Whiplash Symptoms
Whiplash is an example of a soft-tissue injury that is difficult to detect in typical diagnostic tests such as CT scans. It is not a medical diagnosis, but rather, a descriptive term for a common type of injury occurring in motor vehicle accidents. It typically occurs when someone in a car that is stopped at a stoplight (for example) is suddenly thrown forward when the car is struck from behind by another vehicle. As the word implies, the very rapid movement forward and then backward of the injured person’s neck is similar to that of a whip.
Pain And Recovery Difficulties Often Associated With Whiplash
Physical symptoms of whiplash include neck, head, shoulder and/or back pain. As the injured person copes with the aftermath of a whiplash injury, it is not uncommon for complications to develop, such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance and dependence on painkillers. Meanwhile, the injured person often finds it difficult to return to a normal lifestyle. Many whiplash sufferers are unable to handle returning to work full-time or to enjoy life as before — sometimes for quite a long time.
Common Legal Challenges As You Seek Compensation For Your Injuries
Observers other than the injured person often downplay the seriousness of whiplash. If you suffered whiplash or any neck, shoulder or back injury in a car accident or serious fall, please remember several key factors that could be of great importance to your injury claim:
- You should get a medical exam as soon as possible after an accident. If you do not, someone may challenge you as to whether your neck pain is 100 percent caused by your accident.
- Pain and immobilization may increase in the days following an accident. This is one important reason that you should get legal counsel before talking to an insurance claims adjuster about your injury.
- An experienced attorney, working together with top-notch medical experts, can advocate on your behalf and help ensure that your whiplash injury is taken seriously.
Whatever your experience is after suffering a whiplash injury in a motor vehicle accident or any other way, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer promptly. At Harris Powers & Cunningham, we are prepared to advocate zealously on your behalf. Since 1981, we have been representing plaintiffs in personal injury claims and lawsuits in the Phoenix area. Our lawyers welcome the opportunity to evaluate your case and make recommendations.
Contacting A Personal Injury Lawyer
Harris Powers & Cunningham offers free initial consultations. To talk with our lawyers about your whiplash injury, please call Harris Powers & Cunningham at 602-910-6779 or contact us online.