At the time of an automobile accident, any occupant of one of the colliding vehicles could have his or her head jolted forward. Not long after that, the same body part would suddenly get snapped back. Consequently, the ligaments and tendons in the neck then undergo a dangerous sort of stretching; it is one that exceeds healthful limits. If that results in a minor injury, the damaged tissue should respond well to rest, administration of painkillers and utilization of physiotherapy.
How to deal with the possible existence of severe damage
First the accident victim must monitor his or her injuries. He or she should watch for evidence of one or more of these specific symptoms:
Pain in the neck and pain in the arms and lower back; decreased mobility, along with repeated headaches, tinnitus, insomnia, dizziness, nausea and weakness of the limbs. There are a few other symptoms that might work to confirm any suspicion that the victim is feeling the effects of severe whiplash. Here are the additional symptoms:
• Visual problems
• Increased anxiety
• High levels of emotion
The effects of severe whip lash remain undetectable in a test or a scan.
The symptoms’ undetectable nature counters the ongoing presence of a chronic pain. The methods for treating that pain call for more extensive use of the methods used for treating a minor case of whiplash. In other words, there is little that a doctor can do to ensure total removal of the pain.
Regardless of that unsettling fact, you, the victim must do your best to protect your claim. For that reason, you must report and document all health issues related to your accident. Make a point of monitoring any changes in your symptoms, especially a higher level of pain, as that should prove to be the most obvious symptom. Note the appearance of any new symptoms, while studying the list presented above. Create a paper trail by scheduling multiple doctors’ visits. If necessary, seek legal help.
What to do if opposing party claims damage caused by whip lashing action in area of neck
Have all the documents including the paper trail means you are better organized. This will ensure that you have everything that might be produced in court by your opponent. Keep track of the date on which you saw the different doctors. Save the doctor’s address and other contact information. Make clear in your record why you asked the doctor to schedule a given appointment.
Note when the opposing party first complained of whiplash pain. Was that complaint made soon after the accident? That timing introduces some question as to the complaint’s veracity. Pain caused by a whip lashing of the neck’s tendons and ligaments does not usually produce noticeable pain until several hours after the accident. This is one of the reasons that the Injury Lawyer in Milton ensures that all medical reports are completed in time.