August 9, 2019
Whiplash is an injury to the neck due to a forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck, causing the soft tissues and ligaments to be over-extended.
Bones in the spine, discs between the bones, muscles, and nerves can also be damaged. It occurs most often due to rear-end vehicular accidents. Even a minor car collision can result in severe whiplash injuries.
Whiplash injuries are often delayed, with symptoms such as headaches, soreness, and stiffness appearing after several days. Severe whiplash injuries, however, will show signs right away and will need medical attention immediately.
Other symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, sleep disturbances, loss of range of motion in the neck, tingling or numbness in the arms, pain in the shoulders, upper back or arms.
It can also cause irritability, difficulty in concentrating, memory problems, and depression to some people. It is essential to get a prompt and accurate diagnosis from a doctor.
The average payout for a whiplash settlement
Settlement payout for a whiplash settlement varies. The more severe the injury, the higher the settlement payout. It can also vary depending on the length of your recovery. A minor whiplash injury can heal on its own, but a more severe one takes longer and requires professional medical attention.
For mild to moderate whiplash injuries, the average payout is between $2,000 and $12,000.
Payout for severe whiplash injuries
This will cover medical expenses, property damage, and personal losses related to pain and suffering.
Severe whiplash injuries, on the other hand, require more recovery time, physical therapy, and medical treatment. The average payout can be as much as $35,000.
Other things to expect after a whiplash caused by a car accident
Whiplash injuries are often disregarded. They are not easy to treat initially because of the potential delay in the symptoms’ manifestation.
X-rays are also not conclusive, and medical diagnostic tools rarely show convincing evidence of a whiplash injury.
However, whiplash can become a severe medical condition. Any damage to the neck, which is essential in mobility and physical well-being, can lead to life-long complications.
You may need the help of chiropractors and doctors who are trained to document whiplash injuries, which you can use in court. This is why seeing a doctor should be the first steps after a car accident is crucial.
Before you file for a lawsuit or a claim, you must keep in mind that whiplash injuries may appear later.
Your request must factor in a late-onset of this injury, which can be a severe problem. Include all the medical expenses the injury incurred, and ensure that your claim is filed correctly.
Conclusion
A whiplash injury can be both physically and financially costly, so you need to be appropriately compensated.
Remember that the whiplash symptoms may not appear instantly, so it is essential to seek the doctors’ help immediately and have the proper documents in case you will need them in court.
Do you need compensation or legal advice from a St. Louis car accident attorney?