Neck, Back, and Spine Injuries Caused by Negligent Chiropractors
Chiropractors use physical manipulation of the spine to ease pain and increase mobility. Some people swear by chiropractic care. However, seeing a chiropractor is not without risk. Improper spinal manipulation can lead to severe injuries. If you or a loved one were harmed by a chiropractor, you may be able to sue and recover monetary damages.
Injuries From Chiropractic Adjustments
Manipulating the spine can cause injuries to the neck and back. In some cases, bad chiropractic care can even cause a stroke. Dissection of a vertebral artery, spinal stenosis, and herniated disc are just some of the injuries that have been associated with negligent chiropractic adjustments. Research shows that these injuries are more common than one may think – especially among elderly individuals. One report found that adverse effects of chiropractic manipulations occur in up to 61 percent of patients.
Suing a Chiropractor for Spine Injuries
Chiropractors, like other medical professionals, have a legal duty of care. They are expected to provide reasonably skilled care to their patients. If a chiropractor fails to do so and a patient is injured as a result, the chiropractor may be liable for damages. The injured victim will need to prove that the negligent medical care is what led to his or her injuries, which can be easier said than done. A medical malpractice lawyer experienced in chiropractic malpractice can help gather the evidence needed to bring a compelling case against the chiropractor.
Victims of chiropractor malpractice may be entitled to damages for the physical and non-physical consequences of negligent medical care. They may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses – Costs resulting from emergency room care, prescription medication, hospitalization, x-rays, CT scans, and ongoing medical needs may be compensable.
- Lost income – If negligent chiropractic care caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your lost wages. Future lost income resulting from medical appointments and other follow-up care may also be recoverable.
- Lost earning capacity – Some chiropractic injuries are so severe that the injured person cannot return to the same line of work he or she performed before the injury. If this is your situation, you may be entitled to compensation for lost earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering – Chiropractic injuries can cause significant physical and emotional pain. You may be entitled to compensation for these non-economic damages.
Contact a Champaign Chiropractor Malpractice Lawyer
If you or your family member were injured by a chiropractor, contact Kanoski Bresney to talk about your legal options. You may be able to hold the negligent chiropractor responsible for the harm caused and recover financial compensation through a medical malpractice claim. Call our Springfield medical malpractice attorneys at 888-826-8682 for a free consultation.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1905885/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/how-safe-are-the-vigorous-neck-manipulations-done-by-chiropractors/2014/01/06/26870726-5cf7-11e3-bc56-c6ca94801fac_story.html