What Compensation Can You Recover for Whiplash in Georgia?
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries resulting from car accidents, particularly rear-end collisions. While it may sound like a minor issue, whiplash can cause significant pain, limit mobility, and impact your ability to work or enjoy daily activities. At The Spizman Firm, our Atlanta Personal Injury Attorneys are here to help injury victims throughout Georgia pursue full and fair compensation for whiplash and other soft tissue injuries caused by someone else’s negligence.
Understanding Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are suddenly forced backward and then forward, straining the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck. Symptoms can include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Shoulder or back pain
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
In some cases, symptoms don’t appear immediately after the accident and may take hours or even days to manifest. Despite being labeled a “soft tissue” injury, whiplash can require extensive treatment and lead to chronic issues, especially if not addressed early.
Types of Compensation Available
If you sustained whiplash in a car accident or other incident due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation under Georgia law. These can include:
- Medical Expenses
You can recover compensation for the cost of emergency room visits, diagnostic tests (like MRIs or X-rays), chiropractic care, physical therapy, pain medication, and any future medical treatments you may need for ongoing symptoms. - Lost Wages
If your injury prevents you from working—whether for a few days or several weeks—you may be entitled to compensation for lost income. In more severe cases, if your ability to work long-term is impacted, you may also recover for loss of earning capacity. - Pain and Suffering
Whiplash can lead to considerable physical discomfort, sleep disturbances, and mental stress. Georgia law allows for compensation for pain and suffering, which reflects the non-economic damages you experience from the injury. - Emotional Distress
Lingering anxiety, depression, or fear of driving after a car accident can also be compensable. While harder to quantify, these psychological impacts are a real part of recovery for many whiplash victims. - Property Damage
If the accident also caused damage to your vehicle or other personal property, you can seek reimbursement for repairs or replacement costs.
Proving Your Whiplash Claim
Because whiplash doesn’t always appear on imaging tests, insurance companies often downplay or dispute these claims. That’s why documentation is key. Medical records, testimony from healthcare providers, and accident reports all help demonstrate the legitimacy and impact of your injury. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney ensures your claim is taken seriously and that no type of compensation is overlooked.
At The Spizman Firm, we understand how frustrating it can be to suffer an injury that others may not see—but that you feel every day. If you’ve sustained whiplash due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve. We proudly serve clients throughout Georgia, including Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, and Sandy Springs. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Source:
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash/symptoms-causes/syc-20378921
