Each year, the U.S. has an estimated 1.8 million people who suffer from chronic pain and disability following a motor vehicle accident. About 20% of “rear-end” collision victims later experience symptoms of whiplash. Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden impact from behind that results in the neck snapping and being overextended. The sudden acceleration and deceleration action impacts muscles, tendons, disks, and nerves of the neck. A large number of cases start with a seemingly minor neck injury that escalates to long term problems with the neck, shoulder, arm, lower back, nerve roots, and head pain (whiplash may also cause concussion).

 Whiplash injuries can cause cognitive problems and psychological conditions such as memory loss, irritability, sleep disturbances, and depression. Tinnitus, visual symptoms, dizziness, joint pain, and paresthesias (abnormal sensations) are other disorders associated with Whiplash.  Many victims experience symptoms within several hours of the accident, while others have intense pain that is incapacitating and have long-term repercussions.

According to health agencies, back and neck injuries are the most common reason for missing work and one of the most frequent complaints made to physicians. Whiplash injuries occur under a variety of circumstances including:

• Vehicle accidents – cause the body to receive a lot of energy in a very short time. This may result in fractures and soft tissue damage (muscles, ligaments, etc.). Soft tissue damage does not appear on x-rays and other diagnostic procedures. While insurance policies of the vehicle operators may cover the costs of your injury and rehabilitation, they do not cover other expenses. The determination of fault is also a factor in these cases, and the law varies among the states.
   
• Sports-related accidents – these injuries are most often related to diving accidents. If the accident occurred at a pool, the homeowners’ or pool managers may be liable for damages.
   
• Assault – victims are injured in violent attacks. This is a criminal act, but the property owners and management may also be liable for damages because of safety and security issues.
   
• Slip and falls – if you fell on someone else’s property or on a construction site, the owners may be responsible for damages due to unsafe conditions or a failure to post warnings.
   
• Work-related injuries – victims of work-related neck injuries may experience disabling pain, and may be unable to perform job-related tasks.
   
• Product liability – if an unsafe or defective product caused your injury, the manufacturer or distributor may be liable for damages due to inadequate labeling, faulty design or manufacturing problems.

In all of the instances mentioned above, Kantrovitz & Associates’ attorneys can help prove the responsibility, intent, and liability necessary for you to receive compensation or benefits under the law. Our legal team has experience and expertise in all types of personal injury, wrongful death, Workers’ Compensation, and product liability claims and settlements.  Because of the strict timeframes for filing a Whiplash claim, it is important that you act quickly.

Proving negligence takes an investment of time, experience, and resources – advantages that only a qualified attorney can provide. At Kantrovitz & Associates, we always work to maximize the compensation that our personal injury clients receive. Whether we’re gathering evidence, giving advice, or talking with insurance companies, we are always your representative. Please contact us today at (800) 259-1084, or reach us via email at: info@kantrovitzlaw.com.