Did you recently suffer a whiplash injury in the Capital Area? Get help from the Washington, D.C., whiplash injury lawyers at Marks & Harrison. Since 1911, our firm has advocated for injured individuals and families throughout D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. With a team of 30 personal injury attorneys and over 100 support staff, we have the resources to handle even the most complex cases efficiently and effectively, including those that involve hard-to-prove soft tissue damage.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact Marks & Harrison today for a free initial consultation, and let our experienced team manage your case while you focus on healing. We offer 24/7 availability with night and weekend staff ready to assist you.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury that happens when the head suddenly moves backward and then forward with a lot of force. This quick motion can harm the bones in the spine, the disks between the bones, and the muscles, nerves, and other soft tissues of the neck. Whiplash most commonly occurs during car accidents but can also result from sports accidents, violent incidents, or other types of forceful impacts. Common whiplash symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
What Can Cause a Whiplash Injury?
Whiplash injuries can occur in just about any situation where a sudden force impacts the neck. Common examples include the following:
- Car Accidents – Rear-end collisions are a leading cause of whiplash. When one car hits another from behind, the force of impact can snap occupants’ heads back and forth, damaging soft tissues in the neck and resulting in painful whiplash injuries.
- Sports Injuries – Contact sports like football or boxing can also lead to whiplash injuries. For instance, an athlete can get hit in a way that violently whips their head about in a way that mirrors the back-and-forth motion from a car crash.
- Physical Assault – Getting punched or shaken can abruptly displace the head and neck. This is particularly common in assaults and domestic violence incidents where the victim gets shaken or struck on the head, leading to rapid neck movements that cause whiplash.
- Falls – Slipping or tripping and falling can also cause whiplash injuries if the person’s head hits the ground and jerks suddenly upon impact.
Common Symptoms and Complications of Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash injuries can cause a range of symptoms, some of which might appear immediately while others tend to develop after a few days. Common symptoms include neck pain and stiffness. Many whiplash patients have difficulty moving their necks and feel pain when they try to do so. Headaches are another common symptom, usually starting at the base of the skull. Some people also feel pain in their shoulders, arms, or backs.
In addition to these acute symptoms, whiplash can lead to long-term complications without proper treatment. Some patients experience chronic neck pain and prolonged stiffness. Others suffer from dizziness, fatigue, and even blurred vision. In severe cases, complications can include memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Fortunately, timely treatment can prevent long-term damage and alleviate symptoms effectively. Our Washington DC whiplash injury lawyer can help.
Medical Treatments for Whiplash
To treat whiplash, doctors often recommend a combination of rest and gentle exercises. Rest is vital in the early stages after a whiplash injury to allow the neck to heal. However, staying active is important, too, as too much rest can allow muscles to stiffen. Doctors might suggest specific low-intensity exercises to stretch and strengthen the neck muscles during healing.
Pain management is another key part of whiplash treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and ease pain. For more severe pain, doctors might prescribe stronger medications. Applying heat or cold to the neck can also relieve pain and reduce swelling.
Physical therapy is sometimes necessary. A physical therapist can recommend exercises that improve movement and strength and provide treatments to ease pain and speed recovery. Neck braces are less common but can support the neck as it heals in more severe whiplash cases. Our car accident lawyer in Washington DC can help.
How Long Can a Whiplash Injury Last?
The duration of a whiplash injury can vary widely from person to person. Some people recover within a few weeks, while others might experience symptoms for several months or more. The severity of the injury plays a big role in recovery time.
Minor cases of whiplash might resolve quickly with basic care like rest, pain relief, and gentle exercises. However, more severe cases can last much longer and might require extensive treatment, such as physical therapy. Chronic symptoms, such as ongoing neck pain or headaches, can persist for months or even become permanent without proper care.
If you have a whiplash injury, remember to follow your doctor’s advice and complete any prescribed treatment to maximize your recovery.
DC Personal Injury Claims for Whiplash Injuries
In Washington, D.C., you have three years from the date of your whiplash injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you wait too long and miss this deadline, you lose your chance to sue the responsible party. This is why it’s so important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
A lawyer can help you understand your rights and manage the process of filing your claim on time. They also will gather the necessary evidence, handle all the legal paperwork, and represent your interests so you can focus on your recovery.
Potential Compensation from a Whiplash Injury Lawsuit in Washington DC
By filing a whiplash injury claim, you can seek compensation for various financial and personal losses you’ve experienced because of the injury. This could include compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment costs
- Physical therapy costs
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Contact Our Whiplash Injury Lawyers in Washington DC
Struggling to recover from a whiplash injury in Washington, D.C.? Contact Marks & Harrison today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are here to advocate for your interests and handle every aspect of your whiplash injury claim. Reach out to us today to get the support you need and deserve. Contact our Washington DC personal injury lawyer today.
