YOU AND THE LAW® WHIPLASH COURT COMPENSATION EXPLAINED If you've ever experienced whiplash an injury to theWhether a whiplash or back injury is mild or moderate muscle and sot ssues of your neck and back - know how awful the injury can be The compensation amount you receive varies from case depends on how the court classifies it. If your doctor describes your injury as "moderately severe," that doesnt mean the court must also classify it as moderate. Also, someone might have a "moderate" injury, yet still suffer a huge loss, like a missed opportunity, which could attract yo If the car accident wasn't your fault and you can prove your injury and loss, you're typically compensated for your economic loss, including lost wages (net), future lost earnings if you can't work as much or in the same job as before, and expenses such as chiropractic fees, taxi charges to and from the doctor's office, and prescription costs. Very severe, chronic problems attract the highest compensation awards, usually because of the your hiropractic fees, taxi inability to work for a l One of the largest judgments for a chronic pain condition arising out of a soft tissue whiplash injury was handed down in Anson v. Karoway. Ms, Anson was awarded u're also compensated for your pain and suffering caused by the whiplash. But it's much harder to assign a dollar value for this "human loss" - the headaches, the stiffness the fact that you can't garden or play golf anymore. The courts have therefore said that a fair amount for your 1,170,567 which included $105,000 for pain and suffering and almost $600,000 for future income loss. Damage awards vary widely, depending on the individual facts and circumstances. Evaluating the human loss," or pain and suffering part of a whiplash ss and soreness you feel when you move, pain and suffering is one that should make your lifedaim depends upon the length and severity of your pain ry minor stras condition the most you can get for all your losses or "dasas you can prove. If you've suffered a significant loss ctivity restrictions, the extent of medical treatment, any pre-existing condition, how well you follow medical more endurable and be of some solace to you. Most whiplash claims are temporary that are settled out of court. If a settlement cannot be reached they can be dealt with in Small Claims Court (where y minor strains thatadvice, and whether you do your best to recover ottom line? You generally recover as much of your los (whether related to income, function or enjoyment) as a is $25,000) or B.C. Supreme Court if appropriate. The amount awarded for minor strains is usually underresult of a whiplash injury, seek legal advice $10,000. This column provides information only and must not be relied on for legal advice. Please call soft tissue injuries, resulting in significantStephen W.Turner at 250-868-8801 for your free, time off work, may be worth more, depending on theno obligation, initial consultation medical evidence. A general range is between S15,000 to 000 for the pain and suffering portion of the claim. Written by Janice and George Mucalov, IL.B.s with contribution by Stepen W Turne Lawyer Janice Mucalov In more severe cases (e.g., where you have back surgeryis an award-winning legal writer "You and the Lau" is a as a result of the accident), you should receive more registered trademark. OJanice and George Mucalov STEPHEN TURNER LA Porsonal Injury Law ICBC CLAIMS, DON'T GET HURT TWICE Call For Free Initial LAW 508 Doyle Ave., Kelowna law@stephenturnerlaw.ca Consultation