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Blog 
Auto, Truck & Motor Vehicle Accidents
- I-4 SINKHOLES MEAN MORE DEFENSIVE DRIVING
- Safety Tips to Avoid an Auto Accident this Holiday Season
- Halloween Safety at Forefront After Clermont Child Struck by SUV
- Thousands of Drivers Killed in Drunk Driving Accidents in 2008
- What Does it Mean to Live in a No Fault Insurance State?
Claims Involving Children
Symptoms and Treatment of a Whiplash Injury
One of the most common injuries caused by a car accident is whiplash. A whiplash injury is defined as a hyperextension injury to the neck, which is often caused by being struck from behind, such as in a car crash. According to MedicineNet.com, a whiplash injury is a result of the following series of events:
The victim may be first pushed or accelerated forward, pushing the body forward, but the head remains behind momentarily, rocking up and back, and some muscles and ligaments may be stretched or torn. These muscles, in a reflex action, contract to bring the head forward again, to prevent excessive injury. There may be overcompensation when the head is traveling in a forward direction as the vehicle decelerates. This may rock the head violently forward, stretching and tearing more muscles and ligaments.
If you have experienced whiplash, you know the level of pain associated with this injury. Even though whiplash is not a life-threatening injury, it can still cause pain and suffering and financial loss if you are unable to immediately return to work. A whiplash injury can lead to a prolonged period of disability. It is estimated that the economic expenses related to whiplash can reach $30 billion a year in the United States, which includes medical care, disability, sick leave, lost productivity and litigation.
Symptoms of Whiplash
Some people will recover quickly from whiplash, while others experience symptoms for years. The most common whiplash symptoms include:
• Neck pain
• Neck stiffness
• Headache
• Shoulder pain
• Fatigue
• Arm weakness
• Dizziness
• Vision problems
• Ringing in the ears
• Back pain
More severe cases of whiplash can result in depression, anger, anxiety and sleep disturbances, as the victim struggles to handle the pain and other consequences of the injury.
Treatment for Whiplash
The treatment for a whiplash injury depends on the patient’s symptoms. A cervical collar is often recommended for additional support for the neck. This collar reduces the range of motion of the neck to prevent further injuries. A physician may prescribe ice and heat therapy, bed rest, neck rest, muscle relaxers and pain medication. Physical therapy and occupational therapy are also frequently recommended for the patient.
Compensation for a Whiplash Injury
If a whiplash injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, such as in a car accident, then you may be entitled to compensation. As an injured victim, you most likely incurred medical expenses and lost wages. You could be awarded monetary damages for medical reimbursements, lost wages and pain and suffering. A knowledgeable Florida attorney will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your case. Contact Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP if you have been the victim of a whiplash injury.
Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP
Lakeland Office: (863) 683-1111
Bartow Office: (863) 533-5525M
Sebring Office: (863) 471-0003
Lake Wales Office: (863) 676-1991
Haines City Office: (863) 422-1282
Wauchula Office: (863) 767-1111
Also providing legal assistance to clients from:
Wauchula, Lake Placid, Avon Park, Plant City, Brandon, and Valrico, Florida.
