Whiplash injuries are given a grade between 0 – 4 which describe how severe the injury is. Here is a brief run-down of the different whiplash grades:

  •         Grade 0: No complaints or physical signs of injury;
  •         Grade 1: Indicates neck complaints but no physical signs;
  •         Grade 2: Indicates neck complaints with musculoskeletal signs;
  •         Grade 3: Indicates neck complaints with neurological signs;
  •         Grade 4: Indicates neck complaints with break/dislocation/fracture.

 

Grade 1 and Grade 2 whiplash injuries are the most common. This is because the vast majority of road traffic accidents, which isthe type of accident where whiplash is most common, are not severe and normally occur at speeds of up to 14mph which is a speed that in most cases will not result in neurological damage or a break/dislocation/fracture.

Today, we’ll be taking a closer look at the signs and symptoms of Grade 2 whiplash.

The signs and symptoms of Grade 2 whiplash

Typically, clinical symptoms of whiplash occur 6 – 12 hours after the injury, although symptoms can occur days after the injury occurs. The signs and symptoms of Grade 2 whiplash include:

  •         Neck pain;
  •         Jaw pain;
  •         Paraspinal muscle tightness or spasm;
  •         Reduced neck movement;
  •         Headaches;
  •         Dizziness;
  •         Nausea;
  •         Vertigo;
  •         Insomnia;
  •         Anxiety;
  •         Depression.

Grade 2 whiplash is diagnosed where there is evidence of musculoskeletal damage in the form of pain. Whiplash is one of the most controversial of injuries because patho-anatomical diagnosis is usually not achievable, and therefore doctor’s use symptoms and pain levels as the key methods of diagnosing the severity of the whiplash injury. Due to this, it can be easy for Grade whiplash 1 to be mistaken for Grade 2 whiplash, and vice versa.

Okay, I think I have Grade 2 whiplash, what next?

If you are the victim of whiplash and it was somebody else’s fault, you have the right to make a claim for financial compensation under UK law. Grade 2 whiplash claims usually have a payout of between £1,000 – £7,500, so it’s worth finding out your eligibility to make a claim.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of Grade 2 whiplash and wish to make a claim for financial compensation, discuss your case with a law firm. You can call the AAH 24/7 Advice line on 0800 689 0500 or from your mobile on 0333 500 0993 for free, no obligation expert legal advice. Alternatively visit our website- enter here.