You may have heard the term “whiplash injury,” but do you know how to tell if you have one after an accident? Barber and Associates, a professional firm of Car Accident Lawyers in Alaska, can help you evaluate your injuries and recover the compensation you deserve to pay for your medical costs, pain and suffering and lost wages after a whiplash accident.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is classified as a neck injury, although it can often occur in conjunction with back or head trauma. Specifically, whiplash is caused by a forceful back-and-forth jerking of the neck, which is common in rear-end car accidents.
Whiplash injuries are commonly referred to by doctors as “sprains” or “strains.” A sprain is an injury to the connective tissue between two bones, while a strain is an injury to the tissue that connects muscles to bones. Both types of trauma are common with whiplash injuries.
Many companies and employers treat whiplash as a very minor injury, although it can have devastating consequences for the victim. In fact, victims may need help from a personal injury lawyer in Alaska to ensure proper treatment of these types of injury.
What Are the Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Whiplash?
Whiplash has both short-term and long-term effects. Immediately following an accident, the injured person may suffer severe pain and restricted movement in turning the head, bending over or lifting objects. While the initial pain tends to moderate over time, many victims are still suffering weeks or months after the accident. Some patients become dependent on pain medication prescribed by their doctors to manage the pain, although this type of medication does little to restore free movement and strength.
In the long-term, whiplash can be debilitating. Some victims suffer chronic pain that cannot be eased without strong, possibly addictive medication. Some never regain full mobility, or have trouble lifting or pushing even light loads after their accidents. This can lead to ultimate job loss or other consequences.
Does Whiplash Only Occur In Car Accidents?
Many people associate whiplash with car accidents, but it is a common injury in all types of accidents, including slip-and-fall and sports accidents.
If you suspect you have suffered a whiplash accident, Barber and Associates, your Personal Injury Attorney in Alaska, is here to help. Ask our professionals how you can receive proper treatment and payment for your lost wages, pain and loss of mobility.
