Is it worth suing for a whiplash injury?
Settlement values or trial verdicts for whiplash vary greatly, but most cases or mild to moderate whiplash will be valued between $2,500 and $10,000. More serious cases involving treatment (typically physical therapy) over several months may cost the defendant upwards of $30,000.
How do doctors check for whiplash?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This imaging test uses radio waves and a magnetic field to produce detailed 3D images. In addition to bone injuries, MRI scans can detect some soft tissue injuries, such as damage to the spinal cord, disks or ligaments.
What is a Grade 3 whiplash?
Grade 2: The patient exhibits musculoskeletal signs including decreased range of motion and point tenderness. Grade 3: The patient also shows neurologic signs that may include sensory deficits, decreased deep tendon reflexes, muscle weakness. Grade 4: The patient shows a fracture.
At what speed does whiplash occur?
In fact, many whiplash injuries from vehicle accidents occur at speeds as low as five to 10 mph. The severity of the injury often depends on whether you are properly restrained, which is why anyone riding in a vehicle should wear a seat belt or be secured in a size-appropriate child safety seat.
Does whiplash show up on MRI?
While whiplash does not have a definitive appearance in MRIs, they are useful for diagnosis. First, MRIs can rule out things like fractures, slipped discs, or other severe injuries that may cause pain, allowing doctors to determine whiplash as the primary injury to treat.
Can whiplash be medically proven?
Current and past medical records are the key to proving a whiplash injury. Whiplash may not show up on an x-ray or MRI, and must be proven by having the symptoms documented and treated by medical professionals.
What category does whiplash fall into of back pain?
Whiplash is defined as a sudden extension (backward movement of the neck) and flexion (forward movement of the neck) of the cervical spine. This type of trauma is also referred to as a cervical acceleration-deceleration (CAD) injury.
How many stages of whiplash are there?
It can be understood to happen in four phases. The first step of whiplash starts when the seat impacts the body. It begins acceleration of the body and an S curve begins in the cervical spine.
How much money can you get from a neck injury?
How much is a neck injury worth? It will vary depending on the type of injury, but the average payout for a neck injury is between $5,000 and $50,000. Soft tissue neck injury claims are worth between $5,000 and $20,000 on average. Neck disc injury cases that result in surgery average over $200,000.
How do you know if whiplash is serious?
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if you have: severe pain despite taking paracetamol or ibuprofen. tingling or pins and needles on one or both sides of your body. problems with walking or sitting upright. sudden "electric shock" feeling in your neck and back which may also go into your arms and legs.
How long should you have off work with whiplash?
Minor Whiplash Symptoms will typically ease off within 2-3 weeks. Although many people think that the support of a neck brace will help to aid in their recovery, it is advisable to try to keep your head and neck mobile to give you the best chance of healing.
What should you not do after whiplash?
5 Mistakes You Should Avoid After WhiplashDriving Anyway. You need to work, buy groceries, pick up the kids. ... Just Lying Around. Managing auto repairs and insurance claims can really take it out of you. ... Wearing A Neck Brace For Too Long. ... Doing Too Much, Too Soon. ... Letting Whiplash “Heal On Its Own”
What does whiplash look like on xray?
Along with a complete medical history and physical exam, tests for whiplash may include the following. Many whiplash injuries include damage to soft tissue that can't be seen on X-rays: X-ray. Electromagnetic energy beams produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
What whiplash feels like?
Pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms of whiplash. You may experience a constant, aching pain, and pain that worsens when you move your head side-to-side or up and down. Pain and stiffness may be accompanied by tense, knotted muscles, muscle spasms, and limited range of motion for moving your neck.
What happens when whiplash goes untreated?
Whiplash is no different. Like most other injuries, serious side effects can occur when left untreated: Stiffness and loss of motion. As well as the chronic neck pain and stiffness, untreated whiplash can even lead to degenerative disc disease and vertebrae misalignment.