Whiplash injury lawyers in Saint John, New Brunswick
Whiplash is an injury sustained when the neck is suddenly jolted, whipping it back and forth quickly. The symptoms don’t always emerge immediately after an accident, which means it can be challenging to convince an insurance company or judge that the accident caused your injury. If you get whiplash in an accident, it’s best to have an accomplished attorney on your side.
You can trust Correia & Collins with your whiplash claim. We know how to build a compelling case, and you won’t pay until you collect.
Be vigilant about whiplash symptoms
Once you’ve been diagnosed with whiplash, you may need treatment to manage the pain and speed healing. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need to stabilize your head and neck by wearing a cervical collar. Your doctor may also administer prescription or injected pain medications.
A quick diagnosis is one key element in linking the injury to your accident, so seek medical attention immediately if you notice any whiplash symptoms emerging. Characteristic symptoms include:
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Soreness in the arms, shoulders, upper chest, or back
Treatment for whiplash
Once you’ve been diagnosed with whiplash, you may need therapeutic treatments to manage the pain and speed the healing process. Depending on the severity, you may need to stabilize the movement of your head and neck by wearing a cervical collar. Your doctor may also prescribe or inject pain medications.
Ongoing treatment may be required for long-term management of your whiplash. Common therapies include massage, physiotherapy, chiropractic treatments, and acupuncture.
Whiplash injury claims: a quick guide
Being in a motor vehicle accident can be an intense moment. Not everyone realizes they are injured right away.
A few simple things you can do early on in case you are injured:
- Stop Activities: Avoid any physical activities or movements immediately after the accident that could worsen the injury.
- Apply Ice: Use an ice pack on the neck for 15–20 minutes at a time, several times a day, during the first 24–48 hours. This helps reduce swelling and pain.
- Rest: Allow the body time to recover by avoiding strenuous activities and resting as much as possible. Avoid keeping the neck in a fixed position for too long.
- Seek Medical Attention: Contact a healthcare provider to evaluate the severity of the injury, especially if there is severe pain, dizziness, numbness, or weakness. A professional evaluation may include imaging tests to rule out more serious issues.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation but follow dosage recommendations or a doctor’s advice.
- Stay Hydrated and Maintain Good Posture: Proper hydration supports recovery, and good posture can prevent additional strain.
- Consider Physical Therapy: After initial healing, a doctor might recommend exercises or therapy to restore range of motion and strengthen neck muscles.
It’s crucial to take whiplash seriously, even if symptoms initially seem mild, as untreated injuries can lead to chronic pain or complications later on.
An experienced accident injury legal team for your whiplash and neck injuries
Neck injuries like whiplash can impact your quality of life and your ability to do your job, so you need a highly skilled lawyer on your side when you seek compensation. At Correia & Collins in Saint John, New Brunswick, we can walk you through the insurance claim process, advise you on your best course of legal action, and present a convincing case to the insurance companies and the court.