Las Vegas Injury Attorney Blog

Female Lawyer Sues International Law Firm Greenberg Traurig - Las Vegas Employment Attorney Paul S. Padda

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 01:45:33 -0800

According to The Women's Legal Defense and Education Fund, women now surpass men in educational attainment. In 2012, 40% of women between the ages of 21 and 30 had either an associates or bachelor's degree. On the other hand, only 31% of men in the same age range had similar educational attainment.

Despite the significant educational advancements by women, they remain at a disadvantage in the workplace. According to the American Association of University Women, young women fresh out of college earn approximately $8,000 less per year than their male counterparts who perform similar jobs. However, these disparities traverse all income levels according to researchers and exist in professions such as medicine and law where women now account for significant percentages of the workforce.

Not all women are content to accept these unjust disparities. Francine Griesing, a former partner at the international law firm Greenberg Traurig ("GT"), has recently filed a $200 million class-action lawsuit in federal court against the firm alleging a "boys club" culture where higher pay and plum client assignments for men are the status quo while female lawyers are routinely overlooked. According to Ms. Griesing's federal complaint, GT "pays women less, promotes them at lower rates than men and virtually freezes them out from high-level managerial positions." Ominously, the complaint also alleges that the pattern of gender discrimination at GT has one notable exception, namely that "GT prioritizes pay and promotes women who have intimate relationships with Firm leaders or who acquiesce to sexualized stereotypes."

Legal commentators following this lawsuit state that litigation of this kind may be on the rise in the future as women in positions of power at law firms are increasingly more likely to speak up about perceived mistreatment or unfairness. "I don't think it's a coincidence" states Lauren Stiller Rikleen, an attorney and executive-in-residence at the Boston College Center for Work and Family. "I think women still filed these lawsuits at personal risk, however, I think what's changing is the climate for tolerance of feeling unfairly treated."

Calling the lawsuit a "publicity stunt," GT has vowed a vigorous defense in federal court. Ms. Griesing's complaint, which alleges "GT's discrimination is particularly severe, even in the context of an industry-wide problem of gender discrimination against female attorneys" will be closely followed by legal industry observers.

Meet Your District Judges

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 08:00:05 -0800

Join us Saturday, August 17th from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Canyon Springs High School to the Inaugural 'Meet Your District Court Judges.' The event is dedicated to promoting voter education about the Clark County 2014 General Election, training future leaders, improving access to justice, and promoting transparency of Clark County's judicial system.

While discussing the upcoming event Paul Padda, stated, "We are pleased to lend our support to this historic event and are very excited that our efforts will help provide a once in a lifetime opportunity to students from Canyon Springs High School desiring to enter the legal profession."

Students from Canyon Springs High School will be presented with the opportunity to participate in the 'Shadow a Judge for a Day Program'. This program enables students to spend a day with a judge and develop a better understanding of how courtrooms function. Participating judges represent Civil/Criminal and Family departments. Students are encouraged to share their experiences at the event.

Confirmed participating moderators include: Clark County District Attorney, Steve Wolfson and Clark County Public Defender, Philip J. Kohn, Esq.

The Eighth Judicial District Court is served by 52 elected judges. There are 32 civil/criminal judicial departments and 20 family/juvenile judicial departments. Currently 35 District Court Judges have confirmed their attendance including 24 civil/criminal judges and 11 family/juvenile judges.

Confirmed judges include:

Civil/Criminal Judges

Kenneth C. Cory

Valorie J. Vega

Kerry Earley

Carolyn Ellsworth

Elissa Cadish

Douglas E. Smith

Michelle Leavitt

Mark R. Denton

Adriana Escobar

Abbi Silver

Timothy Williams

Michael Villani

David Barker

Jerome T. Tao

Valerie Adair

Susan Johnson

Stefany A. Miley

Gloria J. Sturman

Nancy L. Allf

Ronald J. Israel

Susan W. Scann

Jerry A. Wiese

Joanna S. Kishner

Rob Bare

Family Judges

Cynthia Dianne Steel

T. Arthur Ritchie, Jr.

Cheryl B. Moss

Kenneth E. Pollock

Cynthia N. Giuliani

Jennifer Elliott

Bill Potter

Frank P. Sullivan

Bryce C. Duckworth

Bill Henderson

Vincent Ochoa

Additional Judges will be announced as their participation is confirmed.

Nevada Ends Discrimination Against Pit Bulls - Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney Paul S. Padda

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 06:55:47 -0800

Nevada pit bull owners had occasion to celebrate recently over legislation that will end discrimination against their breed of canine. Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval signed a bill that will prevent local authorities from passing laws that deem dogs "dangerous" simply on the basis of their breed. What is commonly referred to as breed specific legislation or "BSL" permits local authorities to seize and kill dogs simply because they belong to a "dangerous breed."

Commenting on BSL, Jessica Clemens of the non-profit organization "Incred-A-Bull" (www.incredabull.org) stated: "Basically, I'm being discriminated against and my dogs are being discriminated against because of the way they look." Not anymore. Although the legislation signed by Governor Sandoval effects several dog breeds, pit bulls have historically been targets of the discrimination.

The National Canine Research Council (www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com), an organization dedicated to research and advocacy, cautions that "dogs cannot be characterized apart from people" because "at the heart of any public safety issue involving dogs is the need for responsible pet ownership." We should approach "each dog as an individual, free from hurtful stereotypes" states the website of Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program, a veterinary program at the University of Florida.

With Governor Sandoval's approval of the bill ending canine discrimination, Nevada joins approximately 14 other states that have banned BSL type laws.

Don't get mad, get legal!

Federal Government Proposes Tougher DUI Laws - Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney Paul S. Padda

Tue, 28 May 2013 08:00:21 -0800

If the United States government has its way, you could get a DUI for drinking a single martini giving a whole new meaning to the term "happy hour." The National Transportation Safety Board ("NTSB"), a federal agency, has recently proposed that states lower the DUI standard from 0.08 to 0.05. Thus, while a person is currently considered legally "drunk" if he or she has a blood alcohol content ("BAC") of 0.08, the legal standard may be reduced significantly if the federal government's proposal is accepted by state governments.

Citing the need to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities related to drunk driving, the NTSB believes reducing the legal limit for what qualifies as a DUI will assist in that effort. The NTSB wants state legislatures to drop the current DUI qualifications so that a single martini or 2 beers in a 160 pound person will qualify as legally "drunk."
Addressing the proposal, NTSB Chairwoman Deborah Hersman stated "The research clearly shows that drivers with a BAC above 0.05 are impaired and at a significantly greater risk of being involved in a crash where someone is killed or injured." She further added: "Our goal is to get to zero deaths, because each alcohol-impaired death is preventable. They are crimes. They can and should be prevented. The tools exist. What is needed is the will."

The NTSB's proposal, however, has met with fierce criticism. Sarah Longwell of the American Beverage Institute, an organization that lobbies for the alcohol industry, labeled the proposal a "terrible" idea. Commenting upon the rationale for the proposal, Ms. Longwell added: "Between 0.05 and 0.08 is not where the fatalities are occurring. This is like, people are driving through an intersection at 90 miles an hour and so you drop the speed limit from 35 to 25, it doesn't make any sense." She further added: "This is something that is going to have a tremendously negative impact on the hospitality industry while not having a positive impact on road safety." Ms. Longwell noted that the average BAC level in an alcohol-related traffic fatality is generally around 0.16 or double the current limit.

Although the federal government lacks the Constitutional authority to dictate what the DUI laws should be in each state, a power reserved to the states, it has the power to force changes by conditioning receipt of federal dollars upon implementation of lower DUI standards. In other words, the federal government can withhold highway funding from states that refuse to lower the DUI limits. In light of this power, referred to by Constitutionalists as "cooperative federalism," the federal government has the ability to effect changes in state policy by controlling the purse strings.

While DUI related traffic accidents are clearly a serious problem, it remains debatable whether reducing the legal limits will actually make a significant difference. Given the devastating effect the proposal could have on the hospitality, restaurant, nightlife and sporting industries, the federal government's proposal should be given serious study before implementation.

Don't get mad, get legal!

6 Things To Do When You See A Car Accident

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:00:31 -0800

The Top Ten Major Causes Of Car Accidents - Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer Paul S. Padda

Tue, 14 May 2013 09:14:43 -0800

Despite major advances in car safety, road engineering and greater public education regarding the dangers associated with driving, the sobering fact is that car accidents remain one of the leading causes of death among adults and the leading cause of death among teenagers. The top ten causes of car accidents are:

Road Conditions - Icy roads, crumbling streets, potholes and slick roadways can present significant danger to the motorist. In Las Vegas, given the year round sunshine, rain can pose a significant hazard when it mixes with the oil on city streets. The mixture creates an extra slick surface leading to cars colliding as a result of poor tire traction.

Reckless Driving - How many times have you observed someone engaging in aggressive driving placing others at risk? If you received a penny for every daily observation, you'd have a nice chunk of change at the end of the day. Drivers that fail to yield the right of way, failing to provide a turn signal, tailgating, excessive speeding and sudden braking can all lead to catastrophic consequences. The road can be a dangerous place based on the reckless behavior of others!

Speeding - This one is fairly obvious. Sadly, far too many people treat the city streets like a raceway. It's bad enough when a speeding driver places him or herself in danger, but it's unconscionable when they jeopardize the safety of others. Speed limits exist for a reason. Unfortunately, though, far too many people treat them as merely optional.

Driver Distraction - Kids wrestling in the car, fixation with the radio, daydreaming while driving; all events that can lead to deadly results. Keeping one's eyes on the road is the key to ensuring maximum safety.

Drug Use - You'd be surprised to learn some people believe they can consume drugs and drive. It happens far more frequently that one might think. Illegal drugs, however, are not always the culprit. Even over-the-counter cough medicine with a sedative effect can induce sleepiness leading to fatal results.

Drunk Driving - Again, no surprise. Drinking and driving is simply asking for trouble.

"Rubbernecking" - A car accident or other event occurs that gets everyone's attention as they crane their necks to observe what is happening roadside. This is called "rubbernecking" which is merely a form of distracted driving.

Multitasking - The average person is under constant barrage of information as a result of ubiquitous technological innovations. This, coupled with the constant pressures associated with modern life, can cause people to do too much. Eating and talking on the phone while driving is not a smart move.

Switching Channels - While driving safely should always be the first priority of every driver, far too many people make it a secondary concern to their desire to have the perfect song play on the radio.

Cell Phones - Texting, talking or snapping constant pictures can lead to tragic results when those activities occur behind the wheel of a car. For this reason, many states have enacted laws regulating cell phone use while driving.

Being aware of safe driving habits can significantly minimize the risk of a car accident. Of course, while you can always change your own behavior, it still pays to be a defensive driver given all the other motorists engaging in high-risk behavior while behind the wheel.

Think smart and stay safe!

Don't get mad, get legal

The Difference Between Chiropractors And Physical Therapists - Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney Paul S. Padda

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 07:51:11 -0800

Following a car accident, slip and fall or some other type of personal injury incident, people often seek the help of either a chiropractor or physical therapist. Of course, this makes perfect sense. Before exploring legal rights, one's health and well-being come first. However, the question often gets asked, "should I see a chiropractor or a physical therapist if I've been inured?" The answer is that it depends on the circumstances. While both are health care professionals specializing in alternative medicine, their approach towards treatment can differ.

Chiropractors

Chiropractic science focuses primarily upon the interplay between the neurological and skeletal systems. The principal theory underlying chiropractic treatment is that "spinal adjustments" promote the free flow of nerve energy which helps to alleviate or cure many ailments.

The goal of every chiropractic treatment is to decrease pain through a series of visits in which a "spinal adjustment" is performed on the patient. In order to see full benefits, patients generally require several chiropractic adjustments before they experience results, this can require a treatment regimen that runs the course of several weeks to even a year in chronic pain cases. Generally, each treatment or spinal adjustment lasts between 10 and 30 minutes.

Physical Therapists

The goal of physical therapy is to focus on decreasing pain and improving mobility by emphasizing strength conditioning. Physical therapists target musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems in order to improve patient posture, joint flexibility and eliminate movement dysfunction.

While chiropractic medicine has the spine as its focal point, physical therapy encompasses a much broader range of body parts by addressing soft tissue neurological and joint structures. Like chiropractic medicine, physical therapy focuses upon pain reduction through a progressive and sustained treatment regimen.

They Can Both Help

Both Chiropractors and Physical Therapists are licensed health care professionals that must go through extensive certification before they can treat patients. Unlike Physicians, they're focus is upon alternative medicine that avoids prescribing medications for pain alleviation. Of course, if pain medication is necessary, they can both refer patients to qualified physicians that specialize in pain management.

Often, the best starting point is a chiropractor since most trauma occurs in the spine following an accident. After the chiropractor is able to make initial assessments about the degree of spinal trauma, he or she can then refer the patient to another professional that might be able to provide more specific treatment remedies.

Don't get mad, get legal!

Pedestrian Accidents - Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer Paul S. Padda

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:17:17 -0800

When most people think of a "car accident," they assume a collision between two motor vehicles. However, the occurrence of cars hitting pedestrians is far more common than many people would imagine.

Sobering Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA"), a federal government agency, on average around 4,500 pedestrians were killed per year in traffic crashes in the United States since 2008.

A pedestrian is killed in a traffic crash every 2 hours and injured in a traffic crash every 8 minutes. You don't need to be a safety expert to understand the depth of the problem.
According to NHTSA, more than 70% of the pedestrians that were killed were males and most fatalities and serious accidents occur between Friday and Sunday. In almost half of all cases, either the driver or the pedestrian were intoxicated.

Most pedestrian accidents occur in urban settings, usually at cross-walks or other street intersections.

Important Safety Reminders

Drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing streets in marked or unmarked crosswalks in most situations. Given the occurrence of most accidents at intersections, pedestrians need to be exceptionally careful when crossing the street. This means being aware of one's surroundings. If a pedestrian is jogging and has headphones on, it is wise to look both ways and from behind before running into and through an intersection.

Increase visibility at night by using a flashlight or wearing retro-reflective clothing when exercising.

If you choose to run in the street instead of the sidewalk, make sure you're running in the face of traffic. This will ensure that you'll see what's coming towards you.

Legal Recourse

If you're the victim of a pedestrian accident, you have the same right to sue for injuries sustained as you would if you were driving a car and involved in an accident. Auto insurance policies cover pedestrian accidents. Being the victim of a pedestrian accident can potentially far worse than a run-of-the-mill car accident since the impact of the car on the human body carries with it far greater risk and potential for serious injuries. If you've been the victim of a pedestrian accident, "don't get mad, get legal!"

Pedestrian Safety Tips to Keep You Safe

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 08:00:10 -0800

According to recent reports from Las Vegas Metropolitan Police pedestrian accidents increased by 80% in our valley during 2012. Take a moment to read (and share) these tips to help keep our valley safe!

Don't get mad, get legal!

Stay Safe this Summer with the ABCs of Pool Safety

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 08:11:02 -0800

PTSD Following Personal Injury - Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer Paul S. Padda

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0800

After a traumatic or life-threatening event, it is very common for a person to experience upsetting memories of the event (i.e. "flashbacks"), increased unease or jumpiness, trouble sleeping and feelings of rage or depression. If these reactions do not ease over time or simply get worse, a person might be suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or "PTSD."

While PTSD is popularly viewed as a mood disorder associated with anxiety, it can in fact be a form of brain injury brought about by constant bombardment of brain chemicals due to a traumatic event. With advances in science and heightened studies of PTSD, many experts have come to view PTSD as associated with traumatic brain injury or "TBI."

According to a study discussed in the January 31, 2008 edition of The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that American soldiers who experienced mild concussions while deployed in Iraq exhibited symptoms associated with PTSD and physical health problems 3 to 4 months following the soldiers' return home to the United States. The same study also found that depression and PTSD are important links signifying the relationship between mild TBI and physical health problems. Recognizing the seriousness of PTSD, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs has provided significant information on its website (www.ptsd.va.gov) regarding PTSD in an effort to assist veterans and their families in dealing with this emerging health crises.

If you think PTSD is limited to soldiers fighting in war zones, you would be mistaken. PTSD can occur following a traumatic accident such a motor vehicle collision. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV ("DSM-IV"), PTSD may be summarized in the following manner:

There is exposure to a traumatic event;
There is persistent re-experience of the event in the mind of the PTSD sufferer;
There is persistent avoidance by the PTSD sufferer of things associated with the traumatic event;
There are persistent symptoms;
The duration of the symptoms last more than one month; and
There is significant impairment of the PTSD sufferer in social, occupational or other important areas of life.

The DSM-IV defines "traumatic events" for purposes of diagnosing PTSD as an event that involves actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of self or others. The PTSD sufferer's response involves intense fear, helplessness or horror.

When many people experience a catastrophic accident, they tend to rightly focus on the physical injuries they may have sustained. However, as demonstrated above, ignoring the mental injuries (which can become physical injuries) can be a significant mistake leading to adverse consequences. PTSD is a real and significant condition that must be addressed and taken seriously.

If you or a loved one has been in an accident, you need to aggressive and highly-skilled legal representation. Finding the right lawyer can help you achieve the just compensation you deserve. A good lawyer will know good doctors who in turn will conduct a thorough medical examination. While the road to justice can be long and winding, it should not be made more difficult than necessary. If you or a loved one has been injured:

DON'T GET MAD, GET LEGAL!

Concussions From Car Accidents - Brain Injury Lawyer Paul S. Padda

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 08:00:08 -0800

According to the Brain Injury Association of America the statistics involving brain injuries are sobering. Of the 1.7 million people who sustain a traumatic brain injury each year in the United States:

50,000 will die;
235,000 will require hospitalization;
1.1 million will be treated and released from an emergency room;

When most people think of a brain injury, they think of complete impairment or a person in a vegetative state. However, this is most often not the case. Did you know that a "concussion" is a form of brain injury? In fact, concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injuries.

Concussions occur as the axons of neurons stretch and contort and brain fluid from the axons literally squirts out the ends of the telodendrites which is the end process of the neuron that transmits neurotransmitter substance to other brain cells. A concussion is basically a complicated pathophysiological process that impacts the brain.

It is often the case that, following a traumatic event resulting in a concussion, mental function is at least temporarily impaired. There is usually damage from the biochemical changes in neurons negatively affecting cell membranes and synapses. The "synapse" is simply the junction between where neurons release neurotransmitter substance from one cell before it is received by the receptors of another cell.

According to the American Academy of Neurology, concussions may be rated in one of two graded fashions:

Grade 1: Some transient confusion; no loss of consciousness and symptoms clear up in 15 minutes;

Grade 2: Some transient confusion; no loss of consciousness and symptoms last longer than 15 minutes.

A concussion is nothing to be taken lightly. While we hear of concussions occurring all the time in professional sports, and therefore tend to view it as routine injury, athletes are highly conditioned individuals that are in peak physical shape and have the ability to withstand trauma in ways that might adversely affect the average person. However, even athletes often suffer significant problems from concussions which lead to major cognitive problems later in life.

If you or a loved one has sustained a concussion from a car accident or some other type of personal injury, make sure you receive prompt medical attention from a medical professional. Because a "concussion" is the type of injury that is difficult to self-diagnose, it is imperative to receive appropriate medical attention following a personal injury to ensure there are no major problems left unaddressed.

DON'T GET MAD, GET LEGAL!

Brain Injury And Car Accidents - Injury Lawyer Paul S. Padda

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 08:05:19 -0800

Following a car accident, many people experience pain in their back and assume that their injuries are limited to the spinal column. While this is often true, advances in technology and medical testing are leading many doctors to also explore the possibility of brain trauma. Often, injuries to the brain can be subtle and difficult to detect and discern. A good doctor examining the victim of a traumatic event will always be on the lookout for potential brain injury.

According to the Brain Injury Association of America (www.biausa.org) the statistics involving brain injuries are sobering. Of the 1.7 million people who sustain a traumatic brain injury each year in the United States:

50,000 will die;
235,000 will require hospitalization;
1.1 million will be treated and released from an emergency room;

Of course, these statistics do not tell the whole story. The number of people with a traumatic brain injury who are not seen in an emergency department or who receive no care whatsoever is unknown. Among the leading causes of brain injuries are the following:

Falls;
Motor-Vehicle accidents;
Assaults.

Additionally, men are 1.5 times more likely as females to sustain a traumatic brain injury. Given the propensity of men, especially younger men, to engage in high risk behaviors such as speeding or reckless driving, the disparity between men and women suffering from traumatic brain injuries becomes clearer and easier to understand.
If you or a loved one have suffered a traumatic personal injury, it is essential to make sure a qualified medical professional conducts the appropriate testing to ensure a brain injury is not left untreated. As noted by the Brain Injury Association of America:

"Brain injury is not an event or an outcome. It is the start of a misdiagnosed,misunderstood, under-funded neurological disease. Individuals who sustain brain injuries must have timely access to expert trauma care, specialized rehabilitation, lifelong disease management and individualized services and supports in order to live healthy, independent and satisfying lives."

In most instances, the appropriate physician to diagnose a traumatic brain injury will be a neurologist. If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, the potential for brain injury exists. While you might think a brain injury involves complete impairment, this often not the case. A concussion, even a mild one, is a type of brain injury that, if left untreated, can significantly impact a person's life.

DON'T GET MAD, GET LEGAL!

Basic Facts About Nursing Home Abuse Cases - Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney Paul S. Padda

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 08:00:43 -0800

With advances in health care, the elderly are one of the fastest growing populations in American society. Many people entrust their parents or other loved ones to nursing homes hoping they receive first-rate attention and care. This has increasingly become a fact of modern day life.

Unfortunately, despite the trust placed in them to care for our elderly, many nursing homes abuse that trust by failing to provide the proper care they should. By trying to cut costs or simply because they don't care, many nursing homes subject our most vulnerable members of society to neglect and abuse. This is completely unacceptable.

Some of the most common forms of elder abuse and neglect include the following:

Bed sores;

Slip and falls;

Dehydration and malnutrition;

Assault/Battery by nursing home staff;

Wrongful death.

Given their vulnerable state, many elderly residents are afraid to speak up and complain. In other cases, some are simply unable to physically communicate what is occurring. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, be vigilant for the following warning signs of neglect or abuse:

Pressure sores, bedsores and frozen joints;

Loss of mobility;

Weight loss from lack of nutrition or depression;

Unexplained bruises, cuts, fractures, burns and broken bones;

Odd behavior by nursing home staff, including refusal to permit visitation without staff present;

Overmedication;

Unhygienic conditions.

Discovering nursing home abuse can be shocking and extremely upsetting. It is important, however, to make sure you know your legal rights. While every state in the country has laws on the books to protect the elderly, there are civil claims that can be brought to put an end to the abuse and hold accountable those who hurt our most precious loved ones. If you suspect your loved one is not being treated right, don't ignore your feelings. Make sure you contact an experienced and aggressive lawyer with significant experience in this complex area of the law that will ensure justice is pursued where appropriate. Our elderly cared for us when we were young, we owe it to them to fight for their rights during their most vulnerable years.

Don't get mad, get legal!

Soft Tissue Injury Following A Car Accident Can Be A Serious Matter - Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney Paul S. Padda

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:59:37 -0800

Soft tissue injury, commonly known as "STI," is a condition involving damage to ligaments, tendons and muscles. STI is extremely common following a car accident. While it might seem benign, STI can be a serious condition leading to serious consequences if not properly treated.

Some of the most common types of STI include sprains, strains, contusions, tendonitis, bursitis, stress injuries and whiplash. Of these, whiplash is among the most common following a car accident due to the nature of the traumatic impact that can cause the head to snap forward. Indeed, many car accidents involve rear end collisions which, because of the nature of the impact, can cause rapid jolting of the head forward and then back. Severe soft tissue damage can result from whiplash including strains and tears to the ligaments and tendons of the neck region. In some cases, whiplash can cause damage to the spine leading to long-term pain. Statistics show that one out of every three whiplash victims continue to experience continuing neck pain as long as three years following a car accident. STI is a serious condition that may not show up on x-rays right away but which can lead to severe pain later on.

While many people might be inclined to think STI requires a high speed impact, this is simply not true. Many STI injuries result from low speed impact accidents - less than 10 miles per hour. Because low impact collisions cause little damage to cars, people often assume there is no significant risk of physical injury. Because of the nature of STI, and because the pain resulting from STI can manifest itself many days later, it is extremely important to seek medical care following any collision. The last thing a person should do is ignore pain following an accident because that decision can lead to more significant consequences later when a ligament might get aggravated leading to increased pain and physical discomfort.

If you've been in a car accident, be on the lookout for the following symptoms of STI:

● Headaches
● Dizziness of nausea
● Neck pain
● Sore muscles in the back
● Tingling sensation in fingers and toes

Any of these conditions following a car accident should compel you to seek medical attention right away. Even if you've been released from an emergency room or by paramedics on the scene of an accident, you should still be on alert for discomfort and lingering pain. A medical professional such as a family doctor or chiropractor can help diagnose STI and begin a course of treatment that can help avoid more significant problems later.

Don't get mad, get legal!