Whiplash is a condition that can occur when the head and neck are suddenly jerked backward and then forwards. This can happen in a car accident, after a sports injury, physical abuse, or even from a fall. Whiplash often doesn’t show any symptoms right away, so it is important to know the signs of whiplash so that you can get treatment as soon as possible.

If you or a loved one are experiencing whiplash or another neck injury due to an auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact an experienced personal injury 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.

Which Muscles Are Affected By Whiplash?

The neck and upper back muscles are most commonly affected by whiplash. These muscles help to support the head and neck. When they are injured, it can cause pain and stiffness. The muscles in the shoulder and arms can also be affected as they work together to move the arm. If these muscles are strained or ruptured, it can cause pain, weakness, and numbness in the arm.

Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD)

WAD is a term used to describe the range of symptoms that occur due to whiplash. WAD can cause significant disability and affect your ability to work or participate in your normal activities.

Some common symptoms of whiplash include:

• Pain in neck muscles and stiffness
• Worsening of pain with neck movement
• Loss of range of motion in the neck
• Headaches, most often starting at the base of the skull
• Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back, or arms
• Tingling or numbness in the arms
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Some victims also experience:

• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Sleep disturbances
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems
• Muscle spasms

If you have been in an auto accident and are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you should seek medical treatment. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent further injury and improve your prognosis.

How Long After an Accident Can Whiplash Symptoms Appear?

Most people will start to experience symptoms immediately after an accident. However, it’s not uncommon for accident victims to go days without noticing the signs of a neck sprain.

Long-Term Complications of Whiplash

Whiplash is a serious injury, and if left untreated, it can lead to long-term complications. In some cases, a whiplash injury may indicate neurological disorders such as a pinched nerve or referred pain. In the most severe whiplash injury cases, victims may experience chronic whiplash, which includes:

• Chronic pain
• Difficulty sleeping
• Long-term bouts of dizziness
• Memory problems
• Depression
• Headaches
• Numbness or weakness in the hands

How is Whiplash Diagnosed?

Whiplash is not always easy to diagnose, as the symptoms can mimic other conditions. Your doctor may perform a physical examination and ask you about your accident and previous injuries. They may also order imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan to see damage to soft tissues such as discs, muscles, and ligaments in the neck.

How is Whiplash Treated?

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for neck injuries such as whiplash. The condition can vary from person to person, and treatment will vary depending on the severity of your injury, but early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for a full recovery. Surgery is rarely necessary for whiplash. However, many people find relief from symptoms through a combination of rest, ice packs, and physical therapy. Some people may also require medication to help with pain and inflammation.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of whiplash, it is important to see a doctor right away. Ignoring the signs can lead to more serious problems down the road. Early treatment is the best way to minimize neck pain and stiffness associated with whiplash.

Can I Sue for a Whiplash Injury?

You may be able to sue for a whiplash injury if the accident that caused your injury was someone else’s fault.

To determine whether you have a case, it is important to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer who can review the facts of your situation and advise you on your best course of action. If you decide to file a lawsuit, your attorney will help you gather evidence to support your whiplash injury 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 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.

We Get You Results

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.