Whiplash is a word which most people have heard but may not truly understand. While it is often erroneously believed to be the provenance of people making false insurance claims, it is actually one of the most commonly experienced injuries related to car accidents and other sources of blunt-force trauma. Hundreds of thousands of people experience this form of injury every year, and many of these cases can ultimately result in long-term injury.
The Symptoms
These injuries have been divided by the Quebec Task Force into four grades, depending on severity. The levels are:
· Grade 1: Pain, stiffness, and tenderness experienced in the neck, but there are no physical signs of damage.
· Grade 2: Similar pain as associated with Grade 1, but with physical signs such as decreased range of motion.
· Grade 3: Neurological signs in addition to pain, such as decreased reflexes in tendons and sensory issues.
· Grade 4: Fractures and dislocation in addition to pain, with potential injury to the spinal cord.
Whiplash injuries are serious, and should not be lightly ignored. Most worryingly, these injuries may take days to first appear following an accident. If you suspect you are suffering from this form of injury following an automobile accident, it may be vitally important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and more. To learn more, contact a whiplash lawyer for more information.
