After a car accident, many victims experience persistent headaches that can significantly impact their daily lives.
A persistent headache is one of the most common yet overlooked injuries after a car accident. If you’ve experienced headaches following an accident, you might wonder if you’re entitled to compensation. The short answer is yes, and here’s how to navigate the process.
At Apicella & Schlesinger Attorneys at Law, we understand that these headaches aren’t just minor inconveniences – they can be debilitating symptoms that affect your work, relationships, and quality of life.
Why Do Headaches Occur After Car Accidents?
Headaches after a car accident can stem from various injuries, including:
- Whiplash: Sudden neck movements during impact can strain muscles and ligaments, causing tension headaches.
- Concussions: A traumatic brain injury (TBI) from your head striking a surface can lead to headaches, dizziness, and confusion.
- Cervicogenic Headaches: These headaches originate in the neck and radiate to the head due to damage to the cervical spine.
- Stress or Anxiety: Emotional distress following an accident can manifest physically as tension headaches.
If left untreated, these conditions can worsen, leading to chronic pain or other complications. It’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately after an accident, even if symptoms seem minor.
How Do Headaches Impact a Personal Injury Claim?
In personal injury law, you are entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages caused by the accident. Headaches may seem minor, but they can signify underlying injuries that require medical treatment and affect your quality of life.
Here’s how headaches can be part of your claim:
- Medical Expenses:
- Doctor visits, diagnostic tests (e.g., MRIs or CT scans), and prescribed medications for pain relief.
- Ongoing therapy or chiropractic care for neck-related headaches.
- Lost Wages:
- Time off work due to pain, medical appointments, or reduced ability to focus.
- Pain and Suffering:
- Chronic headaches can diminish your quality of life, limiting your ability to enjoy daily activities.
- Future Medical Costs:
- Severe headaches linked to TBIs or spinal injuries may require long-term treatment, which should be included in your settlement.
Documenting Your Headaches for a Compensation Claim
To successfully claim compensation for headaches, proper documentation is crucial:
- Seek immediate medical attention after the accident
- Keep a detailed diary of your headaches, including:
- Frequency and duration
- Pain intensity
- Triggers and alleviating factors
- Impact on daily activities
- Follow all prescribed medical treatments
- Save all medical records and receipts
- Document missed work days and lost wages