Alpharetta Whiplash Lawyers Seek Compensation for Soft Tissue Injuries
Georgia firm assists clients with severe neck pain caused by auto accidents
Some injuries are obvious. There’s no denying a broken bone, a bruise or a cut suffered in a car crash. But even an injury that isn’t visible to the naked eye can cause severe pain and disability. That’s how it can be with whiplash, which commonly affects auto accident victims. There might be lengthy rehab, during which victims suffer chronic pain and risk become addicted to painkillers. At Cheeley Law Group, LLC in Alpharetta, our experienced Georgia attorneys take whiplash injuries seriously. We fight to ensure that you are fully compensated for your pain and suffering for as long as it lasts.
What is whiplash?
Whiplash is the term for a neck injury caused by sudden severe movement of the head, forward and back and/or side to side. The condition is usually associated with auto accidents when a collision causes an abrupt stop, causing the head to continue forward then snaps back. That motion stretches muscles and ligaments, often producing tears, and can displace discs, putting pressure on the spinal cord. In some instances, whiplash can also cause concussions and traumatic brain injury.
What are the most common symptoms of whiplash?
The Mayo Clinic identifies symptoms of whiplash as:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Pain that worsens with neck movement
- Diminished range of motion in the neck
- Headaches that generally start at the base of the skull
- Radiant pain in the shoulder, upper back or arms
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
More severe cases of whiplash can also produce:
- Blurred vision
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Disturbed sleep
- Mood problems, such as Irritability and depression
- Cognitive issues, such as difficulty concentrating and memory lapses
These symptoms can last for a very long time, especially if the patient does not receive proper treatment.
How plaintiffs can prove whiplash in an auto accident claim
In times past, whiplash was a difficult injury to prove, because damage to soft tissue did not show up on X-rays. Today we have MRIs, which are better diagnostic tools for this type of personal injury. However, no diagnostic test can measure pain, and people with similar injuries can experience pain differently. Because insurance companies and juries often look on whiplash claims with suspicion, you should take steps early on to build your legal case.
First, get yourself checked immediately. This helps to establish the causal connection between the accident and your injury. Get a treatment plan for a physician, which will likely include physical therapy, and stick with it. Consult an auto accident lawyer as soon as you are able. You should also document the impact of your injury on your life. If you are missing work and your activities are limited, keep a list of the modifications to your lifestyle you’ve had to make.
Contact our Alpharetta, GA accident lawyers for a free whiplash injury consultation
Cheeley Law Group, LLC provides skilled and determined advocacy for clients who suffer whiplash injuries in the Alpharetta area. When you retain our service, you can expect highly professional representation from start to finish. Call us at 770-872-6066 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
