Whiplash is a condition that arises after ligaments and muscles in the neck area extend past the typical range of motion. For example, the force of a car accident often causes a victim’s head to jerk back and forth, resulting in whiplash. The condition could also arise after a slip-and-fall accident.
In most cases, whiplash is a relatively minor injury. However, victims suffering from the symptoms of whiplash need medical treatment to avoid a worsened condition.
What are the symptoms of whiplash?
The symptoms of whiplash typically begin to manifest within 24 hours of the injury. However, in some cases, it may take days for symptoms like the ones below to occur. Common symptoms include:
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Persistent headaches at the skull’s base
- Constant fatigue
- Stiffness and pain in the neck
Some rare symptoms of whiplash include:
- Ringing ears
- Chronic pain in the head, shoulders and neck
- Sleep problems and irritability
- Trouble with memory and concentration
In most situations, the symptoms of whiplash will fade within a few months as the injury heals. However, sometimes people experience severe or chronic headaches and pain for years after the injury.
As you might imagine, the costs of ongoing treatment for whiplash can soar into the thousands of dollars. These costs, combined with missing days or weeks of work while healing, significantly impact the financial resources of victims.
Be sure to file your injury claim right away for any harm suffered because of an accident. You may also improve your chances of obtaining maximum financial compensation by increasing your knowledge of Louisiana personal injury laws and claims.