{"id":3986,"date":"2019-01-21T20:50:21","date_gmt":"2019-01-21T20:50:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/contelawyers.ca\/?p=3986"},"modified":"2019-01-21T20:50:21","modified_gmt":"2019-01-21T20:50:21","slug":"how-to-prove-whiplash-and-succeed-in-your-settlement-claim","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/contelawyers.ca\/how-to-prove-whiplash-and-succeed-in-your-settlement-claim\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prove Whiplash and Succeed in Your Settlement Claim"},"content":{"rendered":"

How to Prove Whiplash<\/h2>\n

One of the most common types of injuries that are seen in<\/span> personal injury<\/span><\/a> accidents, especially car accidents, are cases of whiplash. <\/span><\/p>\n

While most people think of whiplash as simply being an injury to the neck, this is actually a more complex injury than what people realize. <\/span><\/p>\n

It can also be quite serious, which is why people need to be aware of this injury, the treatment and how to prove that whiplash is what they suffer from when filing a lawsuit against the person that is responsible.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

What is Whiplash?<\/h3>\n

Whiplash is a painful injury that comes as a result of an abrupt and forceful back and forth jerking motion. <\/span><\/p>\n

While we often associate whiplash with the neck, it can also affect a person\u2019s spine, the disk between the bones, ligaments, nerves in the neck and even the muscles in the neck. <\/span><\/p>\n

Furthermore, when a person experiences whiplash, they are more likely to have a traumatic brain injury since this motion may cause the brain to move inside of the skull.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Does Whiplash Happen?<\/h3>\n

Most commonly we think of car accidents as being the main ways in which whiplash can occur. However, that is not always the case. <\/span><\/p>\n

There are several instances in which whiplash can occur such as if the person was involved in a sporting incident. A few other examples of where whiplash is likely to occur include:<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Physical assaults<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rear end collisions on the road<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Shaking baby cases often result in whiplash<\/span><\/p>\n

Any time in which the person experiences a frenzied back and forth motion can result in whiplash.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Symptoms of Whiplash<\/h3>\n

When you think of whiplash, what type of symptoms do you think goes along with this? We most commonly think of neck pain.<\/p>\n

Which of course is one of the main symptoms. However, other symptoms can include:<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Neck stiffness<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Loss of range of motion in the neck<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Headaches that often start at the base of the skull<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Pain or tenderness in the shoulders or the upper back<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Fatigue<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Numbness in the arms<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Dizziness<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Blurred vision<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Issues with sleep<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Difficulty concentrating<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ringing in the ears<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Memory issues<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Irritability<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Depression<\/span><\/p>\n

Not everyone is going to show each symptom. There are going to be those who only have a few, while others may have nothing more than extreme pain in the neck.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"X-ray<\/p>\n

Diagnosing Whiplash<\/h3>\n

For those who have been in an accident that they believe has resulted in whiplash, they must ensure that they are getting properly diagnosed. Too many times, a person will get the wrong diagnosis. <\/span><\/p>\n

This can lead to them using the wrong type of treatment in order to recover. Just how is whiplash diagnosed? Most doctors will use CT scans or MRI\u2019s in order to determine the extent of the damage in the neck. <\/span><\/p>\n

A standard X-ray machine is often not going to show the damaged discs, muscles or ligaments.<\/span><\/p>\n

Treating Whiplash<\/h3>\n

The treatment for whiplash is a bit different now than it was years ago. Years ago, it was not uncommon for someone to be placed in a neck brace and told not to move their neck at all. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, today, doctors are realizing that early movement can actually help the muscles and tendons to get stronger. <\/span><\/p>\n

In the event that the bone is broken, immobilization is the only way to treat this.<\/span><\/p>\n

The other treatment options that are being used now include:<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Physical therapy<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Traction<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Massage<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Heat and ice therapy<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Injections into the problem area<\/span><\/p>\n

– \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ultrasound therapy<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, most people are given over the counter pain relievers in order to help with the pain along with advice on how to do gentle stretches to keep their neck limber.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Recovery Like for Whiplash Victims?<\/h3>\n

For those who do suffer from a whiplash injury, they are going to find that recovery can take some time. There is no set time for how long this will take as each individual is different. <\/span><\/p>\n

For minor cases of whiplash, the person will often feel better within 4 to 6 weeks as long as they follow the treatment plan set out by their doctor. In many cases, a person cannot work while they are recovering from this injury, especially if they have a physically demanding job or a job that puts a lot of pressure on the neck.<\/span><\/p>\n

For the majority of whiplash patients, they are fully recovered within 6 to 9 months and can then continue on with their daily lives. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, it should be noted that in about 20% of cases where whiplash is an issue, the person still experiences pain and other symptoms for years after the accident. <\/span><\/p>\n

It can still affect their life during this time making it to where they cannot do those things that they once did.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Man<\/p>\n

How is a Whiplash Injury Categorized?<\/h3>\n

When a person does suffer a whiplash injury, this is going to be categorized into one of four categories. These categories are:<\/span><\/p>\n