All About Whiplash Injury

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You might be surprised to know that there are more than 100,000 reported cases of whiplash in Canada every year. Most of these cases result from auto accidents, according to Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

 

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash, also known as Whiplash-Associated Disorders (WAD), is a term used to describe a range of neck injuries. It is a general classification referring to the damage to the soft tissues of the neck resulting from a sudden jerking movement of the muscles, tendons and/or ligaments.

 

This condition occurs when there is a sudden, unexpected force that causes an individual’s head to thrust in one direction and then to another direction rapidly. Although it is a soft tissue injury, whiplash can still have serious, long-term effects.

 

What are Its Causes?

Rear-end car accidents are the most common way for whiplash to occur. However, there are other possible causes such as:

 

  • bicycle and motorcycle accidents

  • skiing and snowboarding accidents

  • slip and fall accidents

  • assaults

  • repetitive use injuries

  • child abuse

 

What are Its Symptoms?

The symptoms of whiplash include the following:

 

  • fatigue

  • pain

  • numbness

  • inflammation

  • neck stiffness

  • burning or tingling of the arms

  • decreased range of motion

  • headache, dizziness, blurred vision

  • sleep disturbances

  • shoulder or back pain

  • difficulty concentrating

 

Many people often regard whiplash injuries as an injury that is not serious. Unfortunately, some assume that victims exaggerate or worse, fabricate their condition following a car accident. There were some cases, however, that proved that victims consciously exaggerated their symptoms in order to make false injury claims, but that isn’t always the case. There are thousands of Canadians who do sustain real, serious whiplash injuries.

 

How to Prove a Successful Whiplash Claim?

Because it is not taken as seriously as it should be, proving whiplash claims can be a bit difficult. There aren’t also any medical tests that can diagnose the condition definitively. Whiplash will not show on any imaging medical tests such as x-rays or MRIs. Doctors would essentially diagnose the condition based on the symptoms expressed by the patient. Because there is lack of medical proof, insurance companies may dispute the viability of one’s claim.

 

If you are suffering from whiplash as a result of an accident, do not forget to document your:

 

  • symptoms

  • medical appointments

  • treatments

  • treatment progress

Keep in mind that medical documentation will be essential in proving your case. Aside from that, you would need reliable personal injury lawyers who have the right legal skills to help you win your case. Get the compensation you or your loved ones truly deserve by having a free consultation with us. Call us at 1.855.905.9222.

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