How Long Should You Be Off Work For Whiplash?

You might have suffered a whiplash injury if you were involved in a car accident. Although whiplash injuries commonly occur in rear-end car accidents, they can occur in any type of motor vehicle accident. Whiplash can also occur in a traumatic event, such as a fall or while playing sports. While your initial acute symptoms may resolve in a few days, some people experience them more long-term. The debilitating effects of a whiplash injury can cause you to miss work. How long you should be off work for whiplash can vary widely and depends on the severity of your injury.

If you were injured in a car accident in Oklahoma, you need an experienced personal injury attorney. As you recover from your whiplash injury, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands with an attorney that will fight for the best result in your case. A lawyer can also help you seek compensation for your injuries and losses. 

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a common injury sustained in car accidents, especially in rear-end accidents, due to the impact of the collision coming from behind the driver. Whiplash occurs because the driver’s head “whips” back and forth quickly and with great force when their vehicle is struck from behind. This sudden force strains the accident victim’s neck and spine, which can damage bones, muscles, ligaments, and nerves, resulting in a whiplash injury.

How Long Does Whiplash Last?

According to the Mayo Clinic, whiplash is usually treatable and can resolve in a few days or weeks with the appropriate medical care. Unfortunately, some car accident victims may experience long-term effects.

The initial symptoms of a whiplash injury might include the following:

• Neck pain which increases with movement
• Neck stiffness
• Headaches that originate at the base of the skull
• Tingling or numbness that radiates down the arms
• Tenderness or dull pain in the shoulders, upper back, or arms
• Dizziness

The long-term symptoms commonly associated with whiplash include:

• Blurred vision
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Depression
• Lapses in memory
• Poor sleep quality

You should seek immediate medical treatment if you are injured in a car accident. However, some injuries are only evident a few days after the accident, so you should follow up with a medical provider even if your injuries are evaluated shortly after the accident. Addressing the symptoms when they first begin can help you recover more quickly. Immediate medical treatment may also ensure you do not experience long-term complications.

How Long Will I Be Off Work For Whiplash?

The time it takes you to recover from whiplash depends on the severity of the injury. Although mild whiplash symptoms typically resolve in a few days, it could take weeks or even months to heal from a whiplash injury. Each accident victim’s recovery period will differ, affecting how long they may be off work.

Because muscles and tendons can become weak or tighten after a whiplash injury, they are more susceptible to being re-injured. If you have previously sustained a whiplash injury, you might need more time to recover, which means more time off work. Physical therapy or rehab might be necessary before you can return to your job.

If you are unable to work after an accident that was someone else’s fault, you might be entitled to pursue compensation to cover your lost income. If you incur medical expenses and lose your ability to work due to another person’s negligence, you need an attorney to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and financial losses.

What Types of Treatments Are Available For Whiplash?

Your recovery time will improve if you receive prompt and continued medical treatment. After your doctor or medical provider has assessed the severity of your injury, they might prescribe medication for your pain and a treatment plan. Common treatment options after a whiplash injury include:

• Taking pain medication
• Icing your neck to reduce swelling
• Using a neck break to stabilize your neck and avoid further injury
• Applying moist heat or massaging the affected area

Contact an Oklahoma City Personal Injury Attorney

At Abel Law Firm, you will receive legal representation from a firm named Oklahoma’s Best Personal Injury Law Firm. We strive to help our clients navigate the legal process during what may be a very difficult time in their life as they recover from injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. The personal injury attorneys at Abel Law Firm will help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (405) 239-7046 for a case review.