Whiplash is a serious injury caused by the head and neck suddenly jerking backward and then forwards. This type of injury often happens in car accidents but can also occur during sporting events or any other activity where the head is abruptly thrown backward and then forwards. Severe cases of whiplash often lead to long-term problems such as chronic neck pain and stiffness.

If you or a loved one have sustained whiplash in an auto accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today. We’ll advise you on what steps to take next and whether or not you have the right to file a personal injury claim.

What Muscles Does Whiplash Effect?

The muscles most commonly affected by whiplash are the neck and shoulder muscles. These muscles can become very stiff and painful after an injury. In some cases, the pain may radiate down into the arms, hands, and fingers or up into the head.

Common Symptoms of Whiplash

Whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) is a term used to describe the range of symptoms that occur due to whiplash. WAD can cause significant disability and affect your ability to work or participate in your normal activities.

Some common symptoms of whiplash include:

• Pain in neck muscles 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
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Some victims also experience:

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

Whiplash Injuries and Neurological Disorders

In some cases, whiplash neck injuries can cause neurological effects by injuring the nerves in your neck and shoulders. The most common effect is numbness or tingling in your arms and legs, but it may also cause weakness or loss of balance if not appropriately treated. Whiplash symptoms will usually go away on their own within two weeks to six months after the accident, but some people may need more time to recover fully.

Chronic Whiplash Syndrome

In the most severe whiplash injury cases, victims may experience a chronic whiplash injury, which includes:

• Chronic neck pain
• Difficulty sleeping
• Long-term bouts of dizziness
• Memory problems
• Depression
• Headaches
• Numbness or weakness in the hands

If you have been diagnosed with chronic whiplash, talk to your doctor about your treatment options. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for chronic pain, but many effective treatments are available. With the help of your medical team, you can find a treatment plan that works for you and helps you regain your quality of life.

How Long Does Severe Whiplash Last?

The severity of whiplash injuries can vary from person to person. In most cases, the pain and stiffness associated with whiplash will improve within a few weeks. However, some people may experience chronic pain and stiffness for months or even years after the initial injury.

If you have been injured in an accident and are experiencing any of these symptoms, see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to help reduce the risk of long-term complications.

How is Whiplash Treated?

The treatment for whiplash will vary depending on the severity of the injury. Many people find relief from a neck sprain through a combination of rest, ice packs, and physical therapy. Some people may also require medication such as muscle relaxants to help with pain and inflammation.

Can I Sue for a Severe 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 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 with 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.

Compensation For Severe Whiplash After Motor Vehicle Accidents

A severe brain injury can have a devastating effect on your future and finances. If you or a loved one have sustained a head injury in an auto accident, you can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

We Get You Results

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. 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.
• $3.5 million for a client who suffered a brain injury when a police officer opened his door into his bicycle. 
• $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.