Every year about 120,000 people in the U.S. sustain whiplash injuries, typically from car accidents. In spite of severe pain that can last for months or even years, these injury victims often face suspicion from insurance companies and even from friends and family. These very real, potentially debilitating injuries deserve the same types of compensation afforded to other auto accident injuries.
A major reason for suspicious attitudes toward the reality of whiplash is that its diagnosis often relies more on doctor experience than on medical testing. MedicineNet.com explains that standard X-rays do not reveal soft tissue injuries. Unless they have concerns about the severity of the injury, doctors may not proceed to dynamic X-rays or MRIs, which have a better ability to detect soft tissue injuries of the neck and instability.
Until the time whiplash injuries fully heal, accident victims suffer significant symptoms, including:
- Neck and shoulder pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Arm pain and weakness
- Dizziness
- Sensory disturbances such as problems with vision and ringing in the ears
These and other symptoms can affect the ability to work during the extended healing period — and many individuals are left with chronic pain, resulting in additional physical symptoms, including sleep disturbance and drug dependency, along with psychological issues ranging from depression to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Without a doubt, the diagnostic challenges involving whiplash open it up to fraudulent injury claims. However, this issue often causes insurance companies to err on the side of disbelief, denying valid claims and leaving sufferers without the funds they need for the rest and therapy required for their recovery. Even for relatively minor to moderate injuries, victims may need to rely on the skills and resources of an experienced auto accident attorney at Stipe Law Firm. We know how to develop the compelling evidence needed to help ensure your claim receives fair treatment. Contact us today!