Whiplash and Neck Injury

Last year New York Yankees third baseman Eric Chavez sustained a whiplash injury and concussion when he dove for a ball. He returned to play ball a little over a week later.

Luckily for Chavez, the injury he suffered was not severe and he was able to heal fast.

Whiplash is frequently misunderstood. While it can resolve after a few days, such as in the case of Chavez, it can also develop into a serious injury that leaves the victim in severe pain for many years. Whiplash frequently occurs in automobile or other vehicle accidents.

When a car is rear-ended, the abrupt backward and forward jerking of the neck can result in serious injury. While strain and pain in the neck may be immediately evident, over the course of the next few days or months other symptoms may appear.

Symptoms can include the following:

• Stiff neck
• Headache
• Pain in the lower back
• Numbness in hand or arm
• Dizzy spells
• Sleep disturbance
• Fatigue
• Irritation
• Inability to concentrate
• Memory problems
• Injuries to soft tissues

In the past, victims of whiplash often wore a cervical collar. However, current thinking is that movement is better than immobilization. A victim of whiplash may be unable to attend work, and may have a need for long-term therapy.

When whiplash arises out of a car, truck, bus, or other vehicular accident caused by negligence, the victim has the right to seek fair compensation for damages. An experienced attorney can help.