Whiplash can occur from a slip and fall even though it typically occurs in a car accident and is thereby seen as a car accident injury. The fact of the matter is that whiplash can be caused by any sudden wrenching motion that throws your head forward then back at high velocity. Whiplash may not seem serious at first, but you can develop pain, stiffness, and even permanent injury from whiplash as time goes on. If you have been injured in a slip and fall, you may whiplash.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is injury to your neck, head, and shoulders that occurs whenever you experience a rapid back and forth motion of the neck that moves your head forward and then back while also wrenching your shoulders out of alignment. Oftentimes, whiplash doesn’t appear until hours or days after an injury. So, if you experience a slip and fall where your head moves forward and back, even if your head does not hit the floor, you need to get medical care immediately. This is because, while your head and neck may not hurt at the time of the accident, you could still be injured. Therefore, it is always crucial for everyone to seek medical attention after a slip and fall.
What Are Symptoms of Whiplash?
You may have some or all of these symptoms and some symptoms may be more intense than others. The most common symptoms of whiplash are:
- Neck stiffness and pain
- Worsening of pain with movement of the neck
- Loss of range of motion in the neck
- Headaches, most often commencing at the base of the skull
- Pain or tenderness in the arms, shoulder, or upper back
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Less common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Depression
It is of the utmost importance that you make sure you document and keep a log of any and all symptoms of whiplash that you experience following your accident.
How Does Whiplash Occur in a Slip and Fall?
Whiplash occurs when there is a sudden head movement during a slip and fall. For example, if you are walking into a store and the ground is icy and the ice has not been cleared in front of the store, and your slip and fall, your head could snap back and forth because of the force of your body falling backward on the ice. And if you hit your head on the ground, that is also a back and forth movement.
Can I Claim Whiplash on a Slip and Fall Claim?
You can recover damages for any injury that you get from a slip and fall including whiplash. That is why it is important for anyone involved in a slip and fall accident to seek medical attention immediately after they slip and fall. Even if you believe you’re fine because you feel okay and don’t think you have sustained any serious injuries from your fall, you should seek medical attention. Whiplash can be a serious injury that takes a long time to heal. It can also impact your ability to work. If you are unable to work because of whiplash, you can claim damages and lost wages.
Get Help With Your Slip and Fall Claim
If you have been injured in a slip and fall and you have whiplash, you should talk with an experienced slip and fall injury lawyer who can help you navigate the process of filing a claim and recovering damages. You may be entitled to lump sums of money for pain and suffering, for whiplash, and for your medical expenses. To get professional help with your claim complete the Free Case Evaluation on this page to get connected with an independent, participating attorney who subscribes to the website.
