UK WHIPLASH COMPENSATION CLAIMS

Our solicitors represent the injured victims of negligent drivers in whiplash compensation claims on a no win no fee basis. If the other driver has been identified then compensation is paid in full. Our lawyers do not require you to pay anything at all and our claims are genuinely risk free.

In order to maximise damages a lawyer needs to be in possession of as much evidence as possible to support the claim. Whilst this type of injury does not show visible signs it will help the lawyer to establish the true extent of the injury if a detailed record is kept of the course of the recovery outlining any problems and difficulties experienced on a day by day basis in a formal diary of events. Furthermore regular visits and check ups by a General Practitioner will establish a further valuable medical record of events which may well be used either by the reporting consultant or by a judge at the time of damages assessment.

Whiplash compensation is paid as a result of neck sprain which is caused when a vehicle in which a passenger is travelling comes to a sudden stop. Unfortunately the occupant’s head which may weigh almost 20lbs continues travelling until it to is brought to a stop by the neck during which time the muscles and tendons of the neck may have become stretched. Upon stopping the head is thereafter jerked backwards again placing strain on the components of the neck before eventually coming to rest by which time damage may have been done to muscles, tendons and disks which may have become slightly rearranged causing pain and discomfort. The problem however does not stop there as part of the body’s protective mechanism causes any injured areas to swell which in turn puts pressure on the nerves causing even more discomfort and restriction of movement. Usually the full effect of the injury is felt within 24/48 hours however there are many recorded cases where the pain and discomfort develops slowly over a period of a week or so.

The amount of whiplash compensation that may be awarded depends on the severity of the injury, the recovery period and whether or not there are any long term or chronic symptoms. Most of these injuries clear up within a few months however more serious injury can take several years to resolve especially in the more vulnerable groups which include those with previous neck injury and the elderly whose muscles and tendons may not be as robust as those of a younger person. Compensation for pain and suffering is assessed after consideration of specialist medical reports usually from a consultant orthopaedic surgeon commission by agreement with the claimant’s solicitor and the solicitor for the insurance company. The actual value of awards made in court are assessed by a judge based on his own experience, on the records of previously decided cases and after perusal of guidelines issued by the Judicial Studies Board.