Residents of Harlow, and the surrounding areas, may be interested in information regarding whiplash injuries. The effects of the injury can extend beyond the pain and trauma of the incident itself. People suffering from whiplash could find that they are unable to carry on with their normal daily routines as it may affect their ability to work, their domestic lives or their ability to care for themselves.

Whiplash is a form of spinal cord injury, which often occurs when an impact causes the neck to rapidly flex forward or backward, causing hyperextension of the neck or longitudinal distraction of the spine. Symptoms of this type of injury might include neck, jaw or lower back pain; headaches; dizziness and numbness; or weakness in the arms, shoulders or legs. Some of these symptoms may not appear until six to twelve hours after the incident, and in some cases, a medical examination may not be able to identify any physical abnormalities.

Some of the most common risk factors for whiplash injuries are accidents involving cyclists, high-speed accidents and being the victim of an assault. In addition, additional risk factors include falls of over one metre, falling down more than five steps and sports accidents where there has been impact pressure to the top of the head.

A person who has suffered spinal cord injuries in an incident caused by another party might be entitled to compensation under civil law. Some factors that could be taken into consideration may include the financial losses or psychological difficulties resulting from the injuries. A solicitor who is familiar with personal injury law may be able to discuss the specific details of a client’s situation in order to advise them of the options available to them.