Can You Get Whiplash From a Fall?

You’ve taken a tumble, and now you’re feeling pain and stiffness in your neck. Could it be whiplash? Most people associate whiplash with car accidents, but you can get whiplash from a fall. A personal injury lawyer in Atlanta can tell you if you could get compensation for your whiplash injury.

At John Foy & Associates, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a whiplash injury can take on your life. Here’s what you need to know about falls, whiplash, and how a lawyer can help you.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden and forceful back-and-forth movement of the head, similar to the cracking of a whip. This motion can stretch and tear the muscles and tendons in your neck, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.

While car accidents are the most common cause of whiplash, this injury can also result from:

• Falls
• Sports accidents 
• Physical abuse or assault

Symptoms of Whiplash From a Fall

Symptoms of whiplash may appear immediately after a fall or develop over the following days. Common signs include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches, especially at the base of the skull
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Numbness or tingling in the arms
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems

If you experience any of these symptoms after a fall, seek medical attention right away. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term complications.

What Are the Grades of Whiplash?

Whiplash injuries are categorized into five grades based on the Quebec Task Force on Whiplash-Associated Disorders classification system. Each grade represents increasing severity and complexity of symptoms and signs:

•  Grade 0: There are no complaints of neck pain, stiffness, or any physical signs detectable by a healthcare provider.
• Grade 1: The individual reports neck discomfort such as pain, stiffness, or tenderness, but there are no physical signs detected upon examination.
• Grade 2: The patient experiences neck pain along with musculoskeletal signs, including decreased range of motion and point tenderness in the neck.
• Grade 3: There are neck complaints accompanied by neurological signs such as reduced reflexes, weakness, and sensory deficits.
• Grade 4: The most severe grade involves neck complaints and either a fracture, dislocation, or other serious injury, such as damage to the spinal cord.

What if My Fall Was Caused by Someone Else’s Negligence?

If your fall was the result of a property owner’s negligence, such as a slippery floor or uneven pavement, you might be entitled to compensation for your whiplash injury. Under Georgia law, property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors and to warn of any hazards.

To pursue a claim, you’ll need to prove that:

1. The property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition.
2. They failed to fix the hazard or provide adequate warning.
3. Their negligence directly caused your fall and resulting whiplash injury.

Slip and fall injuries on someone else’s property create the opportunity for a premises liability claim. If you’ve slipped and got whiplash from your fall, we encourage you to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible for advice.

Slip and Fall Accidents at Work

Whiplash from a fall can also occur in the workplace. If you’ve suffered a whiplash injury due to a slip and fall accident at work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation can cover:

• Medical expenses related to your whiplash injury
• Lost wages if you’re unable to work during recovery
• Rehabilitation costs
• Disability benefits if your whiplash results in permanent impairment

To file a successful workers’ compensation claim for whiplash, you’ll need to:

1. Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible.
2. Seek medical treatment from an approved provider.
3. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all appointments.
4. Consult with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Atlanta to protect your rights.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Whiplash Fall

Navigating a whiplash claim can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies or employers. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you:

• Gather evidence to support your claim
• Negotiate with insurers or employers on your behalf
• Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve

At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping injured Georgians for over 20 years. Founded by John M. Foy on the principle of treating clients with respect and personalized care, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of personal injury victims.

Get the “Strong Arm” on Your Side

If you’ve suffered whiplash from a fall caused by someone else’s negligence or a workplace accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. Contact John Foy & Associates today for a free consultation. 

Our team will review your case, answer your questions, and advise you on the best course of action. With our “Strong Arm” in your corner, you can focus on healing while we fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.