Medical services (and malpractice) can come in various forms. Some patients choose to see traditional practitioners such as medical doctors or nurse practitioners for their health care needs and treatment. While others may choose to see a chiropractor for their care. In some cases, doctors may recommend chiropractic services to their patients. As with any practitioner, chiropractors are required to provide their patients with safe and competent care and treatment. If a patient thinks their chiropractor did not provide proper care, it’s essential that they know their options. If you have been harmed during chiropractic treatment, you may be wondering: Can I sue my chiropractor for malpractice?
Malpractice and Chiropractic Care
At one time, chiropractic care was considered an unusual treatment method. However, today, millions of people see chiropractors for various ailments ranging from back pain to infertility. When someone is injured on the job or in a car accident, it’s not uncommon for the individual to seek treatment from a chiropractor. Other patients may be seeking a non-surgical alternative for their health issues. Chiropractic clinics may also offer patients services such as physical therapy and massage. Most often, chiropractic care is used to treat skeletal and central nervous system conditions.
In most states, chiropractors attend school and training and are required to attain licensure to practice. Typically, these practitioners are limited to performing certain treatments and services. In addition, chiropractors are required to provide their services according to a standard of care. If the treating practitioner breaches the standard of care and that breach harms their patient, there may be a cause of action for negligence.
Common Chiropractic Injuries Caused by Negligence
Often, injuries can occur due to chiropractor negligence when a practitioner fails to take proper care while adjusting their patient’s spine. Some chiropractic injuries may include but are not limited to:
- Herniated cervical discs
- Ruptured discs
- Nerve Damages
- Fractured vertebrae
- Torn ligaments
- Lumbar disk damage
- Thoracic disk damage
- Fractures
These and other injuries caused by chiropractor negligence may be the basis of a personal injury claim. Additionally, a chiropractor’s failure to properly diagnose or refer a patient for medical care may also be malpractice.
Filing a Chiropractor Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
If you have been harmed by a chiropractor’s negligence, you may have serious and even irreparable injuries. In addition, you may have lost wages and time at work. Chiropractic injuries can lead to extensive medical bills, rehabilitative expenses, and pain and suffering. Under these circumstances, you may have grounds to file a chiropractor malpractice lawsuit.
If you believe your injuries are due to chiropractic negligence, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your personal injury lawyer can help you evaluate your case and determine the damages to which you may be entitled.
Proving Your Case for Chiropractor Malpractice
Chiropractic malpractice claims often involve medical tests and evidence to show the extent of the victim’s injuries. Your counsel will understand the law and know the evidence you need to establish your chiropractic personal injury claim. You will probably also need the expertise of a medical doctor to establish the source of your harm. Your personal injury lawyer will know how to gather and present the information needed to support your malpractice claim.
Chiropractic Malpractice Damages
As with other medical malpractice cases, chiropractic malpractice victims can seek damages for their economic and non-economic damages. Your economic damages may include expenses such as medical and physical therapy bills, adaptive equipment, home health care services, and lost wages. Non-economic damages cover losses such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, and disability.
Contact an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney
All medical malpractice claims are subject to a strict statute of limitations. Therefore, if you believe you or a loved one has been harmed or injured by medical negligence, it’s crucial that you consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible.
At The Dailey Firm, P.C., we understand how devastating medical malpractice can be for victims and their loved ones. We know what it takes to prove that a medical practitioner was negligent.
To find out how we can help you get the compensation you deserve for a medical malpractice injury, contact us here or call.