PERSONAL INJURY

 

What is Personal Injury?

 

Personal injury is a term often used to describe an injury most commonly caused by a car accident. It may also include other types of injury such as a slip or fall. A motor vehicle accident (MVA) is a result of a collision. The occupants of the vehicle can suffer even though the car may have received little damage. Five miles per hour can cause serious or permanent spinal injury. "Whiplash" is a term describing the most common injury to the neck by the sudden movement of the head backwards, forwards or sideways beyond normal range of motion.

Supporting muscles and ligaments for the spine and head can be torn or overstretched. Spinal discs between the vertebrae can bulge, tear or rupture. The spinal cord and nerve roots can be irritated, creating toxins around them. The instability and pain can be intense. Some symptoms of an accident are headaches, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, pain in the shoulders (from pressure against a seat belt), pain in the arms and hands, weakness and fatigue, reduced ability to turn and bend the neck, and low back pain. Some symptoms may not appear for weeks or months as the body adapts from the shock of the trauma.

Immediate medical treatment is important after an injury. What may seem a minor discomfort following an accident could delay into a serious injury leaving you with a lifelong disability affecting your work leisure and relationships in the future.