The symptoms of whiplash can get better quickly or can last for a long time, and in some cases, they may never go away completely. Many people who suffer from whiplash report chronic pain and neck stiffness that can last for months or years.
If you have been in an accident and think you may have whiplash, contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today for a free consultation. We will help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Causes of Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden, jerking motion of the head, which can occur after a car accident, sports injury, or other traumatic events. The force of the impact causes the neck muscles and ligaments to stretch beyond their normal range of motion. This can result in tears and other damage to the tissues.
Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD)
Whiplash is classified as a type of WAD or whiplash-associated disorder. WAD is a general term used to describe neck pain and other symptoms that occur after an injury to the neck.
Whiplash Symptoms
The symptoms of whiplash can vary from person to person, and they may not appear until hours or even days after the injury has occurred.
Common signs of whiplash include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Reduced range of motion
- Radiating pain in the arms
- Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, or fingers
How Long Do Whiplash Symptoms Last?
The severity of your symptoms will depend on the extent of the injury. In most cases, the pain and stiffness associated with whiplash will improve within a few weeks or months. However, some people may experience severe pain that persists for months or years, and can sometimes be permanent
If you have been in an accident and are suffering from whiplash, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can often help minimize the severity of symptoms and improve the chances of a full recovery.
Long-Term Complications of Whiplash
Whiplash can often be a very painful and debilitating injury. It can lead to long-term chronic pain and other complications. Some of the more serious complications associated with whiplash include:
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for more than three months. It can be a sharp, throbbing pain or a dull, constant ache. This pain can make it difficult to perform activities of daily living and can have a negative impact on your mental health.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected area. In severe cases, it can lead to paralysis.
Muscle spasms
Muscle spasms are involuntary contractions of the muscles. They can be caused by injury, overuse, or stress. Muscle spasms can be painful and make it difficult to move the affected muscle.
Vertigo
Vertigo is a type of dizziness that is characterized by a spinning sensation. It can be caused by an inner ear infection, Meniere’s disease, or a whiplash injury. Vertigo can make it difficult to balance and can cause nausea and vomiting.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. PTSD can cause flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and nightmares. It can also lead to depression and anxiety.
How is Whiplash Diagnosed?
A doctor will diagnose whiplash based on a physical examination and your symptoms. Most injuries are to soft tissues such as the discs, muscles, and ligaments and cannot be seen on standard X-rays. Instead, a doctor may order specialized imaging tests, such as CT scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Medical Care for Whiplash
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for whiplash neck injuries, and the best approach will vary depending on the individual’s symptoms. Some common treatments include:
- Physical Therapy – Physical therapists help reduce pain, strengthen sore neck muscles, and improve range of motion through exercises and other treatments.
- Massage Therapy – Massage therapy can be an effective treatment for whiplash, as it can help relieve muscle pain and stiffness. It can also improve blood circulation and promote healing. Massage therapy may be recommended regularly to help keep the muscles loose and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
- Injections – Corticosteroid or lidocaine injections can help relieve muscle pain or spasms.
- Pain Medication – Your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter or prescription pain medication to help relieve your pain.
- Neck Braces – Your doctor may ask you to wear a collar or neck brace to help support your neck as it heals. These are not intended for long-term use as they can cause your muscles to weaken.
Can You File a Lawsuit for a Whiplash Injury?
To determine whether you have a case, it is important to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., who will review the facts of your situation and advise you on your best course of action.
Our team is here to support accident victims. We will help you gather evidence to support your claim and negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company for fair compensation.
What Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Can Do For You
The Washington, D.C. car accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have a proven track record of success helping clients obtain the maximum compensation possible for injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of others. Our firm has consistently demonstrated we have the expertise needed to help our clients see that justice is served. We have the resources needed to conduct thorough investigations of all the circumstances contributing to a motor vehicle accident, gathering the evidence to establish liability and negligence.
Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has achieved more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements, and our attorneys have more than a century of combined legal experience. Two of our partners are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Our firm has also earned the highest AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, one of the most respected attorney-ranking service organizations in the United States. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. attorneys work passionately on behalf of our clients to help them secure fair compensation – there is no type of case that is too complex for us to litigate.
Recovering Damages for the Long-Term Effects of Whiplash Injuries
Many factors go into determining the value of your case. These include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys have experience evaluating cases just like yours to determine what they may be worth and will work hard to get you fair compensation for your injuries.
Here are a few of our case results:
- $6 million for a client who suffered a brain injury after being involved in a rear-end collision.
- $4.8 million for a severely injured client after another vehicle struck his motorcycle.
- $1.9 million for a client who suffered a permanent back injury due to a car accident.
- $1.5 million for a client who had to undergo multiple surgeries after a negligent motorist cut off his motorcycle.
- $1 million settlement obtained on behalf of our 19-year-old client who was a passenger in a car in which the driver lost control, causing a collision. As a result, our client suffered extensive brain damage with cognitive impairment. He was in a coma for an extended period of time. Although he has regained consciousness, he is unable to care for himself. The law firm asked the Court to appoint him a guardian to care for him. The law firm is helping to establish a special needs trust so that the proceeds from the settlement will be protected against any medical liens.
- $1 million settlement on behalf of a client who suffered a brain injury when the driver of the car in which he was a passenger lost control of his vehicle.
Contact an Accident Lawyer Today
If you are looking for the highest level representation available for your personal injury case, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C.
We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or contact us online to get the proven legal representation you deserve.
