Alberta Whiplash Basics: Get the Support you Need in Edmonton with James H. Brown and Associates

Feeling a little worse for wear after a fender bender, bicycling collision, or sporting injury? Whiplash is one of the most common kinds of personal injury, but you might be surprised to learn how often it goes undetected before progressing into a more serious physical condition. Soft-tissue injuries can be incredibly painful, and even debilitating to deal with if left untreated and undiagnosed. At James H. Brown and Associates, we’re here to make sure you have the support you need after a traumatic incident and collision, including access to the right information when it comes to recovering from whiplash and related injuries.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at some of the ins and outs of whiplash, including what causes soft tissues damage, common signs and symptoms, and how to make sure you’re able to afford the best medical care possible after an accident. Read on to learn more!

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a type of neck injury typically classified as a soft tissue “minor injury” under Alberta’s Minor Injury Regulation and the Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols Regulation. Whiplash occurs when the neck is snapped backwards and forward rapidly, not unlike the cracking of a whip. While whiplash can resolve itself quickly for some, in more severe cases, or for those with extenuating circumstances, affected individuals could face a lifetime of chronic pain or even a potential permanent disability.

With access to the right physiotherapy and medical resources, those dealing with the pain and distress caused by whiplash can focus on moving forward with recovery and lead happy fulfilling lives that are as pain-free as possible. Effective as of January 1, 2021, it is important to note that Alberta’s payout cap for minor injuries, including whiplash is $5365. If you need extra support to cover pain and additional issues caused by whiplash, James H. Brown and Associates is here to help you navigate Alberta’s medical system and get the help you need to recover.

Common Causes of Whiplash

The most common cause of whiplash among Albertans is rear-end collisions, but neck strains or sprains (as whiplash is also referred to) can occur any time your neck experiences a forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement. Additional causes of whiplash include hard falls, contact sports injuries (hockey, boxing, rugby, football, etc), being hit in the head by a heavy object, and more. If you’ve recently experienced a traumatic event and are now dealing with pain, you could be dealing with symptoms of whiplash or other kinds of soft tissue damage.

What to Look For

One of the trickiest parts of dealing with whiplash is that it can take 24-48hrs (if not longer) for symptoms to make an appearance. Because whiplash can often be indicative of a large issue, including a heightened risk for Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you’ve been involved in any sort of event or accident that could lead to whiplash or additional injuries. It is extremely common for people to walk away from an accident feeling “fine”, only to experience severe symptoms and health risks within a matter of hours or day. For your health and peace of mind, it is always best to speak with a qualified medical professional after an accident, and doing so will help significantly if you ever need to get legal counsel involved.

In the event that you or your loved one experiences an accident or collision, look for the following signs of whiplash:

• Neck and back pain
• Neck and shoulder stiffness/decreased range of motion
• Headaches that start at the base of your skull and radiate upwards
• Jaw pain or TMJ (grinding teeth)
• Arm pain or weakness
• Dizziness, fatigue, or blurred vision
• Sudden pins and needles sensation in your neck or fingers
• Memory gaps or difficulty recalling information, and more.

Not sure if you’re experiencing whiplash? Always trust the advice of a qualified medical professional. You can also conduct a brief self-assessment (not intended to replace the advice and examination of a medical doctor) using our whiplash claim assessment form here. Our assessment form is a great way to get started with a qualified legal team and to take the first steps toward ensuring you’ll be able to get the full extent of the medical support you need for recovery.

Protecting Your Health with James H. Brown

Not sure what to do next if you have whiplash and need help getting the funds you need for quality medical care? James H. Brown and Associates is here to help. As one of Alberta’s top team of personal injury lawyers, we know how important it is to have access to knowledge, expertise, and compassion-based support when it matters most. Founded in 1993, our team is passionate about ensuring Albertans have the legal counsel and support they deserve when it comes to facing the realities of personal injury cases including whiplash, traumatic brain injury, dealing with injury cap disputes, wrongful death and more. At James H. Brown Associates, we know that everyone’s road to recovery looks different, and we’re here to make sure that you have everything you need to succeed, all across Northern Alberta.

Contact us today to learn more about navigating whiplash cases caused by motor vehicle accidents.

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