Can I Sue a Chiropractor for an Injury?
Many people swear by chiropractic care, believing it can help relieve back pain and other ailments. However, chiropractic treatments can cause serious injuries if not done correctly. If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of chiropractic adjustments or other treatments, you may be wondering: Can I sue a chiropractor for an injury?
Chiropractors and the Duty of Care
Like all medical professionals, chiropractors are required to maintain a professional standard of care when providing treatment. This means that they must adhere to certain protocols, such as obtaining a full patient history, following accepted medical practices, and getting informed consent from their patients. If the chiropractor fails to meet this standard of care, then they may be considered negligent and, therefore, liable for damages.
Chiropractors can make mistakes during adjustments that seriously injure patients. For example, a chiropractor can misapply force to an area of the body that is not meant to be manipulated, causing damage or tissue tears. In extreme cases, improper chiropractic treatments can lead to pinched nerves, herniated discs, or even broken bones. Tragically, in rare cases, chiropractor malpractice is fatal. Vertebral artery dissection caused by improper chiropractic care can lead to ischemic stroke, thrombus formation, paralysis, or death.
Chiropractors may also be liable for damages if they fail to diagnose underlying medical conditions, resulting in avoidable patient harm. For example, if a patient comes to them with signs of a serious medical emergency and the chiropractor fails to recognize the symptoms, they may be liable for any injuries that result from the delay in diagnosis.
Damages in a Chiropractor Malpractice Case
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury as a result of chiropractic treatment, you may be able to seek compensation for your damages. These can include medical costs resulting from the injury, lost wages due to missed work, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages in cases where there was blatant negligence. A medical malpractice attorney can evaluate the circumstances of your injury and determine the next steps.
Contact a Springfield Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Chiropractors who make mistakes during adjustments, fail to diagnose medical conditions, or otherwise fail to meet their professional duty of care can be held responsible for the harm they cause. If you or a loved one were injured as a result of chiropractic malpractice, contact Kanoski Bresney today. Our skilled Champaign medical malpractice attorneys will review the facts of your case and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Source:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6016850/