A whiplash injury should not be treated with negligence. For the victim a whiplash injury can cause lots of suffering and life-long pain. Sudden movement of the neck, which can be rapid or slow, can cause a whiplash injury. It can occur through a road accident or via contact sports. It does not really matter what caused the injury in the first place, you should never disregard it as nothing. In fact, if a third party is responsible for a whiplash injury, the victim can well claim whiplash injury compensation. Symptoms of a whiplash injury are described below.
Common symptoms of whiplash injury
a) Neck stiffness and pain
b) Headache
c) Neck swelling
d) Moving the neck properly may be difficult
e) Tenderness in the back of the neck
Other more severe symptoms of whiplash injury
a) Pain in the lower back area
b) Muscle spasms
c) Exhausted
d) Hazy vision
e) Tinnitus
f) The hands and arms may suffer from pain, numbness or tingling sensations
g) Dizziness
h) The incapability of swallowing
i) Vertigo
After a whiplash injury, symptom such dizziness, blurred vision, headaches and problems in swallowing will only continue for a few days. For proper advice, a doctor should be consulted, as the symptoms very often, do not go away on there own. Whiplash injury has also been reported to cause memory loss, irritability and poor concentration.
A whiplash injury is sufficient reason to claim for whiplash compensation in case a third party is responsible. What level of compensation can I expect to receive? A number of factors will decide the compensation awarded to you. A claim made against the insurance company will result in compensated being awarded as per the settlement agreement you have with them. However, if you have decided that you are going to use the assistance of a solicitor to make your claim, you will be entitled to
i) General damages
ii) Special damages
General damages for a whiplash injury will cover compensation for the pain and suffering caused to you and people close to you because of the injury. Included in the claim can be; psychological discorders such as depression, emotional pain and loss of enjoyment. For making this claim, you will need all medical reports pertaining to the injury with full details on the injury that has been caused and also the possible effect it has had on your emotional well being.
Special damage claim of a whiplash injury covers certain special losses you have had due to the injury. It includes all loss of earnings and wages you may have had during the period of treatment and also future loss of earnings you may have to endure due to the injury. Expenses such as, medical care, nursing and household requirements, incurred due to the accident willl be included.
UK has strict laws regarding the stipulated time frame in which a claim can be made after the whiplash accident has taken place. If the injury took place more than 3 years ago, then a claim cannot be made.
Professional legal advice is necessary in making a successful attempt at whiplash compensation claims.
