Any dummy can claim "whiplash," but it takes a medical expert to determine the legitimacy of the most popular injury in court.

Video Transcription

Male: The most common type of motor accident I see is a rear end collision where a stationary vehicle is struck from behind, the neck and head are pushed backwards, and then when a vehicle comes to a sudden stop, the head and neck move forward causing a whiplash for the neck and back. When I do an independent medical evaluation, I may ask to see not only the extent of those injuries, but also whether the accident actually caused to contribute to his injuries. What areas were injured? Female: It is my neck and my lower back. Male: I get a thorough history. Then, you take any x-rays. An x-rays is only going to show us the bones, In addition to the bone in the neck and the back, an MRI scan which stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging will also show us the disks, the ligament, the muscles, and the nerves. If they had previous x-rays or an MRI scan, I would like to see not only those results but I would like to review the films themselves. What usually brings on the neck pain? Female: I work at a computer all day, sitting up and turning my neck, starting the computer, your teeth, neck and back. Male: When you help – I am going to take a look at your back here – I then go to a thorough examination of the injured areas. Is there any pain up to here? Female: No. Male: Or through here? Is the back pain also worst from the right side? Female: No. Male: If the history does not fit the examination that should raise a red flag. I also review all pertinent medical records and if there was a prior history of any of injuries, I would also like to see those records. Female: It is mostly so very painful and my lower back is so very irritated. Male: I am trying to find out if some of her complaints are due to this injury or possibly a previous injury or condition. To complete my evaluation, I summarize her history. Summarize my complete physical examination and the x-rays findings, and then come up with a conclusion. And then I will prepare my report to Mr. Kramer which will have it in about a week. [Voice overlapping] You do not know how the system works; you are not going to do as well.