Whiplash Lawyer in Los Angeles

Should You Get An Attorney for Whiplash in Los Angeles?

Some of the most painful injuries a person can suffer involve the soft tissue of the neck and shoulders. While not as serious as the nerve damage that can result in paralysis, this soft tissue damage is often painful and difficult to fully treat. Victims of car collisions, falls, or other accidents who suffer these injuries can experience chronic pain, require extensive medical treatment, or require surgery. They also typically need powerful painkillers, which have the risk of addiction.

Fortunately, you can take action and hold those who caused your injuries accountable for your pain and suffering. Whether your injury was caused by a vehicle collision, a fall down poorly-maintained stairs, or an assault, you have legal options. Call NOVIK LAW GROUP, A Professional Corporation, at (818) 305-6041 to talk to a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer about what happened and what you should do next.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is an injury to soft tissue in the neck and upper shoulders, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Soft tissue is what holds the body together, connecting bones and nerves, so that a person can move. Whiplash refers to a specific injury that happens when a person’s head and neck rapidly move back and forth, similar to the crack of a whip. This sudden movement can stretch or tear soft tissue in the neck, causing tremendous pain.

How Does Whiplash Happen?

Probably the most common cause of whiplash is a rear-end collision between two vehicles. As the rear vehicle slams into the back of the front one, the driver and passengers in the front vehicle will typically have their heads snap forward and back. Whiplash is also fairly common in certain kinds of sports, especially football and similar contact sports where one player can collide with another. Physical violence and abuse can also cause whiplash, especially if a child is shaken by another person. A sudden fall could also cause this kind of injury.

What Are Some Treatments for Whiplash and Soft Tissue Damage?

Fortunately, minor whiplash requires minimal treatment to heal within a week or two: usually some rest, following doctor’s orders, and taking painkillers. On the other hand, serious whiplash injuries can take months or years to recover from, and during that time the victim can be in absolute anguish, unable to sleep or go to work. Pain management is usually a major aspect of any whiplash recovery, and can involve prescription painkillers. Physical therapy and similar treatments may also be required, particularly in cases of long-term whiplash. Needless to say, this is expensive.

Who May Be Responsible for Your Whiplash?

While one case of whiplash will vary from another, many times, it is easy to determine who is to blame for causing your whiplash. For example, in a rear-end collision, the driver in the rear car is typically at fault. Drivers are expected to leave enough space between their vehicle and the vehicle in front to stop safely, even if the front driver stops suddenly. When a physical assault or similar act of violence occurs, the assailant may be held liable for his actions, but so can the owner of the property on which the crime took place, if negligent security allowed you to get injured.

Can You Prove You Have Whiplash?

In other cases, determining responsibility is not so simple, especially if the whiplash occurred due to a sports accident or a fall down stairs. Since whiplash can take several hours or days after an accident to show symptoms, having an experienced injury attorney by your side from the beginning can make all the difference. After your accident, call NOVIK LAW GROUP right away at (818) 305-6041 to talk about your options. We’ve handled many serious injury cases, and we know what you need to do to maximize your recovery. Your consultation is free, and if we take your case, you pay NOTHING until we get you the compensation you deserve.

Additional Information

• Whiplash – Mayo Clinic
• Whiplash Information Page – NIH
• Neck Injuries and Disorders – MedlinePlus