Whiplash – it’s an injury that’s often overlooked as minor, but in reality can be extremely painful and result in long-lasting effects for the injured party.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is an injury caused by a sudden forwards and backwards movement of the neck. Most people suffer from whiplash as a result of being involved in a road traffic accident, often when the car you are travelling in is rear-ended by another vehicle. However, it’s also possible to feel the effects of whiplash after a fall, in an accident at work, or if you have been involved in a sporting accident.
Whiplash injuries are often dismissed as being minor, but this isn’t always the case. They can be painful and debilitating, and can affect your normal day-to-day life.
What are the symptoms of whiplash?
If you are suffering from whiplash, you would expect to be experiencing neck pain and stiffness, which are the more common symptoms. However, there are many other symptoms of whiplash that aren’t always associated with the injury, like
- Shoulder pain
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Irritability
- Concentration or memory problems
If you have been in an accident, and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s important to visit your local GP. They can offer expert medical advice about your injuries, and can determine if you are suffering from whiplash.
How long does whiplash last?
The recovery time for whiplash is dependent on the severity of your injuries. Some minor cases may take a few weeks to recover from, but the recovery period is far greater the more serious the injuries. According to the NHS, whiplash can take 2-3 months to recover from.
How much compensation for whiplash?
The amount of compensation you can claim for whiplash is unique to every case. Compensation for whiplash can range anywhere from £850 to £7,500. The amount that you could receive for your injuries will be dependent on the following factors.
- The amount of compensation you could be awarded for your whiplash injury is dependent on the severity of the physical and mental pain you have suffered
- The length of time you have been suffering from the effects of your injuries will also play a factor in how much compensation you can claim for
- Suffering from a whiplash injury may mean coughing up for medical bills, travel expenses and hospital parking for your car. You would not have had to pay for these had you not been involved in an accident caused by someone else, so you will be able to claim for reimbursement for these expenses, too
- If you had to take time off work to recover from your injuries, you can claim for loss of earnings as a result
- If your whiplash injury has affected the way you usually live your life, like tackling day-to-day tasks or taking part in hobbies, you may be able to claim for compensation for this
If you are suffering with a whiplash injury as a result of an accident that wasn’t your fault, you are entitled to claim for compensation. At Watermans, we offer straightforward legal advice, so that you know where you stand at every step in your claims process. To get in touch with our team, call us on 0131 555 7055, or fill out the contact form below.