What are the symptoms of whiplash?
Whiplash
and whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) represent a range of injuries to the neck caused by or related to a sudden distortion of the neck.
Whiplash is commonly associated with motor vehicle accidents, usually when the vehicle has been hit in the rear however the injury can be sustained in many other ways, where someone is the victim of an accident on a roundabout, as a passenger on a bus, or as a pedestrian. It stands out as one of the main injuries covered by the car insurers. In UK , 430,000 people made a claim for whiplash in 2007 (75% of the UK 's motor insurance claims), accounting for 14% of every driver's premium, with a resulting payout cost of £1.9 billion. If you have been injured as a result of whiplash then you are entitled, if the accident was not your fault, to make a claim for compensation. We will be able to assist you all the way, and arrange for a specialist whiplash solicitor to deal with your claim.
What is the Treatment for Whiplash?
Treatment for individuals with whiplash may include pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and a cervical collar (usually worn for 2 to 3 weeks). The most common painkiller taken for whiplash type injuries is co-codomol or codine. Range of motion exercises, physical therapy, and cervical traction may also be prescribed. Supplemental heat application may relieve muscle tension. In many cases people who suffer whiplash will be reverted for a course of physiotherapy.
Symptoms reported by sufferers include: pain and aching to the neck and back, referred pain to the shoulders, sensory disturbance (such as pins and needles) to the arms & legs and headaches. Symptoms can appear directly after the injury, but often are not felt until days afterwards. Whiplash is usually confined to the spinal cord (neck to pubic bone), and the most common areas of the spinal cord affected by whiplash are the neck, and the mid-back (middle of the spine).
Compensation for whiplash?
Compensation is directly linked to the extent and severity of the injuries sustained. It also takes into account any lost earnings/out of pocket expenses that you may incur as a result of the pain and discomfort you have experienced. Essentially if your injuries last for a longer period of time then your compensation will be greater.
Updated on 06/07/2009