What is a Whiplash Injury?
Commonly caused by rear-end car accidents whiplash is a more serious injury than most people think. It can also occur as a consequence of a slip and fall, a sports accident, a roller coaster accident or as a result of physical abuse. The Mayo Clinic describes whiplash as a “forceful, rapid back and forth movement”, or a motion that mimics the cracking of a whip. Ouch!
Symptomology of Whiplash Injury
Patients who present to medical care providers and first responders with whiplash often describe pain the the neck area. They categorize their pain as a “stiffness” in the neck that worsens with any type of movement of the head or shoulders. They also experience severe headaches that may or may not resolve with over the counter remedies such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen. Other victims of whiplash injury describe episodes of dizziness, fatigue, and tingling in the arms and shoulders. Patients who experience depression, sleep disturbances, ringing in the ears, difficulty concentrating, blurred vision or memory problems should tell their care provider right away.
When Should I Call a Doctor?
If you or a loved one experiences any of the ailments listed above it is important to call a care provider immediately to diagnose and treat the patient. Doing this will help to prevent long term disability.
I Thought Whiplash Injury Wasn’t Serious
In most cases, pain from whiplash injuries resolves within 4-6 weeks. Sometimes doctors prescribe the use of a neck brace to help the patient stabilize the neck while it heals. If pain at the initial onset was intense, long term complications are more likely to develop. These complications can include chronic pain in the arms, neck, shoulders, and back. This also can include a loss of range of motion. Older people tend to have a tougher time recovering from whiplash. People with previous neck, spine, or brain injury also have higher rates of disability from whiplash.
I Have Whiplash. When Can I Go Back to Work?
The answer to this question will come from your care provider. Individuals injured in a car accident may have to take extended leaves from work while recovering from their injuries. Your doctor may also suggest a “light duty order” return to work or a shorter work day.
I Need to Work. I Have Bills to Pay.
The most common phrase said to me by my clients is “I have bills to pay”. Sadly, having bills to pay won’t miraculously heal your body. If you return to work too soon, you risk prolonging your recovery forcing you to be out of work longer than you should be.
I Can Help
“I Can Help”. And I will. If you call my office for a FREE consultation, I will talk with you on the phone or in person. At this consultation we will discuss:
- If You Should Hire a Roanoke Car Accident Lawyer
- Insurance Coverage
- Accident Details
- Current and future medical treatment
- What to Expect if You File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Call Today.
Delaying the decision to call a Roanoke Personal Injury Lawyer will not help you resolve your case. Call today for your FREE consultation. You can also contact us online by clicking here.
More Helpful Information
- Involved in a Serious Car Crash that Totaled Your Car? Here’s What to Do Next
- Injured In An Uber or Lyft Accident?
- Were You Injured In An Auto Accident? An Attorney Can Help
- What Should I Do Right After An Auto Accident
- Should I Hire An Attorney If I Was In A Car Accident?
- How Long After A Car Accident Can You Collect On The Accident Claim?
- I Was Hurt In A Car Accident That Was Not My Fault – When Should I Call An Attorney
- I Can’t Work Because Of Injuries From A Car Accident – What Should I do?
- The Insurance Company Offered Me A Check For My Injuries After My Auto Accident – How Do I Know If It’s The Right Amount?
- How Do Auto Insurance Companies Decide How Much To Pay For A Claim From A Wreck?
- What Is Contributory Negligence? How Does This Affect My Car Accident Case In Virginia?
Our Office
The Thomson Law Firm
2721 Brambleton Ave SW
Roanoke, VA 24015
(540) 777-4900
