The pain and discomfort of a whiplash injury can be debilitating, affecting not only your physical health but also your emotional well-being and daily life. Whiplash symptoms can vary in severity and duration, but often include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches, especially at the base of the skull
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability or mood swings
• Pain or numbness in the shoulders, arms, or hands

It’s important to remember that the full impact of a whiplash injury may not be immediately apparent. Some symptoms may take days or even weeks to fully develop, making it crucial to seek medical attention and schedule a free consultation with an injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.

Physicians typically diagnose whiplash based on a patient’s medical history, a physical examination, and sometimes imaging tests to rule out other conditions. A common diagnostic tool used is the Whiplash-Associated Disorders (WAD) classification system:

• WAD Grade 0: No neck pain or physical signs of injury.
• WAD Grade 1: Neck pain, stiffness, or tenderness, but no physical signs of injury.
• WAD Grade 2: Neck pain and musculoskeletal signs, such as decreased range of motion or point tenderness.
• WAD Grade 3: Neck pain and neurological signs, such as weakness or sensory deficits.
• WAD Grade 4: Neck pain and fracture or dislocation.

It’s important to seek prompt medical attention after an accident, even if you don’t immediately experience severe pain, as early diagnosis and treatment can improve recovery outcomes and provide crucial documentation for any potential legal claims.

Whiplash injuries can cause significant pain, discomfort, and disruption to your life. In Newfoundland and Labrador, there is no minor injury cap, which means you have the right to seek full compensation for your losses, regardless of the perceived severity of your injury.

In 2020, Newfoundland and Labrador made significant changes to its automobile insurance laws, which impact how whiplash injury claims are handled. Some of the key changes include:

• Notice of Intent to Sue: If you’ve been injured in an automobile accident and intend to pursue a lawsuit, you must notify your insurer within 120 days of the accident. This deadline is crucial, and failing to meet it could jeopardize your ability to claim compensation.
• Increased Deductible for Pain and Suffering: For bodily injury claims that include damages for pain and suffering, the deductible has increased from $2,500 to $5,000. This means you’ll need to absorb the first $5,000 of these damages before your insurance coverage kicks in.

These changes underscore the importance of seeking legal advice as soon as possible after an accident. An experienced whiplash injury lawyer can help you navigate these new regulations, protect your rights, and ensure you meet all necessary deadlines.