Whiplash Injury Claim in West Lothian

Whiplash injury is the name given to stretching or tearing of muscles and ligaments in the neck. It can cause stiffness in the neck and pain in the back of the head. These symptoms typically develop over the first couple of days, and last from several days to a few weeks. Whiplash injury can aggravate existing conditions affecting joints and inflammation.

Is a whiplash injury serious?

A doctor should always be consulted immediately if the pain spreads or increases in severity, or you feel pins and needles or heaviness in the arms and shoulders.

What causes whiplash injury?

Whiplash is caused by sudden movement of the body in relation to the head, such as a harsh jerk causing the body to move forward and the head to be thrown back and then forwards. The most common cause of whiplash injury is car crashes, where rapid deceleration occurs.

Can I claim compensation for whiplash?

If you suffer injury as a result of an accident which is not your fault, you may be able to claim. Whiplash injuries range in severity from minor discomfort for a few days to permanent pain and restricted movement.

How much compensation can I get for a whiplash injury?

Sums awarded typically range from £500 to £13,000. Amounts are determined by legal decision on a case by case basis. In England and Wales, Judges have issued broad guideline figures for different types and degree of injury, laid down in the Judicial Studies Board Guidelines. These are the figures used here.

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Personal Injury Advice in West Lothian

If you have suffered an injury which wasn’t your fault, you should consult a solicitor who specialises in personal injury advice.

Will I have to pay for advice on my personal injury claim?

Many personal injury solicitors will not charge for advice given during the first meeting. Only once they have decided whether you may have a case will they consider proceeding, when they will charge for further advice. You will then have to agree how your solicitor’s fees are to be paid in the event that you win, lose, or drop the case.

Can my local solicitor give advice on my personal injury claim?

While you will already have a close relationship with the solicitor who handles your affairs, such as writing a will, arranging property transfers and so on, you should always go to a solicitor who specialises in giving advice on personal injury claims.

The effects of an injury can be wide ranging and more than your legal rights are involved in determining your eligibility for, and amount of, compensation. For this reason, a solicitor requires a combination of legal and medical expertise, and most personal injury solicitors will have built up a list of useful contacts and barristers’ chambers to call on when specialist advice is required.

How can I check a solicitor can give specialist personal injury advice?

In the first instance, check that your solicitor’s firm includes lawyers who are accredited members of the two principle legal bodies in this field; the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIC) and the Law Society’s personal injury panel. You should also ask if they have solicitors who belong to associations for the specific injury your claim is about – for example the Spinal Injuries Association or the Headway Panel.

You should also ask your solicitor about their record in personal injury claims. Can they give you any case histories of advice given for successful claims similar to yours?

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