To think I'm not lying about whiplash injury

[SpoilsburyToastGirl]

On Monday I was crashed into by a HGV. I was stationary with my handbrake on, waiting to join a roundabout. The car in front of me set off and I hung back a little (so as not to be up to their bumper) and the massive HGV behind me set off, smashing straight into the back of me.

I was 150 miles away from home going to a hospital appointment (headed down the night before as had to be there early the next day) and obviously very shaken up.

The impact was low speed but as he slammed on his brakes the cab lurched forward (I think HGVs have an air brake that makes he cab rock forward) and I instantly knew I was hurt.

I had surgery to my neck a year ago (the reason I was having a hospital appointment) and it is hurt as is my lower back. I have ringing in my right ear which hasn't disappeared and I'm very worried about it.

I went straight to A&E who confirmed whiplash and gave me painkillers that I can't take due to the nature of my job.

Pretty much everyone I have spoken to has been very 'wink wink' about my injuries, like I'm putting them on for compensation (apart from my family who know I'm not). Aibu to be really upset and frustrated that lots of people assume that I'm buying into compensation culture rather than genuinely injured?

YANBU at all.

I had an almost identical accident to yours and it pissed me right off how much people diminished a whiplash injury - I was in a lot of pain, had to undergo treatment that was also painful and was very restricted in what I could do for quite some time. I even struggled to brush my hair, walk up and down stairs or do up clothes. And yet it was “just” whiplash

I think because I went straight to A&E, people think I'm 'covering my back' for a claim rather than genuinely injured. I'm so worried about how I'm going to be able to do my job because my shoulder is injured but some people are acting like I've hit the jackpot, it's crazy!

Why can you not take your pain killers? Im curious as you said you are in pain but clearly work is more important? And for the record i am an A&E nurse.

Xmas2020 I am self employed and have 2 children and a mortgage to pay, I can't take time off work unless I'm in traction or dead , although I have reduced my working hours as much as I can and am working shorter days. I missed work on Wednesday to go to my GP about the ringing in my ear but was told there's not much they can do. If it doesn't clear up, I'll need to see an ENT person.

The medication I have been given is paracetamol and ibuprofen which I have been taking but I can't take the codeine (which is what does help) because I do a very intricate job which I can't afford to feel woozy for.

I have experience in the insurance injury assessment sector. Expect an investigatio because if your prexisting injurys but just be honest and you'll be fine. As for everyone elses opinion, it doesnt matter BUT this is such a big issue that there are whole investigation companies of 400+ staff whos sole purpose is to look into fake injury claims. Thats where the winks are coming from because it happens so much. Be aware if you are claiming that the law is changing to cap the payout amount for whiplash and make it harder to claim so it will be a lengthy process. Hope youre ok

Does codeine make you woozy? I took it for a few years for a back injury and it has no effect on me. Could you try a different dose? Being unmedicated won't help

I hope you feel better soon!

I had this with mine. Like you someone went straight in to the back of me whilst I was stationary. Woke up the following day and couldn't move my neck, couldn't dress myself, bed over forward or move my head left it right. DH had to drive me to work for a few days as I wasn't safe to drive, couldn't check over my shoulder.

The number of people assuming I was exaggerating was astronomical.

Your health comes before money and your job. You say your in pain yet your still at work and refusing to take the painkillers prescribed. You are not going to be much use to your children whilst you are in so much pain. Take the rest of today and the weekend off, take the codeine and rest your shoulder.

The problem is there is so much fraud in the area that genuine Claimants like yourself get tarnished with the same brush. Ignore people. Hope you feel better soon.

Xmas, I'm taking the paracetamol and ibuprofen and saving the codeine until I'm at home and finished driving for the day. I'd love to rest but my job is such that I have clients booked in 6 months in advance, so if I have to reschedule them they would have to wait another 6 months to be seen. Its a nightmare