One of the most common car accident injuries a person may sustain is whiplash. A painful neck injury resulting from the sudden jerk of a car, whiplash can occur even in minor accidents when the head moves suddenly back and forth from the collision. There is a wide range in the injury’s severity, but it quickly affects the daily life of those suffering from whiplash. From walking around to sleeping, a whiplash injury may take an extended period of time to heal and leave the person frustrated and in pain.
If you’re suffering from a whiplash injury resulting from another person’s negligence, contact our Rizk Law Hillsboro whiplash injury attorney for experienced legal representation. When you seek legal action against the responsible party, you may recover monetary compensation for losses like hospital bills and loss of income. Another essential aspect is holding a person accountable for their carelessness. Our Rizk Law team understands the challenges a whiplash injury may cause and believes you deserve highly-qualified and devoted Hillsboro whiplash injury lawyers to guide you through the legal process of filing a claim.
Signs and Symptoms of Whiplash
It takes as little as 24 hours for whiplash to develop after a car accident and for an individual to start noticing symptoms. Many people may not realize they’ve suffered an injury in the accident and push it off as simply soreness rather than whiplash. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should immediately seek medical attention:
- Muscle spasms
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Pain worsens with movement
- Limited range of motion in the neck
- Tenderness around the neck
- Headaches at the base of the skull
While any type of motor vehicle accident can cause whiplash, rear-end accidents are known to produce more than any other type of collision. Vehicles can move as little as 10 miles an hour and generate a whiplash injury. The injury becomes more severe the longer a whiplash injury goes untreated. Even if you feel hesitant about making a doctor’s appointment, it’s better to be safe than to risk your health.
Types of Treatment Options for Whiplash in Oregon
For you to receive the correct treatment for your injury, you’ll first need to have your doctor examine and categorize the severity of the damage. While some people may only require over-the-counter medication and some stretching, others may need prescription medications and physical therapy. Consider the following treatment options for those suffering from a whiplash injury.
Pain Management
Managing the pain and soreness that comes with a whiplash injury is one of the first and main areas of treatment that doctors will observe. In order for your body to heal, you’ll need the following to help alleviate the pain your body experiences during recovery.
- Rest
- Heat or cold compresses
- Over-the-counter pain medications
- Prescription medications
- Muscle relaxants
- Injections
Some pain management options are for those with more severe pain and injuries. Your medical care professional will explain the medication and pain management best suited for your recovery process.
Exercise
Stretching and prescribed exercises explicitly targeting the injured area will help restore your range of motion and progress your recovery. The following are a few examples of exercises and stretches your doctor may recommend:
- Tilting your head side to side
- Rolling your shoulders
- Rotating your neck in both directions
- Bending your neck toward your chest
At first, the exercise and stretches may cause a feeling of discomfort and slight pain as you work in challenging movements. However, as your body recovers and heels, you’ll feel your ability to move your head and neck shift gradually.
Physical Therapy
If your whiplash is more serious and requires the assistance of range-of-motion exercises and guided medical care, your doctor may recommend a physical therapist. With the help of someone watching and guiding you through each session, you’ll have the care you need to recover.
There are some cases where foam collars and other movement suppressants may benefit a severe injury for small amounts of time. However, studies show that keeping the neck from movement over long periods of time may decrease muscle strength and make it difficult for the body to recover.
Are You Eligible to Recover Compensation for Your Losses?
If you suffer a whiplash injury because of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to hold them accountable and seek compensation for the damages you incur during and because of the accident. The following are examples of losses you may recover with the guidance of a highly-qualified Hillsboro whiplash injury lawyer:
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Cost of physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Physical disfigurement and impairment
- Lost wages or income
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Past and future medical expenses
The sooner you seek medical assistance and speak with your Hillsboro whiplash injury attorney, the more time you have to recover and file a whiplash injury claim. As soon as you’re able, contact our Rizk Law office for more information on your legal options and the medical expenses you may recover with our guidance.
Contact a Hard-Working Whiplash Injury Lawyer in Hillsboro, Oregon Today
Recovering from a whiplash injury takes time and rest. You deserve to focus on your health and navigating the challenges resulting from the accident. Handling legal affairs does not assist your recovery and may only cause you stress. Our Rizk Law lawyers understand the importance of medical care and will act on your behalf in legal proceedings. With years of experience protecting our clients’ rights and pursuing compensation for their losses, you can count on us to do everything we can to recover what you deserve.
Call (503) 342-0783 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a dependable Hillsboro whiplash injury lawyer today.