Average Settlement For A Whiplash Injury

Whiplash is a type of injury that occurs when the neck suddenly moves forward and back, often as a result of car accidents. It results in injuries to the cervical spine—the part of the spine present in your neck—and nearby tissues. This strain or sprain happens when ligaments and muscles are forced past their normal range. Rear-end collisions are unfortunately one of the most frequent types of car accidents and account for at least 30%of all trauma resulting from automobile disasters across America alone.

Over the years, millions of whiplash claims have been submitted. Though many are moderate and simply last a few weeks, our Phoenix personal injury attorney welcomes any accident victim to reach out for assistance. Even if you feel your case is minor or won’t result in long-term effects or extensive medical treatment, it’s still wise to get checked by a skilled professional since various whiplash incidents can cause injuries that may not appear until days post-collision.

The Severity of Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash usually subsides in a few weeks, and can sometimes be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and exercise. For some people though, the symptoms may linger or worsen due to additional underlying injuries that were not initially detected. Such after-effects of whiplash are generally referred to as ‘Whiplash Associated Disorder’ (WAD) or Cervical Spine Syndrome, manifesting through common signs such as:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Pain when moving the neck, loss of range of motion
• Headaches
• Shoulder, arm, and upper back pain
• Numbness, or tingling of the face, arms
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Trouble sleeping
• Cognitive and emotional symptoms (irritability, trouble concentrating)

If you were involved in a car accident, are suffering from considerable discomfort, or find it hard to move your neck freely; it is quite possible that you have experienced a severe whiplash injury. The ordinary settlement for such an injury can differ substantially and must be determined by an accomplished personal injury lawyer. Though some demographics may be more vulnerable to sustaining greater distress due to this type of trauma – like individuals with prior injuries concerning their back/neck region or elderly citizens – the potential reimbursements could possibly escalate significantly when accounting for all the pain and hardship endured by these high-risk victims.

Grades Of Whiplash Injuries (Grades 1-4)

When it comes to whiplash injuries, they can range in severity and symptoms. These grades of injury are as follows:

• Grade 0 Whiplash – No visible signs of injury, no medical treatment needed.
• Grade 1 Whiplash – Although you may experience no visible signs of injury, tenderness, and discomfort can still arise. It’s highly recommended that you seek professional medical assistance; however, under most circumstances, symptoms will pass in a few days without any intervention.
• Grade 2 Whiplash – Chronic pain can be unbearable and debilitating, preventing you from getting through your daily routine without difficulty. Depending on the level of discomfort, medication may be necessary to alleviate some of these burdensome symptoms.
• Grade 3 Whiplash – Grade 3 Whiplash is a debilitating injury that requires rapid medical care and follow-up checkups. Victims experience stinging pain in their neck, shoulders, and head as well as restricted mobility. Furthermore, the victim can undergo difficulty sleeping or face long absences from work because of it – making Grade 3 Whiplash an especially agonizing ordeal to deal with.
• Grade 4 Whiplash – Grade 4 whiplash is the most severe form of whiplash, typically necessitating operations and long-term management with chiropractic treatment and physical therapy. As these are serious injuries, they often lead to significant financial compensation.