Whiplash compensation and the functional somatic syndrome

The results of a study into the effects of car accidents in Lithuania where whiplash compensation was very rare were reported on in 2001 by an American peer-reviewed journal.

What these results showed was that, without the expectation that whiplash could be a chronic condition, many fewer accident victims experienced long-term whiplash symptoms. While one interpretation of this could be that those making a whiplash injury compensation claim exaggerate their symptoms, the authors took pains to refute this, suggesting instead that whiplash should be considered a functional somatic syndrome.

A functional somatic syndrome can be described as one with definite symptoms, demonstrable disability, and no clearly understood mechanism causing the symptoms and disability. The neck pain, back pain, and restriction of movement involved in whiplash help it qualify as such.

The authors underlined clearly that this is not to claim that whiplash is imaginary or an excuse for malingerers. While the possibility exists that whiplash may have a psychological aspect, this is not to say that that is not a real aspect of the condition. This position is supported by studies that show symptoms continuing - or even worsening - after a compensation claim is settled.

Support for this way of considering whiplash can be found in the way medical scientists such as Barsky and Borus have suggested that cognitive behavioural therapy should be part of the treatment for whiplash sufferers.

Making a whiplash compensation claim
If you have received a whiplash injury in circumstances that were not your fault, then it is likely that you are eligible to make a compensation claim in the UK. In these cases, it is almost always a good idea to find a skilled and sensitive personal injury lawyer to handle the legal details of your case.

YouClaim are experts in this field, with a long history of matching whiplash sufferers to the right no win, no fee solicitor. Our excellent success rate is testament to this.

All the personal injury lawyers we work with are drawn from firms governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and all handle whiplash claims on a completely free basis, whether you win or lose.

For more advice, or to begin your claim, simply call our advisors, speak to them online through our e-chat facility, or complete a claim form and we will call you back. Dial 0800 10 757 95 and one of our expert team will help you begin your whiplash compensation claim today.