Experienced Portland Whiplash Attorney
Portland Whiplash Lawyer
Find out why we are some of the best Portland Maine whiplash attorneys
Have You Suffered a Whiplash Injury in Portland, Maine? We Can Help.
Our experienced whiplash injury lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process and get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
We understand how debilitating a whiplash injury can be, and we will fight for your rights and hold those responsible accountable.
Contact us now to schedule a consultation with one of our whiplash injury lawyers at Goldberg & Loren. We’re ready to fight for you.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a common injury that occurs to the neck when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward or vice versa, causing a rapid and forceful movement.
This motion can cause muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues in the neck to stretch beyond their usual range of motion, leading to pain, stiffness, and restricted movement.
Whiplash is often associated with car accidents or motor vehicle accidents but can also be caused by other accidents or physical assaults. Rear-end collisions are particularly likely to result in whiplash due to the abrupt movement of the head and neck upon impact.
Approximately 3 million Americans sustain whiplash injuries each year, and 1.5 million Americans suffer chronic pain from whiplash. [1]
Symptoms of whiplash may not appear immediately following the accident but can develop within 24 hours or even after a few days. After the injury occurs and can vary from person to person but can include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Shoulder pain
Common Causes of Whiplash Injury in Portland, Maine
Whiplash injuries can occur in a variety of situations, but some common causes in Portland, Maine include:
- Car Accidents: Motor vehicle collisions are among the most frequent causes of whiplash injuries. When a vehicle is rear-ended, the impact can force the head and neck to suddenly jerk forward and snap back, putting significant strain on the neck muscles and ligaments.
- Slip and Falls: In slip-and-fall accidents, individuals may experience whiplash if they land on their back or head abruptly. This can happen in situations like uneven sidewalks, wet floors, or icy surfaces, which are not properly maintained or marked.
- Physical Assaults: Violent encounters or physical altercations can also lead to whiplash injuries. Being forcefully struck or pushed can cause the head to move rapidly, putting strain on the neck.
- Workplace Accidents: Some workplace accidents, particularly those involving heavy machinery, construction sites, or falls from heights, can cause whiplash injuries. A sudden jolt or impact can lead to rapid head and neck movement, resulting in whiplash.
Table of Contents
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What is Whiplash?
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Common Causes of Whiplash Injury in Portland, Maine
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Types of Whiplash Injuries
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What Damages Can Be Recovered From a Whiplash Injury Claim?
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What Steps Should Be Taken After a Whiplash Injury in Portland, Maine?
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Statute of Limitations on Whiplash Injury Claims in Portland, Maine
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Contact Our Experienced Portland, Maine Whiplash Attorneys Today
Types of Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash injuries can vary in severity and can affect different parts of the body.
- Neck Injuries: The most common type of whiplash injury involves the neck. This can include strains, sprains, and muscle damage in the neck area. The sudden and forceful head movement can cause the neck muscles and ligaments to stretch and tear, resulting in pain and limited mobility.
- Head Injuries: Whiplash can also cause head injuries, particularly if the head makes contact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or other objects during the accident. This can lead to concussions, contusions, and other traumatic brain injuries.
- Back Injuries: The forceful movement of the head and neck can also impact the spine and back. Whiplash can cause herniated discs, spinal fractures, and other spinal cord injuries.
- Shoulder Injuries: The abrupt movement of the head and neck can also strain the muscles and ligaments in the shoulders, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
- Arm and Hand Injuries: In some cases, whiplash can cause nerve damage or pinched nerves, resulting in numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands.
What Damages Can Be Recovered From a Whiplash Injury Claim?
- Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for current and future medical expenses related to your whiplash injury. This may include costs for emergency room visits, doctor's appointments, diagnostic tests, physical therapy, medication, and any other necessary medical treatments.
- Lost Wages: If your whiplash injury has caused you to miss work or reduced your ability to work, you may claim financial compensation for lost wages. This includes both past and future earnings that you would have otherwise earned if not for your injury.
- Pain and Suffering: Whiplash injuries can cause significant physical pain and discomfort. Compensation may be pursued for the physical injuries, pain-and-suffering you have endured due to the accident and its associated consequences.
- Emotional Distress: Dealing with a whiplash injury can also lead to emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Damages for emotional distress may be sought to compensate for the psychological impact of the injury.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your whiplash injury has limited your ability to participate in activities or enjoy life as you did before the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property Damage: If your whiplash injury occurred in a car accident, you can also seek reimbursement for any damages to your vehicle or personal property.
What Steps Should Be Taken After a Whiplash Injury in Portland, Maine?
After suffering a whiplash injury, there are several steps you should take to ensure your legal rights and best interests are protected. These steps include:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
If you have suffered a whiplash injury, seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor can diagnose the extent of the injury and begin treatment right away.
Report the Incident:
Report the accident to the appropriate authorities, such as the police or the property owner, if it occurred on someone else’s premises. This establishes an official record of the incident, which can be important for insurance purposes and any potential legal claims.
Gather Evidence:
Gather evidence such as medical records, eyewitness statements, photos of the accident scene, etc. This evidence can be used to prove who was at fault for the accident and help you seek compensation.
Notify Your Insurance Company:
Contact your insurance company to report the accident and your whiplash injury. Follow their instructions for filing a claim and provide all necessary documentation, including medical records and accident reports.
Contact an Experienced Portland Maine Whiplash Injury Attorney:
An experienced whiplash injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options, as well as help you seek the compensation you deserve.
File a Claim:
Once you have gathered all of the necessary evidence and have a lawyer, you can then file a personal injury claim to seek compensation.
Statute of Limitations on Whiplash Injury Claims in Portland, Maine
In Portland, Maine, the statute of limitations for whiplash injury claims is generally six years from the date of the accident or incident. You must initiate legal proceedings within this time frame to protect your rights to seek compensation.
Contact Our Experienced Portland, Maine Whiplash Attorneys Today
Our personal injury attorneys are committed to helping victims of negligence seek justice for their losses.
If you have been injured in a whiplash accident in Portland, Maine, contact us today to discuss your case.
Our legal team can help you understand your rights and assist you in pursuing the fair compensation that you deserve for your accident injuries. Our attorneys will work diligently to ensure you receive the highest possible award for your claim.
We work on a contingency fee basis, Call us today or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced whiplash injury attorneys.
Source:
[1] Spine Research Institute of San Diego. (n.d.). http://www.srisd.com/consumer_site/epidemiology.htm
Goldberg & Loren
180 Pool St, Suite 105,
Biddeford, ME 04005
(207) 977-2838
If you or a loved one has recently suffered a whiplash injury in Portland and are seeking compensation for lost wages, medical costs, and emotional distress, we encourage you to contact our firm. We offer free consultations to discuss your case in depth and schedule an appointment at your convenience.
We Represent Those Suffering Whiplash in the Following Cities and Communities Near Portland, Maine.
- Biddeford, ME
- Buxton, ME
- Cape Elizabeth, ME
- Falmouth, ME
- Freeport, ME
- Gorham, ME
- Gray, ME
- Old Orchard Beach ,ME
- Raymond, ME
- Saco, ME
- Scarborough, ME
- Standish, ME
- Westbrook, ME
- Yarmouth, ME
- Cumberland County Maine
- Sagadahoc County Maine
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