Whiplash is classified as an injury to the soft tissues in the neck (muscles, tendons, and ligaments). Most frequently experienced in low-speed, rear-end crashes, such injuries can take weeks, months, or even years for victims to heal. Learn more about the symptoms, treatment, and prognosis of whiplash injuries, and discover what your rights are in terms of compensation.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Although whiplash victims may experience some form of stiffness or pain in the neck immediately after the accident has occurred, the real pain and inflammation typically start one to a few days later. Victims may notice they have both limited mobility and pain in the neck area. However, in some cases, whiplash may also result in tingling or pain in one or both arms, face, and in between the shoulder blades. Some victims also experience ringing in the ears, headaches, dizziness, poor concentration, insomnia, blurred vision, memory problems, and pain that extends into the lower back area.
Whiplash Prognosis
While some victims may recover from their injuries after a few months, a year, or a few years, others may suffer from long-term or even chronic whiplash. For these victims, there may be a long-term loss of income, costly medical bills, and even issues with depression, yet the most frustrating part for these victims is the lack of validation. Insurance companies often refute the validity of chronic injuries, and they may attempt to entirely dismiss the victim’s claim. Doctors may be unable to find any identifiable damage, and even family and friends may accuse the individual of trying to “milk” the system. Rest assured: these injuries are real, and they may be compensable if negligence was the cause.
Whiplash Treatment
Treatment options for whiplash typically include rest and stabilization of the neck. Pain medication may also be needed to help manage a whiplash victim’s symptoms during the healing process. Some victims may also need physical therapy, massage, or chiropractic care to achieve any form of relief. Currently, there are no forms of additional treatment for chronic sufferers; instead, they may spend years going through the same treatments, with little to no progress. In these instances, emotional therapy or antidepressants may also be needed.
Pursuing Compensation for Your Injuries
If you or someone you love is suffering from whiplash injuries after an accident, contact Martinez & Schill, LLP for an analysis of your case. Dedicated and experienced, we will aggressively pursue the most favorable outcome possible in your auto accident injury case. Learn more by scheduling your personalized consultation with our San Diego whiplash injury lawyers. Call our offices at 619-512-5995 today.
Source:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/how-long-does-whiplash-last-10252968