Whiplash can be a very nasty injury. More often than not, the only symptom of whiplash is pain, and therefore it’s one of the most controversial injuries as patho-anatomical diagnosis is usually not achievable, at least not without advanced equipment.
Which begs the question: If the only symptom of whiplash is pain, how can you prove that you are the victim of it?
The symptoms and signs of whiplash
Firstly, let’s address a common misconception. While more often than not the only symptom of whiplash is pain, there can be other symptoms, which include muscle tightness and spasm, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vertigo, insomnia, anxiety and depression, among others. When it comes time to seek medical treatment, these symptoms will be taken into account, which leads us on to our second point – visiting your doctor immediately for a medical assessment.
Visit your GP immediately for a professional diagnosis
If you were involved in an accident, you should visit your GP as soon as you are able to do so for a medical assessment of your injury, regardless of whether or not you received hospital treatment at the time of your accident. Your GP will give you a professional diagnosis of your injury, which if whiplash will be proof that you are suffering from it. This professional diagnosis will be used as early proof of your injury in the event of a claim for whiplash compensation.
During the claims process
Visiting your own GP for a professional diagnosis is the first step towards proving that you have whiplash. The second step is through a medical examination which will be arranged through your solicitor or law firm during the claims process. This medical examination will be carried out by an independent doctor who specialises in whiplash injuries. It is the assessment of this doctor along with your GP’s assessment which is how you prove you have whiplash.
Remember: Proof of your injury is critical to claim success
You must remember that even though you might have the symptoms and signs of whiplash, this is not proof that you have the injury. Without proof of your injury in the form of a professional diagnosis and doctor’s certificate, a claim will not be processed and if you submitted your own claim for compensation without this proof, your claim would be rejected by the other party in the form of unaccepted liability or a challenging of the claim value. We can advise you on the average payout for whiplash.
If you are the victim of a whiplash injury and wish to find out about your eligibility to make a claim for compensation, give the 24/7 Accident Advice Helpline Advice line a call on 0800 689 0500 or from your mobile on 0333 500 0993.
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