Most people associate whiplash with motor vehicle accidents. However, this common injury can be sustained in a variety of circumstances, and its effects may be severe and long-lasting. Damage to the muscles, ligaments and tendons in the neck can cause pain and immobilization that prevent a person from working and going about their daily life for some time.

Unfortunately, an accident claim for whiplash and any associated injuries can be difficult to prove, and it’s all too common for insurance companies to dispute this type of claim. If you or a loved one is suffering from whiplash following an accident, the team at Feifel Gualazzi can help. Our personal injury lawyers have the knowledge and experience to assist you in proving your claim and getting the compensation you deserve.

For more information about our legal services, or to speak with a personal injury lawyer in Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding District of Algoma, contact us today.

CONSULT A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER IN SAULT STE. MARIE & ALGOMA DISTRICT FOR WHIPLASH & OTHER INJURIES

LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR WHIPLASH INJURY CLAIMS

The term whiplash, also known as whiplash associated disorders (WAD), refers to any damage to the muscles, ligaments or tendons in the neck caused by a sudden jerking movement. If the head is rapidly forced in one direction and then another, the soft tissues in the neck and upper back can stretch and tear. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:

Neck, back, jaw and/or shoulder pain

Headache, dizziness and blurred vision

Numbness, tingling or weakness in the neck

Stiffness in the neck and reduced range of motion

Memory issues and difficulty concentrating

Physical fatigue and trouble sleeping

Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)

a doctor consulting with a personal injury lawyer on a case

doctor reviewing treatment options with victim

Although many of these symptoms are similar to those of neck strain, whiplash is a more severe injury that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Since this soft tissue injury generally doesn’t show up on medical imaging or X-rays, doctors must rely on an account of the person’s symptoms to make a diagnosis.

Unfortunately, the lack of a definitive diagnosis — combined with instances of claimants fabricating or exaggerating symptoms — can prompt insurance companies to dispute the validity of a whiplash injury claim. As a result, you need plenty of evidence and the right legal expertise to successfully prove this type of claim and receive compensation.

When you reach out to the team at Feifel Gualazzi, one of our personal injury lawyers will carefully review your case and provide expert advice for how to move forward. We also recommend that you thoroughly document your symptoms, medical appointments and treatments to support your case.

RECEIVE COMPENSATION FOR ASSOCIATED INJURIES

As the term “whiplash associated disorders” suggests, there are numerous symptoms associated with this soft tissue neck injury. In addition to concurrent injuries such as a concussion or pinched nerve, someone who suffers a whiplash-type injury might also experience:

Chronic pain. Although whiplash is a neck injury, it can cause pain in the head, back and elsewhere in the body. This can eventually progress into chronic pain syndrome or fibromyalgia. Often, these so-called “invisible injuries” aren’t taken seriously by insurance companies despite their debilitating effects.
Fractures. In addition to tearing soft tissue in the neck, the abrupt acceleration and deceleration that causes whiplash can also fracture or dislocate vertebrae. These spinal injuries can lead to arthritis and other complications that may be life-altering.
Scarring. Following a whiplash injury, scar tissue forms to repair the torn muscles and ligaments in the neck. As the scar tissue gradually shrinks, it can cause misalignment in the neck that results in pain, inflammation and other symptoms.

Since many symptoms associated with soft tissue injuries like whiplash can take a while to appear, insurance companies often don’t provide sufficient compensation following an accident. At Feifel Gualazzi, our lawyers have extensive experience representing victims of chronic pain, fibromyalgia and other whiplash-related injuries. We understand how devastating these conditions can be and are available to help you get the compensation that’s rightfully yours.

young man with whiplash walking away from vehicle rubbing his neck

CONSULT A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER IN SAULT STE. MARIE & SURROUNDING DISTRICT OF ALGOMA

If you need help proving an accident claim for whiplash and any associated injuries, turn to the dedicated team at Feifel Gualazzi. As one of the largest personal injury law firms in Northern Ontario, we provide excellent service and work tirelessly to get our clients the compensation they deserve. To learn more about how our lawyers can help, contact us today.