Most people have heard the term, whiplash, as a way to describe an injury that resulted from a car accident. But what exactly is this type of injury and how serious is whiplash?

MedicineNet.com defines whiplash as a “hyperextension or over-extension injury to the neck, often the result of being struck from behind, as by a fast-moving vehicle in a car accident.” It is believed that whiplash occurs when a victim’s body is pushed forward, but the head does not immediately follow. Some muscles and ligaments may be stretched or torn when they contract to bring the head forward. This contraction is actually a reflex action by the body to prevent further injuries.

A whiplash injury may be the result of a car accident, sports activity, fall or violent act. The most frequent cause of whiplash is a car accident. Even a car traveling as slow as 15 miles per hour can create enough energy to cause whiplash. This type of injury is not considered life threatening, but the recovery can still be costly for the victim. It is estimated that there are substantial economic expenses related to whiplash, which can reach $30 billion a year in the United States alone. This figure is based on the costs of medical care, disability, sick leave, lost productivity and litigation.

Whiplash Symptoms & Treatment
The symptoms of whiplash can range depending on the accident. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Neck pain
• Neck stiffness
• Swelling of the neck
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Arm pain or weakness
• Back pain
• Jaw pain
• Muscle spasms

Whiplash can lead to other problems such as depression, anxiety or sleep disturbances. It is recommended to seek medical care immediately following an accident to get the appropriate treatment and to prevent further complications. A physician may recommend ice and heat therapy, immobilization of the neck, bed rest, neck rest, muscle relaxers and pain medication.

When to Seek Legal Advice
The recovery time for a whiplash injury varies based on the severity and cause of the injury. During the recovery time, the injured victim may not be able to return to work and could incur significant medical expenses. If the whiplash injury was the result of negligence by another party, the injured victim may be able to recover damages. These damages may include pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses and mental distress.

Thomas M. Kiley & Associates has been helping people receive compensation for their injuries for over 30 years. Call today for a free consultation regarding your injury case.

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