Whiplash and Other Soft Tissue Injuries
Some injuries from a car accident are obvious, like cuts, bruises, and broken bones; but others may not be so easy to recognize. Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries (also referred to as "delayed" injuries) may not be visible immediately following an accident, and may not cause you physical pain until hours, days, or even weeks later. This creates complications when seeking treatment and filing an injury claim.
If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle or truck accident, seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you are seriously injured. It’s also a good idea to contact an experienced Nebraska personal injury attorney following an accident because he or she can give you invaluable advice about dealing with insurance companies - both your own and that of the party responsible for the accident.
The Omaha car accident lawyers at Cullan & Cullan LLC are uniquely qualified to handle whiplash and soft tissue injury claims because we are also trained physicians. We will use our medical knowledge to assess the true extent of your injuries, what kind of treatment you need, and how the injuries will affect your future. Call Patrick and Joseph Cullan for a free case evaluation at (402) 882-7080 today.
Don’t Underestimate Soft Tissue Injuries
Many people think that soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and whiplash, are not serious because they are rarely fatal. But the truth is, they can result in long-term pain and disability due to nerve, muscle, tendon, and ligament damage. In severe cases, they may even require surgery to repair. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the symptoms of soft tissue injuries (pain, swelling, loss of mobility, etc.) will just go away on their own - many times, they will require extensive medical treatment.
Soft tissue injuries can result in the following losses and damages for a victim:
- Medical bills for immediate treatments, such as surgeries, injections, etc.
- Costs of long-term treatments for pain and mobility, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, medications, acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, and more.
- Permanent injury or disability.
- General pain and suffering, and chronic pain and suffering.
- Mental anguish.
- Lost wages from missed work.
- Loss of career or earning capacity.
- Costs of household and vehicle alterations to accommodate your injuries, such as wheelchair ramps and lifts, special bathtubs, etc.
- Hedonic damages for loss of joy of life. For instance, if you enjoyed playing the piano, drawing, or playing golf, but your injury now prevents you from engaging in these activities.
After a successful personal injury lawsuit, you may be able to recover all those costs and more.
Soft Tissue Injury Claims Can Be Difficult
Because soft tissue injuries do not always show up on X-rays or MRIs, it can be difficult to prove they exist. Insurance companies will often zero in on this fact in order to deny or reduce claims. They will often try to characterize an injured motorist’s claim as a frivolous lawsuit, a false claim of injury solely designed to make money.
The fact is, "undetectable" injuries can cause debilitating and life-altering pain. Don’t let an insurance company and its high-priced lawyers sentence you to a future of pain.
Can Whiplash Cause Permanent Damage?
Depending on how serious a car accident was, it is possible to see long-lasting, or permanent, symptoms. In more minor accidents, your injuries could naturally heal, but if the effects linger, it's best to see a medical professional. Some long-lasting symptoms of a whiplash you could experience are:
- Chronic pain
- Stiffness
- Back pain
- Dizziness
- Chronic headaches
- Memory problems
- Trouble sleeping
- Numbness or weakness in your arms or legs
- Personality changes
- Trouble concentrating
- PTSD
As said above, soft tissue injuries like whiplash should not be taken lightly. Due to how close these injuries take place to your brain, the results can be catastrophic.
Our Whiplash Attorneys Are Well-Versed in Law and Medicine
Because both Joseph Cullan and Patrick Cullan are lawyers and physicians, our legal team goes into court armed with medical knowledge that most attorneys can only guess at. We can identify and establish that many serious injuries, often invisible to diagnostic tests, are not immediately evident after an accident. To find out more about your legal rights and options after a soft tissue injury, call the Omaha offices of Cullan & Cullan LLC for a free consultation at (402) 882-7080.