Diagnose Whiplash!
Are doctors too quick to diagnose whiplash?
Although whiplash is reported to be one of the most common types of accidents in the UK, there is a concern that doctors are too quick to diagnose whiplash when the injury could be one of a range of less serious complaints. Yet many insurance companies are reporting huge amounts of claims due to whiplash injuries, while health professionals are concerned at the number of people who seem convinced they are injured when it is possible that they have no problem at all.
What is whiplash?
Whiplash is usually caused by a sudden movement such as a sudden jolt forwards or backwards. The muscles in the neck can experience hypertension or hyperextension as a result. If you are jolted forwards then the effect could be hypertension, while a jolt backwards could cause hyperextension. Either one of these could leave you in a lot of pain, and it could be uncomfortable to do the most menial tasks, albeit usually for just a short period of time.
The problem is that minor or mild cases of whiplash that do not cause pain or discomfort are still being reported to doctors and then given a diagnosis of whiplash. Given that whiplash can occur even if a car is moving slowly, then it would be fair to accept that doctors would consider that whiplash is a common effect of an incident such as a rear end collision. But there is a concern that doctors are simply putting it on record that a patient has whiplash more often than is necessary. To diagnose whiplash so early might not be the best thing to do.
In Canada, whiplash is defined by the Government under five grades, with one being the mildest and five the most serious. The milder forms of whiplash include no pain and no physical signs, some neck pain or stiffness or feeling a little tender. The more serious types of whiplash could include dislocation or signs of nerve damage. Yet according to one report, out of all the patients that doctors would diagnose as suffering from whiplash very few ever were referred to as grade five. Most were mild cases, and those which most medical professionals would regard as not the types of whiplash that would need a doctor’s attention.
The cost to the country
Here in the UK, these milder cases of whiplash are reportedly costing the National Health Service around £8m a year, while many argue that they should have never been considered to be a medical emergency in the first place. This is one reason why some doctors, concerned at the huge costs to the NHS, are now demanding that doctors now only diagnose grade four and five types of whiplash as actual whiplash.
It could also help better determine cases of whiplash in claims and compensation cases, so insurers can be better informed by medical reports. While doctors continue to diagnose whiplash for even the most mild of cases, the description of the condition could remain to be seen as blurred and therefore likely to cause any insurer to be wary of such claims. Many are now arguing it is time for a rethink on the way doctors diagnose whiplash, as the cost to insurers is £8bn a year, and that cost is met through everyone’s policy payments.
You Need To Know More Vital Information About Whiplash?
For more vital information that you really should know please download our free Essential Guide To Whiplash. It will tell you:
- What "No Win No Fee" really means and how to ensure you do not get caught out
- Whether a Claims Company or a Solicitor is the right choice for you
- What does it mean if you have Legal Expense Insurance (and do you have to use the solicitor that they tell you too if you do not want to)?
- How to obtain private treatment for your injuries at no cost to you
- How to quickly obtain a replacement car or motorcycle if you need to
- Why accepting an offer directly from the other driver's insurance company could cost you thousands of pounds and lead to longterm injury problems
There is no cost so please complete your details below now and we will immediately send you the guide.
Share This Article With:
What If I Could Not Avoid The Accident?
Read our guide explaining what to do following an accident "Road Accident and Injury Claim Guide"
Have You Suffered A Whiplash Injury?
If you would like 1stClaims’ expert Whiplash Solicitors on your side please call us free on 0800 2888 693 or complete our Free Claim Enquiry form now and we will be in touch with you very soon.
Remember, it costs nothing to ask and you receive 100% of your compensation.
We are here to help you from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday,
8.30am to 6pm on Saturday and 9am to 6pm on Sundays.
Claim Now
Start your FREE claim for compensation by using our online claim form.
Remember we charge no fees and you receive 100% of your compensation.
Why Choose Us for Your Whiplash/Road Claim?
- You keep 100% of your compensation
- You pay nothing whether you win or lose your claim
- Your solicitor is chosen by one of our directors who was a personal injury solicitor for 14 years. This ensures you are put in touch with the best solicitors to ensure you receive a 1stClass service from 1stClaims!
- All 1stClaims solicitors are monitored by client feedback to ensure a quality service is maintained for your benefit
What Our Clients Say
“I'd highly recommend using a company like 1stClaims to find the solicitor with the most experience in dealing with your particular claim - better than sticking a pin under "S" in the phonebook! ” - Mrs W, South Wales
UK Wide Coverage
We have expert solicitors across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland waiting to help
you now.
What Is A Whiplash Injury?
0800 2888 693 or;
News / Articles
Videos - See our latest Whiplash Videos
Find Out If You Are Eligible To Make A Whiplash Claim - 05/02/2012
Whiplash Compensation Claims - The Process - 03/02/2012
Claiming For Whiplash Injuries - 01/02/2012
Finding A Compensation Solicitor - 31/01/2012
Concentrate On Recovery After A Car Accident - 12/12/2011
Guide To Choosing A Whiplash Solicitor
0800 2888 693 or;
