What You Need To Know About Whiplash Settlements
Whiplash is a common result of motor vehicle accidents in Fort Lauderdale, falls, contact sports, and other personal injuries. There is not a predetermined or average amount awarded in an insurance settlement or lawsuit. Instead, expenses related to treating whiplash are included in a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit.
Understanding Whiplash Injuries
This painful neck injury gets its name from the violent back-and-forth movement of the head jerking forward and backward, like the crack of a whip. Symptoms of whiplash usually appear within 24 hours of the injury but can be delayed. According to the Mayo Clinic, typical signs of whiplash include:
- Neck pain and stiffness that worsens with movement
- Loss of range of motion in the neck
- Headaches in the back of the skull
- Tenderness or pain in the upper back, shoulders, or arms
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Severe cases of Whiplash could also lead to:
- Blurred vision
- Memory problems
- Disrupted sleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Several Factors Influence Settlement for Whiplash Injuries
It is difficult to arrive at an average settlement for whiplash because each case is different. Some people feel better after several weeks with treatment that includes pain medicine and physical therapy. Others suffer from long term chronic neck pain and other complications.
Several health factors might influence a whiplash settlement, such as:
- The severity of trauma to the neck and upper back
- Other injuries that might affect treatment for whiplash
- Age and general health
- Complications or adverse reactions to therapy or medication
Other Factors That Determine a Whiplash Settlement
The severity of a whiplash injury is one factor when insurance companies or a court determines a settlement.
Other considerations include:
- Cost of medical treatments, including physical therapy, prescription medicine, and medical equipment (for example, neck collar)
- Amount of missed workdays
- Ongoing treatment or therapy
- Pain and Suffering
- Mental anguish
- Reduced earning ability if whiplash affects current job requirements
Recovering Compensatory Damages for Whiplash
You could seek compensation for whiplash injuries on your own. However, most people do not have the legal experience or knowledge to effectively send a claim to the at-fault party’s insurance company. For example, most states have a statute of limitations to file a whiplash injury claim or lawsuit.
In Florida, you have four years to file a lawsuit for whiplash and other personal injuries. You lose the opportunity to pursue compensation once this deadline passes. Negotiating with an insurance adjuster can be time-consuming. An auto accident lawyer will take care of all communication and negotiation for you. This allows you to concentrate on feeling better.
We Recover Compensation on a Contingency Fee Basis
The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees if we cannot recover compensation for your injuries. While there is no average settlement for whiplash, a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer will work to maximize your potential compensation.
