

Treatment of whiplash injury

How whiplash is treated depends of course on the type and severity of injury experienced by an individual but often includes manipulation, mobilisation and exercises from a qualified Physiotherapist. In addition the use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed in more severe cases.

If you believe you have suffered a whiplash injury you are advised to consult a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor can usually diagnose the injury based on your described symptoms and will then refer you for appropriate treatment such as physiotherapy.

Instead of waiting for treatment on the NHS, Claim4Injury can speed up this process through our nationwide network of specialist personal injury lawyers, giving access to immediate medical triage and rehabilitation.

You should also seriously consider a claim for compensation to ensure that you can cover any expenses or time off work resulting from the whiplash injury.

Claim4Injury advisers will give you unbiased advice on whether or not you may be able to make a claim for compensation so feel free to contact us whenever it suits you.

You can call us on 0800 046 1449, Chat Live  to us online or pass us your details via our online  Start a Claim form.