Ottawa Whiplash Injury Lawyer
The tendons, ligaments and muscles in the neck are vulnerable to serious injury in a car accident. A vehicle collision (even a minor crash at low speed) can jerk the head and neck rapidly forward and backward, potentially causing soft-tissue damage known as whiplash. If you have been diagnosed with whiplash after a car crash or another traumatic incident, contact the lawyers at SG Injury Law for a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal rights and options for collecting financial compensation for whiplash injuries in Ottawa.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by the sudden or violent motion of the head and neck. It occurs most often when the forces of a car crash (such as a rear-end collision) snap the head and neck rapidly forward and backward in a whipping motion, causing the stretching or tearing of the soft tissues there. Whiplash can also happen in falls, amusement park rides, sports accidents and physical assaults.
What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?
Whiplash can be a highly painful injury that impedes the mobility of the neck and back. A victim may notice the symptoms of whiplash immediately after an accident or the symptoms may take hours to appear. Delayed symptoms are relatively common with whiplash injuries, especially after a traumatic accident that caused a spike in the victim’s adrenaline. The symptoms of whiplash can include:
- Neck pain
- Stiffness in the neck or shoulders
- Arm pain or weakness
- Tingling or numbness
- Shooting pains in the shoulders or upper arms
- Problems moving the neck
- Trouble swallowing or jaw pain
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
- Headaches
In addition, whiplash can cause sudden changes in mood, behaviour or personality, including anger or depression. Whiplash is described as a neck injury, but it also impacts the spinal column. It is a serious injury that requires immediate medical care. Treating whiplash often involves pain medications, muscle relaxants, different types of therapies and a foam collar for short stretches of time.
What Damages Are Available for Whiplash?
Filing a personal injury claim for whiplash in Ottawa could result in financial compensation (damages) for several related past and future losses. These may include:
- Necessary medical care
- Ongoing medical treatments or doctor’s appointments
- Travel expenses
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Medical devices
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Vehicle or property damage
Keep a record of your losses by obtaining copies of your medical documents and bills, as well as creating a daily pain journal that tracks how you feel throughout your recovery.
How Can a Lawyer Help You?
If you’ve been diagnosed with whiplash after a preventable accident in Ottawa, don’t try to handle your injury claim alone. Insurance companies are notorious for denying whiplash claims, such as by avoiding liability for the accident or alleging that the injury doesn’t exist. Since whiplash is a soft-tissue injury that typically does not appear on x-rays, it can be difficult to prove.
An Ottawa injury lawyer can gather evidence and medical expert testimony to help you prove your whiplash claim and demand fair financial compensation. With a lawyer by your side, you can rest and focus on healing from your neck injury while your trusted representative advocates on your behalf. Your lawyer will know how to go up against insurance companies and take your case to trial in Ottawa, if necessary.
Contact an Ottawa Whiplash Lawyer Today
If you’ve recently suffered a whiplash injury in a car accident or other circumstances in Ottawa, contact the experienced lawyers of SG Injury Law to assist you with the claims process. We will listen to your story and create a legal strategy that is best suited to your specific case. Speak to our knowledgeable and experienced whiplash lawyers today for more information. Call (613) 704-5543 or contact us online to request a free consultation.