Medical science recognises whiplash and WADs (whiplash associated disorders) as potentially debilitating injuries with occasionally severe long-term consequences. However, it may not always be apparent that you have sustained a whiplash injury as it usually takes between six and 12 hours for initial symptoms to become apparent.
If you have suffered whiplash, you are not alone; whiplash injuries now account for 74% of all compensation claims made in the UK.
Although the majority of whiplash injuries are relatively minor and are therefore compensated with sums of between £750 and £4,575, depending on the severity of symptoms and the length of your recovery, the sufferers of the most severe cases could be awarded a six-figure sum of compensation.
Some recent case studies are provided below illustrate the types of claim made to the court.
RT v Louise Thomson 2013
A male car-driver suffered a mild whiplash injury when another car collided with his stationary vehicle. He suffered pain and some restriction of movement for about three months, with only mild problems thereafter. The court awarded £2,500 as compensation.
Dickie v Khandani 2012
Fiona Dickie, a customer sales manager and part-time promotions team leader suffered neck, back and chest injuries when a car collided with the passenger side of the car she was driving. Her neck pain cleared up about 18 months after the accident, but her back pain continued. The chronic back injury affected her at work, at home and in her social life. The court awarded £10,000 compensation for her pain and suffering.
Logan v Logan 2010
In 2010, self-employed tattooist Melanie Logan was awarded compensation of £10,000 by the court for a whiplash injury which caused pain in her neck and back following a road traffic accident. More than three years after her accident she was only able to work a maximum of three days a week with frequent breaks because of her injuries.
Campbell v Downie 2010
Demolition worker Angus Campbell suffered a whiplash injury to his neck when his vehicle was shunted into a stationary car. He was off work for six weeks, unable to pursue his hobbies of golf and swimming, and needed physiotherapy. One year and two months after the accident he still had mildly restricted shoulder movement and some discomfort. The court awarded £5,000 as compensation for pain and suffering.
Johnstone v William Morton Limited 2010
Edward Johnstone suffered a whiplash injury to his neck when a lorry collided with his stationary car. The injury caused altered sensation in his hands and arms, combined with shoulder pain, and he was unable to play the piano for some time after the accident. The pain lasted for six months, with occasional pain continuing for time afterwards. The court awarded £3,750 for pain and suffering.
Adams v The National Insurance and Guarantee Corporation Ltd 2009
Driver Mark Adams suffered whiplash and muscular injuries to his left shoulder and left upper back when another car collided with the rear of his car. For about 12 months he suffered limited movement and constant pain, requiring painkillers and physiotherapy sessions. He also suffered sleep disruption, and difficulty with driving. He was unable to pursue his hobbies of yoga, fishing and woodwork. In 2009 the court awarded £4,000 compensation for pain and suffering.
Claim compensation with Scotland's leading whiplash claim specialists
Please remember, the above cases are only a guide. The amount of compensation you are awarded for your pain and suffering will depend on your particular injuries, how they have affected you and your speed of recovery.
Please call our compensation lawyers on 0800 0891 331 for a more detailed assessment of your case or complete the compensation claim form.
Thompsons, Scotland's leading personal injury firm, recovering more than £1 million in compensation for its clients each week.
