What Can I Do If I Suffered Chiropractic Injuries?

 Posted on January 11, 2023 in Medical Malpractice

Chiropractors are known to work wonders for people suffering from chronic pain. They treat more than 35 million Americans every year. Sometimes people seek out a chiropractor to heal after a car accident or a sports injury and attain favorable results. However, there are times when a negligent chiropractor can cause serious injuries and the injured patient sues for medical malpractice.

Chiropractor Mistakes Can Lead to Painful Injuries

There are various techniques that chiropractors use for adjustments. When they are not properly carried out, they can lead to serious injuries that can impact a person’s health. These are just some ways in which a chiropractor’s negligence could lead to injury:

• Improper manipulation of the spine can lead to herniated discs and pinched nerves

• Improper evaluation of the patient

• Failing to order diagnostic imaging tests

• Failing to take into account someone’s medical history can make some adjustments risky

• Failing to refer a patient to a medical doctor when the chiropractor is not qualified to treat the condition

Serious Health Consequences Caused by Chiropractor Negligence

An injury caused by a chiropractic adjustment can lead to loss of mobility, paralysis, and even more pain. Some people have suffered a stroke weeks after an adjustment. That is because an adjustment to the neck can damage arteries that supply blood to the brain. Just like with traditional doctors, if a chiropractor fails to properly address a patient’s symptoms, it can lead to a missed diagnosis.

Informed Consent

Informed consent, as it relates to medical treatment, is making sure that patients are fully informed about the risks involved with chiropractic care and the side effects. During the consultation, alternative treatments should also be presented by the chiropractor. Patients should be allowed to discuss options with their physician before deciding to take on chiropractic treatment. If these steps are not taken, the chiropractor is not following through with informed consent and could be liable for any of the patient’s injuries.

Standards of Care

All medical professionals, including chiropractors, are required to follow certain standards of care. In this case, a chiropractor should provide the same level of care that another reasonably competent chiropractor would provide. If a patient is injured because a chiropractor does not meet this standard of care, they could be held liable for costs related to the patient’s injuries.

Contact a Champaign Medical Malpractice Lawyer

At Kanoski Bresney, we have more than 40 years of experience involving injury cases. If you have suffered injuries as a result of a chiropractor’s negligence, a Decatur medical malpractice attorney can help you take the necessary steps so that you are compensated for your injuries. Call 888-826-8682 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://unnus.com/medical/chiropractic-facts-statistics/

https://www.newsweek.com/mans-claim-he-suffered-stroke-after-chiropractor-visit-divides-internet-1761572