WHIPLASH INJURIES - LEGAL & MEDICAL INFORMATION
Our specialist personal injury solicitors will deal with your compensation claim for whiplash injuries using the no win no fee scheme. Compensation is paid in full with no deductions. Win or lose there is no charge. If you don"t get paid then we don"t get paid. Our accident solicitors, who are all members of the Law Society panel of personal injury experts, have a client centred approach and will focus principally on your needs. They will always be available to speak to you on the telephone and they will keep you fully updated in writing on a regular basis.
HELPLINE 0844 332 0553
Symptoms Diagnosis & Treatment
A road traffic accident is a disturbing and frightening event and whiplash injuries can be painful over a long period of time entitling the sufferer to claim substantial compensation. It is fortunate that most whiplash injuries are not permanent and almost all victims will have complete recovery within two years :-
- symptoms may be present immediately or may develop gradually
- diagnosis is based on observation of symptoms, history and medical examination
- treatment is usually by way of pain killers, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants
- the long term outlook for whiplash injuries is generally good
- serious pain usually improves within a few weeks and often in days
- the aches and pains of whiplash injuries usually get better over time
- some people will suffer long term residual symptoms
- control of pain is usually achieved by one or more of a number of methods including :-
- analgesics or anti-inflammatories
- neck collar
- heat and cold application to relax muscle spasms
- massage, acupuncture or electrotherapy
- traction
- professional treatment of whiplash injuries from a physiotherapist
- early mobilisation to prevent :-
- muscle stiffness
- loss of physical fitness
- depression
- worsening of the pain
- difficulty getting going again
- early warning signs of chronic long term pain due to whiplash injuries include :-
- belief in a prospective disability
- unable to accept reassurance
- avoidance of any exercise
- no attempt at self help
- continuous rest
- unable to detect actual improvement over time
- depression
- occasionally more serious whiplash injuries occur as a result of a road traffic accident and immediate medical intervention is necessary if any of the following symptoms are present :-
- visual disturbances
- unconsciousness
- muscle spasms
- pins and needles, numbness or weakness
- unusual neck position
- difficulty with balancing or walking
HELPLINE 0844 332 0553
Compensation Awards
The main two categories of compensation that can be awarded for whiplash injuries are as follows :-
- Special Damages are losses that can be accurately calculated including loss of earnings both in the past and for the future, general losses and expenses and damage to property and vehicles.
- General Damages are represented by those items that are difficult to calculate accurately and must be assessed. They include physical and emotional pain and suffering and loss of the enjoyment of life. A claim can also be made for psychological injuries or disturbance. Assessment of the value of these items follows consideration of medical reports and perusal of medical records. Compensation for pain and suffering includes consideration of the nature and severity of the personal injury and consequent symptoms, occupation, age, leisure activities, how it has affected lifestyle and domestic responsibilities and whether there is any long term permanent disability and the extent and severity of any residual problems.
HELPLINE 0844 332 0553
No Win No Fee
If you would like free advice without obligation from an accredited specialist just use the helpline or complete the contact form and a member of the Law Society panel of personal injury experts will speak to you on the telephone to discuss your compensation.
In the case of CICA claims terms will vary and in the case of MIB claims terms may vary.