UPDATE: Can I Seek Damages if I Was Injured During a Chiropractic Adjustment?

 Posted on June 20, 2023 in Medical Malpractice

Originally published: January 12, 2021 -- Updated: June 16, 2023

Update: In addition to determining whether you may be able to pursue compensation for injuries caused by chiropractic malpractice, it is also important to understand the types of damages that may be addressed in these types of cases. When pursuing a medical malpractice or personal injury claim, you may seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses - As discussed below, mistakes made by a chiropractor may result in multiple types of injuries, and you may require extensive treatment to address the harmful effects you have experienced. In cases involving strokes or other serious injuries, hospitalization may be required, or surgery may be necessary to correct herniated discs or other issues affecting the spine. Ongoing care may also be needed, including physical therapy or medications. You may be able to receive compensation that addresses the costs of both past and future treatment related to your injury.

• Temporary or permanent disabilities - Pinched nerves, spine injuries, or other issues that may be caused by chiropractor malpractice can be very painful, and they can limit your ability to complete daily tasks. If you were temporarily unable to work while recovering from an injury, you may seek compensation for the income you lost during this time. If you have experienced permanent disabilities such as paralysis, your ability to work in the future may be affected, and you may be compensated for impairment to your income-earning capacity.

• Pain and suffering - The physical pain and emotional trauma that can occur following an injury that was caused by someone you trusted to protect your health and safety can be very difficult to deal with. While determining the monetary value of these forms of harm is not always easy, you may be able to receive compensation that addresses the effects your injuries have had on your quality of life and your overall well-being.

Contact Our Peoria Chiropractor Malpractice Attorneys

At Kanoski Bresney, we can help you evaluate your case and determine your options for pursuing a claim against a chiropractor who injured you. Our Bloomington chiropractic injury lawyers can determine the types of damages you may be entitled to receive, and we will fight to ensure that you will be fully compensated for all of the ways you have been affected. Call us today at 888-826-8682 for a free consultation.

Few industries have been the subject of as much scrutiny and controversy as chiropractic medicine. This area of medicine is mostly concerned with musculoskeletal disorders – most commonly, issues with the neck and spine. A person who suffers from muscle or joint pain, weakness, or reduced mobility may visit a chiropractor in hopes of relieving their debilitating symptoms. Unfortunately, some patients leave the chiropractor’s office in worse condition than when they arrived. If you or a loved one were harmed during a chiropractic procedure, you may have a valid legal claim against the chiropractor or the medical facility.  

Injuries That May Result from Improper Chiropractic Manipulation

Chiropractic care differs significantly from other types of medical treatment in that chiropractic treatment does not typically involve medications or drugs. Most chiropractors use hands-on chiropractic manipulation or adjustments to treat their patients. This typically involves physically moving a patient’s body or using tools to manipulate the bones of the neck, spine, and back. While many people find relief from chiropractic adjustments, there are also documented cases of chiropractic adjustments resulting in injury or even death. In fact, one study found that 30-61 percent of chiropractic patients suffer adverse effects. Injuries often associated with chiropractic treatment include:

• Pinched nerves

• Broken ribs

• Herniated discs

• Spinal stenosis

• Muscle weakness

• Numbness/tingling of limbs

• Vertigo

• Facial paralysis

• Bladder and bowel paralysis

• Stroke

What Actions May Constitute Malpractice?

Most medical malpractice claims are founded upon the same basic principles: A medical professional deviates from the accepted medical practice and causes a patient’s injury or death. A chiropractor or chiropractic facility may be liable for a patient’s injury or death if the chiropractor acted in ways that do not meet the medical standard of care. Some of the most common issues that lead to chiropractor malpractice claims include:

• Failure to diagnose a medical condition or misdiagnosing the patient’s condition

• Failure to make a medical referral when a patient’s condition requires additional treatment above and beyond chiropractic care

• Failure to warn a patient of the risks of chiropractic procedures (lack of informed consent)

• Improper manipulation of the patient’s body that causes injury or exacerbates an existing medical problem

Contact a Springfield Chiropractic Malpractice Lawyer

Chiropractic mistakes can lead to severe injuries and even death. If you or a loved one have suffered a stroke or other medical complications after visiting a chiropractor, contact an experienced Decatur medical malpractice attorney from Kanoski Bresney. Our team can investigate your case and determine if the chiropractor’s actions may have been negligent. If you or your loved one were the victims of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages. Call us today at 888-826-8682 to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/014107680710000716