A whiplash injury is caused when the head and neck are jerked forward and back again. This can happen in car accidents, sports injuries, or any other situation where the head suddenly moves. Usually, whiplash involves muscle sprains or strains. However, it can also cause cervical vertigo, a type of dizziness caused by neck injuries.

If you or a loved one are experiencing dizziness due to whiplash after an auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact an experienced car accident lawyer with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today for what steps to take next and whether or not you have the right to file a personal injury claim.

Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD)

Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) is a term used to describe the range of whiplash symptoms that occur after the injury. WAD can cause dizziness and significant disability, affecting your ability to work or participate in normal activities.

What Causes Dizziness After Whiplash?

Cervical vertigo often results from a neck or head injury that disrupts head and neck alignment. When the upper cervical spine bones are out of alignment, it can influence the vestibular system, leading to inflammation and swelling in the inner ear. This can lead to dizziness and balance problems.

Symptoms of Cervical Vertigo

The symptoms of cervical vertigo or cervical dizziness are similar to whiplash-associated disorders. Cervical vertigo can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Balance problems
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Neck pain
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears (Tinnitus)
• Light-headedness

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause.

Treatments for Dizziness After Whiplash

Surgery is rarely necessary for cervical vertigo. However, many people find relief from symptoms through:

• Medication -Muscle relaxers and over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen or Tylenol may help with the pain.
• Physical Therapy – Is recommended to build strength, correct posture, and improve neck mobility.
• Massage Therapy – This can help stretch the muscles in your neck and relieve tension headaches.
• Chiropractic Care –  A chiropractor can manipulate the spine to relieve pressure on the nerves.
• Acupuncture – This ancient Chinese practice involves inserting thin needles into the skin to relieve pain.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy – This type of therapy can help improve balance and reduce dizziness.
• Yoga – Yoga can help improve flexibility and alleviate stress.

How to Diagnose Cervical Vertigo

There is no test to diagnose dizziness or cervical vertigo. Your doctor will instead rule out other conditions by determining the cause of your symptoms. A CT scan of the cervical spine may rule out a spinal injury. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may rule out a herniated disc, vascular damage, and other soft tissue injuries.

How Long Does Dizziness from Whiplash Last?

The duration of the symptom will depend on the underlying cause. For example, if the dizziness is caused by inflammation, it may resolve within a few days or weeks. On the other hand, if the dizziness is caused by nerve damage, it may last for months or even years.

Finally, if the dizziness is caused by anxiety or stress, it may resolve within a few weeks or months. If you are experiencing dizziness after a neck injury, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan.

Other Neurological Signs of Whiplash

In addition to dizziness, there are a few other neurological signs of whiplash. These include:

Headaches

Headaches are a common symptom of whiplash and can be quite severe. They may start immediately after the accident or several weeks later. The pain may be throbbing, pressure-like, or aching, usually located on one side of the head. Many people find that their headaches are worse when they bend over or move their neck from side to side.

Referred Pain

Whiplash pain can often be felt in other parts of the body, causing arm or shoulder pain. This is known as referred pain caused by nerves damaged near where they enter the spinal cord at the C-spine level (Cervical spine).

Pinched Nerves

A pinched nerve is an injury to a nerve that causes it to become inflamed or swollen. It can cause stabbing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in another part of your body. The most common location for a pinched nerve is in the neck, but they can also occur in the arms, hands, legs, and feet. In addition, a herniated disc may press on nearby nerves and lead to these symptoms if left untreated for too long.

Can You File a Lawsuit for Dizziness Caused by Whiplash?

To determine if 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.