If you suffered a whiplash injury in an accident, the pain might not appear immediately. For many people, symptoms emerge over time. And while insurance companies tend to brush off whiplash as a minor injury, the truth is that whiplash can have painful long-term consequences.
Pursuing compensation for whiplash can be challenging and fraught with obstacles. Let a whiplash injury lawyer in Tampa fight for your rights and interests while you work to get your quality of life back. Look to Brooks Law Group.
Since 1992, our attorneys have represented accident victims in Tampa and throughout Central Florida. We focus solely on advocating for injured people just like you. Our lawyers have the talent, experience, and resources needed to build a compelling case for compensation for you.
Our law firm invests in state-of-the-art technologies that give us an edge when going up against stubborn insurers who inevitably will try to deny your claim. When you choose us after suffering a whiplash injury in Tampa, you can expect personalized attention and fierce representation from trial lawyers who will demand maximum compensation for you.
If you’re living with whiplash due to someone else’s recklessness, we can help. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury that results from a rapid, back-and-forth jolt to the head and neck, similar to the motion of a cracked whip. Whiplash is sometimes called a neck strain or neck sprain, although sprains and strains can also include other types of injuries.
Whiplash injuries typically occur in motor vehicle accidents in Tampa, especially rear-end collisions. However, whiplash may also be caused by sports or recreational accidents, slip and falls, or physical assault.
Common Signs of Whiplash
Common symptoms caused by whiplash injuries include:
- Pain and stiffness in the head and neck
- Pain that is worsened by the movement of the head and neck
- Loss of range of motion in the neck
- Persistent headaches, usually located towards the base of the skull
- Tenderness or pain in the shoulders, upper arms, and back
- Tingling or numbness that spreads down through the arms
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty sleeping
- Memory and concentration problems
- Depression
Is Your Neck Injury Whiplash?
A neck injury could be whiplash if you suffered an impact that caused your head to jerk back and forth violently. Whiplash also affects muscles, tendons, and nerves in the neck. However, in many cases, a whiplash injury may not cause physical damage significant enough to be seen on an MRI or CT scan.
Whiplash Treatments
The treatment of whiplash aims to manage pain and other symptoms and help restore full range of motion for the head, neck, shoulders, and arms. It may include:
- Rest
- Use of heat/cold compresses
- Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Prescription pain medication for more severe cases of whiplash
- Muscle relaxants to help reduce tightness, improve range of motion, and relieve discomfort while sleeping
- Medication injections
- Nerve blocks for chronic pain and headaches
Treatment to improve strength and range of motion may include:
- Stretching and movement exercises
- Physical therapy
- Use of foam collars and braces
How Long Do the Symptoms of Whiplash Last?
Most cases of whiplash resolve within a few days to a few weeks. However, a sizeable fraction of whiplash injuries can continue to cause pain for a year or more. You may have a longer recovery time if:
- You experienced severe pain or other symptoms immediately after the accident.
- You have pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates down into your arms and fingers.
- You experienced neurological symptoms, such as memory or concentration issues or depression, that aren’t linked to concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
Steps to Take After a Whiplash Injury
You may not know you have whiplash right away. To protect your legal rights and preserve your options for pursuing compensation after an accident in Tampa, do the following:
- In a car accident, speak to each driver involved to get their contact and insurance information. If the accident occurred elsewhere, such as in a slip and fall at a restaurant, speak to the manager or property owner to report the accident and gather contact and insurance details.
- Use your cell phone to take photos and video to document the accident scene, capturing details such as vehicle damage, skid marks or debris in the road, traffic controls, and road lines. In a slip-and-fall or other type of accident, document the hazard or conditions that caused your injury.
- See a doctor as soon as possible to be evaluated for whiplash. Be sure to make an appointment as soon as symptoms develop.
- Keep copies of bills for any expenses you incur due to the accident.
- Contact a whiplash injury attorney. At Brooks Law Group, we can evaluate your case and develop a solid strategy for pursuing full and fair compensation for you.
What Damages Can You Recover for a Whiplash Injury in Tampa?
Florida law allows injured people to collect many different types of compensation in a personal injury claim. This includes money for:
- Medical expenses, including ER visits, surgeries or inpatient or outpatient medical procedures, prescription and over-the-counter medication, physical therapy, and purchases of medical equipment
- Lost wages, if you miss time from work while recovering from your whiplash injury
- Lost earning capacity, if the injury interferes with your ability to return to work
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
Contact an Experienced Tampa Whiplash Injury Attorney
If you have suffered whiplash in a motor vehicle crash or other accident that wasn’t your fault, contact Brooks Law Group today for a free initial consultation with an experienced Tampa whiplash injury attorney. We’re standing by and ready to help.
