Whiplash and Neck Injury Compensation Claims

Types of Injuries | ,

A neck injury can occur even without an “accident”; overuse of muscles or postural problems may cause injury. However, the most common cause of serious neck injury is road traffic accidents, especially involving “whiplash” of the head and neck. The consequences of whiplash may be severe. They include:

  • Fracture
  • Pain
  • Numbness
  • Paralysis
  • Muscle ache
  • Stiffness

Whiplash and other neck injuries can last a very long time and be very debilitating. They can disrupt ordinary life, preventing the patient from doing usual household tasks or going to work. Whiplash is caused by the head and neck moving involuntarily backwards and forwards at speed. This injury often occurs when the victim is rear-ended, but also in a side impact accident. In addition, a seat-belt may cause injury to the neck where it crosses the chest diagonally.

If you suspect you have suffered whiplash or other neck injury, it is important that you seek medical attention, keep track of all your medical documentation, and if necessary, seek advice from an experienced solicitor.

Whiplash Compensation

The Personal Injuries Board estimates that compensation for a minor whiplash neck injury (being one which heals within 12 months) would be a sum of up to €14,400. For a healing time of 2 years, their estimate is between €11,500 and €17,500. For injuries that do not heal, which studies suggest may be up to 20% of all whiplash injuries, the indicated range of compensation is between €15,900 and €78,400.

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If you would like to know if you might have a compensation claim for personal injury or are in need of free legal advice, please visit our online claims centre and we'll be pleased to advise you with no obligation.