Understanding Whiplash and Your Claim for Financial Compensation

Thanks in large part to television shows, whiplash has the reputation of being an injury that is commonly faked so that accident victims can win easy insurance settlements they do not deserve. If you are picturing a lawyer with a cheap suit and a Southern drawl talking to the jury about a victim wearing a neck brace that is two sizes too big, your perception of whiplash is likely based more on Hollywood’s version than the real thing.

In truth, whiplash is a serious neck injury that can have life-altering consequences. Whiplash victims often undergo weeks – and in many cases years – of painful coping and recovery. Individuals who suffer whiplash in car collisions and other accidents often incur exorbitant medical bills, miss extensive time from work, and experience other real financial, physical, and mental harm.

The Truth About Whiplash

Whiplash is a condition that arises when a person’s head is suddenly thrust forward. The neck has no choice but to follow, but can only extend so far before it literally snaps back to its regular position. This whip-like motion can cause strains in the muscles and sprains in the ligaments and tendons in the victim’s neck – injuries that we commonly know as, “whiplash.”

Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end bus, truck and car accidents, but can also result from incidents such as falls, physical assaults and collisions in contact sports. In any event, victims typically start to experience symptoms within about 24 hours. These symptoms may include:

• Anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Memory loss
• Ringing in the ears
• Stiffness in the neck, chest and shoulders
• Trouble concentrating

Depending on the severity of the victim’s injuries, these symptoms can last anywhere from months to years following the accident. Individuals who experience whiplash often suffer other back and neck injuries as well. Back and neck injuries commonly associated with whiplash include:

• Cervical dislocation
• Fractured vertebrae
• Herniated disks
• Other forms of spinal cord damage

Seeking Financial Compensation for Whiplash

If you suspect you have whiplash, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. In addition to seeking treatment, you will need proof of your injuries in order to pursue a claim for compensation. An experienced physician should be able to thoroughly evaluate your condition and provide a prognosis for your long-term treatment, rehabilitation and recovery. In order to seek maximum damages, you need to know the full financial burden of your whiplash, and this includes future expenses.

Once you know the extent of your injury, pursuing damages for whiplash is just like pursuing damages for any other accident-related claim. If you have been injured and someone else is to blame, you may be entitled to a substantial financial recovery.

Contact the Houston Law Offices of Morrow & Sheppard LLP

At Morrow & Sheppard LLP, we provide experienced, aggressive representation for victims who have suffered whiplash in car crashes and other accidents. To find out if you have a case, schedule a free consultation with one of our Houston car accident lawyers by calling (800) 489-2216 or sending us an email today.