Australian Book Clarifies Whiplash Symptoms

While whiplash is the most commonly faked or exaggerated personal injury in the UK, it seems that, in this country, we are no closer to fully understanding its causes, effects and symptoms. It is precisely because of its nebulous nature that it is looked upon as a potential goldmine by fraudsters, yet there has been little or no conclusive research to clarify what constitutes a whiplash injury in legal terms. However, the publication of an Australian book, entitled 'Whiplash: Evidence Base for Clinical Practice', could be about to change all that.

Defining whiplash

In UK law, the legal definition of whiplash is of "a common neck and/or back injury suffered in automobile accidents (particularly from being hit from the rear) in which the head and/or upper back is snapped back and forth suddenly and violently by the impact. The injury is to the "soft tissues" and sometimes to the vertebrae, does not always evidence itself for a day or two, and can cause pain and disability for periods up to a year. The degree of injury and the pain and suffering from whiplash are often in dispute in claims and lawsuits for damages due to negligent driving."

A main factor in the disputing of the true nature and possible consequences of a whiplash injury is that there is often very little or no physical evidence to support the claim. Medical professionals have to rely solely on the testament of the victim. With no supporting evidence, the symptoms of whiplash are easy to fake or exaggerate. And because the Law is so vague about what constitutes an injury, lawyers may find themselves representing a case without knowing that it may be fraudulent or spurious.

A clearer view

The book in question promises to cover the full spectrum of the injury's current evidence base and features case studies on both acute and chronic cases. Also included are the physiological and psychological manifestations of the condition and other topics, such as litigation and the role of compensation. In short, this book may well deliver what the legal and medical professions have been crying out for - a whiplash 'handbook'.

With the UK once again being declared the 'whiplash capital of Europe', the book's publication could not be better timed. In light of the revelations by the Association of British Insurers that motorists are paying through the nose due to an increase in fraudulent whiplash claims, the ABI has proposed a partnership between the legal and medical professions to clearly define what whiplash is, in all its aspects. Their hope is that a partnership of this sort will make it harder for the unscrupulous to fake a claim and make it easier for genuine claimants to receive proportionate compensation and gain access to rehabilitation.

The publication of this book may well help to define a condition that is open to abuse, due to its vague classification. It may also help to create a deeper understanding among chiropractors, osteopaths and occupational therapists as to the most appropriate methods of treating what can be a very serious injury.