whiplash injury in chicago

Chicago Whiplash Lawyers

People tend to think of whiplash as a minor neck injury. In truth, severe whiplash can lead to nerve damage, chronic pain, and other health complications. If you’re fighting for compensation after a car accident in Illinois, you need a skilled lawyer who can demonstrate the severity of your whiplash injury and its impact on your life. 

The Chicago whiplash attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, P.C. understand the hardships these painful injuries can cause. For over 40 years, we have provided comprehensive, compassionate legal representation to individuals injured through someone else’s negligence. Our experienced car accident lawyers have an impressive track record of success, recovering $2.5 billion for individuals harmed by others’ wrongdoing. 

Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, P.C. for a free consultation with a whiplash lawyer in Chicago.

What is Whiplash?

The motion of cracking a whip is similar to what happens to your neck during a car accident, particularly rear-end collisions. Whiplash occurs when rapid acceleration and deceleration forces snap the head forward and backward rapidly, straining the neck’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

What are Common Causes of Whiplash?

Any incident causing the head to jerk back and forth quickly can result in a whiplash injury. Motor vehicle accidents are the most frequent cause of whiplash. According to a Nationwide Emergency Department Sample data analysis, the number of traffic crash-related whiplash injuries likely exceeds 1.2 million cases annually.

However, other scenarios and activities can also lead to whiplash. Examples include: 

  • Bicycle accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Sports injuries
  • Slip and falls
  • Workplace accidents
  • Physical assault or abuse

What are the Symptoms of Whiplash?

Symptoms of whiplash can differ in severity and may include:

  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Sensitivity to touch
  • Headache
  • Reduced range of motion in the neck
  • Shoulder and upper back pain
  • Burning, tingling, or numbness in the neck, upper back, shoulders, or upper arms
  • Muscle spasms
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory problems
  • Blurry vision
  • Sleep disturbances 

Doctors classify whiplash injuries by grades:

  • Grade 0 – No complaint of neck pain or physical symptoms
  • Grade 1 – An individual complains of neck pain, stiffness, or tenderness but shows no physical signs
  • Grade 2 –A person complains of neck pain and demonstrates musculoskeletal sign(s) of a whiplash injury
  • Grade 3 – A patient complains of neck pain and shows neurological sign(s) of whiplash
  • Grade 4 – The accident victim complains of neck pain and suffers a neck fracture or dislocation

How Long Does It Take for Whiplash Symptoms to Appear?

Whiplash symptoms usually appear within 24 hours of a crash but could develop or worsen a few days later. Victims sometimes feel a little tender or stiff in the neck after a collision but wake up the next day in sharp pain and are unable to turn their heads. That’s why seeking medical attention immediately after a car accident is critical. A medical professional can properly diagnose a whiplash injury and begin appropriate treatment.

What Are the Treatments for Whiplash?

The treatment for whiplash depends on the injury’s severity and the specific symptoms experienced. Your doctor will prescribe a treatment protocol that you should follow precisely to improve your chances of a full recovery. Here’s an overview of the treatments commonly used for whiplash:

  • Rest – Rest is vital in the first few days after an accident. Take it easy and give your body time to heal.
  • Ice/heat therapy – Apply ice to the affected area for 24 to 48 hours to reduce swelling and inflammation. Afterward, you can alternate between ice and heat to alleviate pain.
  • Over-the-counter medications – Common over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help relieve pain, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil and Aleve.
  • Prescription drugs – Your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications like opioids. They may also prescribe muscle relaxers to mitigate muscle spasms.
  • Neck support – Your physician may recommend a soft neck collar or brace for a short period to provide support and limit mobility while the soft tissues in your neck heal.
  • Physical therapy – A physical therapist can provide exercises and stretches to improve neck mobility, strengthen muscles, and promote healing. They may also use manual therapies to alleviate pain, such as massage, trigger point therapy, or myofascial release.
  • Electrotherapy – Techniques like ultrasound and electrical stimulation may help reduce pain and promote healing.
  • Injections – In more severe cases, your doctor may use corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected area.

Beyond physical treatments, some car accident victims also need psychological treatment to overcome mental or emotional distress. Recent studies show that 22 percent of patients with whiplash from motor vehicle accidents had a probable diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) three months after the accident, with 17 percent still suffering from PTSD 12 months post-injury. Treatments of PTSD may include medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other guided therapies by a mental health professional.

How Long Does Whiplash Last?

Unfortunately, whiplash and whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) can be long-term conditions. One study reports that approximately one-third of whiplash patients recover from the acute injury within three months. An additional one-third still suffer some minor residual pain and disability, and the final third suffers persistent high levels of pain and disability. Of those who develop chronic pain from an acute whiplash injury, only 10 to 20 percent recover completely.

With such variable prognoses, it’s crucial to consult a seasoned whiplash attorney as soon as possible after an accident. A lawyer can help you seek maximum compensation to support your long-term medical needs.

Contact Our Whiplash Attorneys Today to Learn How We Can Help

Recovering from a car accident injury can feel frightening and isolating. Remember that you are not alone. At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, P.C., our team of dedicated whiplash lawyers can guide you through the legal process, provide unwavering support, and fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve. Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, P.C. today for a free consultation with a proven Chicago whiplash lawyer.