If you have been injured at work and you have been told you are suffering from whiplash and you need time off to recover, you may need to overcome a great financial obstacle. Whiplash is an injury that occurs when your neck is flung backwards and forwards rapidly without any warning. This often takes place while driving a delivery truck whether it’s a flatbed or an 18 wheeler. If the driver needs to brake without warning and doesn’t have sufficient time to do so that’s when whiplash takes place. Whiplash and Workers’ Comp. Claims Fortunately, whatever the injury is and whoever’s fault it is, the employee may be entitled to file a claim for workers’ compensation. If you are a truck driver delivering goods for your employer and you are suffering from whiplash after avoiding an accident out on the highway, workers’ compensation may help to recoup any lost wages and the cost of medical treatment. There are 1.6 million truck drivers throughout the country and the median yearly wage is around $73,000, depending on a number of factors like experience, type of truck and employer. The Accidents That Could Cause Whiplash The pain from whiplash is difficult to ignore as it causes a decrease in the movement of the neck and increasing tightness while the muscles may feel hard or knotted. Despite the agonizing pain, the treatment options are relatively straightforward. Doctors often prescribe aspirin or Tylenol. If the whiplash is more severe a victim may be prescribed painkillers and muscle relaxants which helps to minimize muscle spasms. Sometimes, physical therapy sessions play a vital role in recovery. High Numbers of Workplace Injuries Are Reported As Whiplash Injuries such as whiplash occur commonly in workplace injury statistics which result in many days of work lost because of the painful effects of the injury. Billions of dollars in workers’ compensation are paid out annually for injuries such as whiplash, which account for 1 million injuries in total, many of which will be while a worker is driving on a highway. What You Will Be Paid In a Workers’ Comp Payment For Whiplash If you have filed a workers’ compensation claim you should be paid up to two thirds of your present salary or wage. On top of this amount will be the cost of medical treatment. There are certain situations which could take place due to whiplash which include: Temporary Total Disability, which is when your whiplash injury prevents you from working for a short period only. Permanent Total Disability doesn’t normally occur with an injury like whiplash, but is the situation when the injured worker cannot return to work at all. Temporary Partial Disability could occur with whiplash, as the injury prevents you from fully participating in the role required for your job for a short period of time. Permanent Partial Disability is not likely with a whiplash injury, as most victims usually recover fully so they can return to their jobs and perform their usual roles. You Will Need To Gather Evidence to Prove Your Claim Your doctor will undertake a diagnosis which is based on neck pain and associated stiffness. Whiplash can result in loss of circular movement of the neck, headaches, sensitivity or pain in the upper back, shoulder or arms. You should make sure you have the diagnosis recorded to use as proof in your workers’ comp claim. If you can provide any other evidence such as witness’ reports which can confirm that your injury was caused by an accident while you were working this can help you win your claim. You May Need To Speak To an Attorney If this is the first time you have tried to claim workers’ comp and you aren’t sure of the procedure you should arrange a consultation with an experienced workers’ comp attorney. This will help to ensure you will receive the workers’ comp you are entitled to and that it covers all your financial hardship.
