Whiplash Injuries and Compensation

Marco Severini, litigation team manager at MTA Solicitors LLP discusses the recent ‘bad press’ for Whiplash Compensation Claims and the cost of insurance premiums.

The press have been attacking victims of whiplash claims stating most are false and inflate the cost of insurance premiums.

Whiplash injuries can for some be very excruciating and unbearable and sometimes long term. The victim has a right to pursue the negligence of another party; however the issues solicitor’s face, which insurers deny, is that they can be their worst enemies and pass the blame for increasing personal injury claims to solicitors who are simply attempting to obtain justice to injured parties of negligence. In actual fact insurance companies vigorously support personal injury claims themselves, despite genuine or not.

Firstly, the majority of insurers will ask their policy holder whether or not they are injured when the matter is reported to them. If they are the insurance company will refer them to one of their panel solicitors to act on their behalf regarding a personal injury claim. The panel solicitors will pay the insurer a referral fee for the introduction of the personal injury claim. Secondly, insurers will sometimes make offers to victims prior to anyone having been notified of the injury or contemplated making a claim (known as pre medical offers). How can the insurance industry have complaints about personal injury claims when the encourage individuals to make a claim and essentially profit     from it.

I do not dispute some people do make fraudulent claims but the Government and the insurance industry must not tarnish each claimant with the same brush. Whiplash is a real injury and should not be played down.

What is Whiplash Injury?

Whiplash is the injury that occurs when the soft tissue in the spine is stretched and strained after the body is thrown in a sudden, forceful jerk, and is most commonly caused by involvement in a car accident involving sudden deceleration or heavy breaking, but can also be caused by other strenuous physical activities or from a blow to the head.

If you have been in a car accident that was not your fault and you think you have suffered a Whiplash injury you should contact a Solicitor who will assess your situation and apply the correct course of action depending on your circumstances. You may be required to have an assessment from a medical professional who will most likely examine the function of the spinal cord in order to determine if any damage is present.

The following areas are likely to be assessed:

• Your physical strength in both arms and legs
• Your ability to sense touch on the skin in different parts of the body
• Your Reflex at the joints of the arms and legs
• The medical examiner will also inspect the head and neck for any external signs of trauma including bruises, cuts, and abrasions
• You may be asked to move your neck in a controlled way to the left, right, up, and down. Tell the doctor if neck pain, numbness, or tingling in any of the arms or legs, or any other abnormal feelings during these movements is felt
• X-rays may be taken of the neck bones to make sure there are no fractures or signs of other serious injury. The doctor will review these x-rays and order further imaging with a CT scan or MRI if needed.

Marco Severini is a litigation manager at MTA Solicitors LLP who have a team of specialist Personal Injury Solicitors, experienced in dealing with compensation claims for injuries that result from car accidents and other long term, repetitive activities that can cause damage to the head and neck.

Experienced Personal Injury Solicitors are on hand to guide you through the right course of action and provide straightforward, clear-cut legal advice and assistance.

MTA Solicitors will work with you and guide you through the right course of action in pursuing your Whiplash Claim.

In all cases the initial advice is completely free and, of course, strictly confidential.

MTA Solicitors can pursue your injury compensation claim on a no win no fee basis, they will assess your situation and apply the correct course of action, tailored to suit your needs.