Whiplash: Dealing With the Aftermath of Injury
Whether it is incurred in a rear-end car crash, a physical attack, a fall, or a sports injury, a neck strain or sprain can be extremely painful. Commonly referred to as whiplash, this type of damage can be treated and improved within weeks. On the other hand, serious cases of chronic pain can last for years, disrupting family life and one’s ability to work.
Symptoms of Whiplash
While every case is different, most patients suffer at least some of these symptoms of whiplash:
- Stiff neck;
- Increased pain with movement;
- Diminished range of motion in the neck;
- Pain starting at the base of the neck and growing into a headache;
- Shoulder, arm, and back pain;
- Numbness or tingling of the arms;
- Dizziness;
- Fatigue;
- Vision blurring;
- Ear ringing;
- Difficulty sleeping;
- Irritability;
- Concentration issues;
- Difficulty remembering;
Diagnosis
There is no real definitive test to diagnose whiplash. An exam will help the doctor to determine the extent of your pain and motion limitations. Imaging tests may be ordered to rule out other injuries:
- X-ray: This can reveal dislocations, fractures, or arthritis;
- CT Scan: Bone damage can be revealed with cross-sectional images;
- MRI: Radio waves can reveal injuries to soft tissues, including discs, ligaments, and the spinal cord.
Treatment
Several potential treatments can help to reduce pain and improve mobility. It may include rest, heat and cold packs, muscle relaxers, and pain medications or injections. This will likely be in addition to physical therapy and the wearing of a foam collar.
Other Issues
There is often more to the story than dealing with the pain. Were you the victim of a rear-end accident, as so many victims of whiplash are? Or did you sustain the injury as the result of a beating or some form of abuse? Perhaps you were injured while playing a sport. In so many situations, there is someone who is directly or indirectly responsible for your injuries. That leads us to some important questions. Who is liable for your pain? How much are current and anticipated medical bills? How will your life be impacted by this injury, and for how long? How can you prove that your injuries are real? The truth is, with the assistance of an experienced and aggressive personal injury attorney, it is possible for you to receive compensation to address your medical bills, lost earnings, and more.
Statute of Limitations
While it may be difficult to think about damages in your condition, under California law, you have just two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in most cases. That is why it is important for you to focus on your recovery while the hard-hitting personal injury attorneys at Gibbs & Fuerst LLP pursue compensation on your behalf. Schedule a confidential consultation with the Temecula personal injury lawyers today.