Whiplash is a type of neck injury caused when the head is suddenly moved backward and then forwards. This can occur after a car accident, sports injury, physical abuse, or a fall. Whiplash can be very painful and may take weeks or even months to heal.

If you have been injured in an accident and are suffering from whiplash, contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today for a free consultation. We will help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD)

WAD is a term used to describe the range of symptoms that occur due to a neck sprain, such as whiplash. This condition can cause significant disability and affect your ability to work or participate in your normal activities.

Symptoms of a Whiplash Injury

The symptoms of a whiplash injury vary from person to person but may include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Worsening of pain with neck movement
• Loss of range of motion in the neck
• Headaches, most often starting at the base of the skull
• Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back, or arms
• Tingling or numbness in the arms, hands, or fingers
• Fatigue

Other signs of whiplash can include:

• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Sleep disturbances
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away. A doctor will be able to diagnose your injury and recommend treatment.

Delayed Symptoms of a Whiplash Injury

Some people may not experience any whiplash symptoms until days or weeks after the accident. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, see a doctor right away:

• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears (Tinnitus)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe headache that does not go away with medication
• Chronic pain in the neck, arms, or shoulders

Whiplash and Neurological Disorders

Whiplash injuries can cause long-term neurological problems such as

• Referred Pain – Whiplash pain can often be felt in other parts of the body, causing arm or shoulder pain. This is known as referred pain and is caused by nerves damaged near where they enter the spinal cord at the C-spine level (Cervical spine).
• Vertigo – Dizziness or vertigo is a common symptom of whiplash and can be quite disabling. The dizziness may be accompanied by a feeling of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or spinning. Some people feel like they will fall over or faint, and some have even reported blacking out.
• Pinched Nerves – A pinched nerve is an injury to a nerve that causes it to become inflamed or swollen. It can cause stabbing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in another part of your body.

What Muscles Are Injured in a Whiplash Injury?

The muscles and ligaments in the neck are most often injured in a whiplash injury. These soft tissues may be stretched or torn, resulting in pain and stiffness. In some cases, the spinal cord may be injured, which can cause long-term problems.

Diagnosis of a Whiplash Injury

If you have been in an accident and are experiencing any symptoms of a whiplash injury or neck strain, see a doctor right away. The doctor will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs to determine the extent of the injury.

Treatment for a Whiplash Injury

The treatment for a whiplash injury will vary depending on the severity of the injury. Most people will need to rest and avoid activities that aggravate the pain. Ice and heat may help reduce pain and swelling.

Other common treatments for whiplash include:

• Physical Therapy – Helps improve your range of motion and flexibility in your neck muscles and reduces pain and stiffness.
• Medication – Your doctor may prescribe medication to help relieve pain and inflammation.
• Braces or Neck Collars – Your doctor may give you a brace or neck collar to help support your spine and reduce pain and inflammation. These devices are typically worn for a short period and help speed up the healing process.
• Alternative Therapies – Some people use non-traditional therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, or chiropractic care to treat their pain.

To heal without complications, follow all instructions given by your doctor during this time.

Long-Term Complications of Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash injuries can cause long-term problems such as chronic pain, dizziness, blurred vision, and ringing in the ears. These problems can significantly affect your quality of life and ability to work or participate in your normal activities. If you are experiencing these long-term effects, it is important to seek medical attention. A doctor can recommend treatment options to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

How Long Does Whiplash Last After a Car Accident?

Many whiplash injuries can last anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the severity of the injury. It is even possible that the injury may be permanent, and you may have chronic pain.

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim For a Whiplash Injury?

You may be able to sue for a whiplash injury if the accident that caused your injury was someone else’s fault.

To determine whether you have a case, it is important to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer who can review the facts of your situation and advise you on your best course of action. If you decide to file a lawsuit, your attorney will help you gather evidence to support your whiplash injury claim and negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company for fair compensation.

What Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Can Do For You

The Washington, D.C. car accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have a proven track record of success helping clients obtain the maximum compensation possible for injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of others. Our firm has consistently demonstrated we have the expertise needed to help our clients see that justice is served. We have the resources needed to conduct thorough investigations of all the circumstances contributing to a motor vehicle accident, gathering the evidence to establish liability and negligence.

Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has achieved more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements, and our attorneys have more than a century of combined legal experience. Two of our partners are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Our firm has also earned the highest AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, one of the most respected attorney-ranking service organizations in the United States. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. attorneys work passionately on behalf of our clients to help them secure fair compensation – there is no type of case that is too complex for us to litigate.

Recovering Damages for Whiplash Injuries

Many factors go into determining the value of your case. These include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys have experience evaluating cases just like yours to determine what they may be worth and will work hard to get you fair compensation for your injuries.

We Get You Results

Here are a few of our case results:

• $6 million for a client who suffered a brain injury after being involved in a rear-end collision.
• $4.8 million for a severely injured client after another vehicle struck his motorcycle.
• $1.9 million for a client who suffered a permanent back injury due to a car accident.
• $1.5 million for a client who had to undergo multiple surgeries after a negligent motorist cut off his motorcycle.
• $1 million settlement obtained on behalf of our 19-year-old client who was a passenger in a car in which the driver lost control, causing a collision. As a result, our client suffered extensive brain damage with cognitive impairment. He was in a coma for an extended period of time. Although he has regained consciousness, he is unable to care for himself. The law firm asked the Court to appoint him a guardian to care for him. The law firm is helping to establish a special needs trust so that the proceeds from the settlement will be protected against any medical liens.
• $1 million settlement on behalf of a client who suffered a brain injury when the driver of the car in which he was a passenger lost control of his vehicle.

Contact an Accident Lawyer Today

If you are looking for the highest level representation available for your personal injury case, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600  or contact us online to get the proven legal representation you deserve.