Monroe, NC Whiplash Injury Lawyer

Whiplash is a common injury that occurs in accidents involving sudden and unexpected jolting back and forth. Whiplash is very common in most car accidents but can occur in a wide variety of settings. Whiplash victims don’t always know that they have whiplash until at least the next day after the crash, and sometimes even later. Whiplash can lead to long-term painful and debilitating ailments.

If you or someone you know suffered whiplash or was diagnosed with a related condition after an accident in Monroe, NC, call the law offices of Dewey, Ramsay, and Hunt P.A. at (704) 377-3737 for a free and private consultation where we can discuss your options and how your whiplash injury has affected your life. Our experienced attorneys are prepared to fight for your rights and seek compensation for your losses.

Common Injuries Associated with Whiplash

Whiplash is the common term used to refer to injuries to the neck and shoulder muscles, joints, tendons, and discs caused by a harsh back and forth motion. There are multiple levels of pain and harm depending on the cause and number of times you endured whiplash. Any activity where you can suffer a sudden back and forth jerking can cause whiplash. Car accidents, and particularly rear-end collisions, are known for causing whiplash. However, there are multiple situations when people can suffer whiplash, such as accidents in amusement rides, airplane turbulence, and horseback riding, to mention a few. While typically non-fatal, whiplash can cause debilitating injuries. Recent studies have shown that people suffering from whiplash are at risk of experiencing concurrent traumatic brain injury symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some of the most common lingering symptoms include:

• Neck pain
• Neck and shoulder stiffness
• Chronic headaches
• Trouble focusing, concentrating or sleeping
• Pain and an inability to move the shoulders
• Numbness and radiating pain in arms/hands
• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Lower back pain

If you are unable to do your job as you used to or you’re unable to work due to related symptoms such as headaches and pain, you’re likely to experience a significant impact on your life due to whiplash. If your physician gives you an indication that your injury caused severe nerve damage, you need to give serious consideration to speaking to a qualified Monroe, NC whiplash attorney who can help you seek financial compensation for your losses. If you are contemplating filing a civil lawsuit, there is a three-year deadline beginning at the day the accident occurred.

Delayed Whiplash Discovery and the Legal Complications

Whiplash is not always diagnosed right after an accident. There are some cases where a diagnosis can occur long after an accident. The other side can try to avoid legal responsibility by arguing that the whiplash was not related to your accident. In disassociating the accident from the whiplash symptoms, the defendant will try to avoid liability for the injuries. In such instances, you need an experienced attorney who can advocate effectively on your behalf. Our qualified attorneys will work with your physician and other medical experts in looking at the records in pointing to the causes of the delayed diagnosis. If your doctor was proactively monitoring your recovery, they can help establish the reasons why you didn’t experience any initial symptoms, such as medications or treatments prescribed after the accident. Furthermore, medical tests such as X-Rays and MRIs can substantiate your symptoms.

Pursuing Compensation for Whiplash Injuries in North Carolina

If you are experiencing the chronic headaches and pain associated with whiplash, you need an attorney skilled in the laws and regulations related to financial compensation in North Carolina. Whiplash-related conditions can be painful and impact your mobility, which in turn causes you to incur costs associated with custodial and transportation assistance.

All sorts of expensive complications can arise in your life if you’re unable to work and your medical bills are adding up quickly. Our attorneys understand the intricacies of evaluating the number of lost wages, medical and physical rehabilitation expenses, and physical pain and suffering as a result of the accident.

Since whiplash is so common after accidents, some people don’t realize that there is a possibility you will face repercussions from this injury for the rest of your life. Such a fact can have a devastating effect on your finances down the road. If you file a lawsuit to recover for your losses, you can seek:

• Losses for property damage and medical expenses needed to treat your injuries.
• Incidental losses you wouldn’t have incurred without the injury.
• Consequential damages such as lost wages and lifestyle changes.
• Punitive damages may be awarded in North Carolina for up to $250,000.

For a free legal consultation on your case, call our law offices today at (704) 377-3737