Chiropractic care is often sought for relief from pain and improved mobility, with many patients placing trust in these professionals to improve their well-being. However, when a treatment goes wrong, it can lead to significant physical harm, emotional distress, and financial challenges. If you’ve experienced an injury during a chiropractic visit, understanding the steps to protect your health and explore your legal options is essential.
Our experienced medical malpractice lawyers with The Law Office of Paul Previte are here to help you take control of your situation. This guide will help you recognize the signs of chiropractic negligence, identify common injuries that may result, and take the right steps to protect your rights after an unexpected outcome.
Recognizing the Signs of Chiropractic Negligence
Chiropractic care should always prioritize patient safety and well-being. However, negligence occurs when a chiropractor fails to meet the standard of care expected in their profession, leading to harm or injury. Identifying the signs of negligence is the first step toward understanding whether you may have a case. Examples of chiropractic negligence could include:
- Failure to review medical history – Chiropractors who neglect to assess a patient’s medical background may administer treatments that exacerbate pre-existing conditions, such as osteoporosis or vascular issues.
- Use of excessive force during adjustments – Applying unnecessary force or using improper techniques can result in injuries like nerve damage or herniated discs.
- Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose – Ignoring clear symptoms of underlying conditions or misidentifying them can lead to inappropriate treatments that worsen the patient’s health.
Common Injuries Resulting From Chiropractic Errors
Chiropractic adjustments like spinal manipulation can be beneficial for many, but when errors occur, they can result in significant injuries. These injuries often stem from improper techniques, excessive force, or a failure to recognize contraindications during treatment. Understanding the most common injuries caused by chiropractic errors can help you identify whether your experience warrants legal action. Examples of injuries you could suffer due to chiropractic mistakes include:
- Nerve damage – Improper spinal manipulations can compress or damage nerves, leading to chronic pain, numbness, or even paralysis in severe cases.
- Herniated discs – Excessive pressure during adjustments can cause spinal discs to rupture, resulting in intense pain and limited mobility.
- Cervical artery dissection and stroke – Forceful neck manipulations have been linked to tears in the arteries supplying blood to the brain, increasing the risk of stroke.
- Soft tissue injuries – Overly aggressive adjustments can strain or tear muscles, ligaments, or tendons, causing pain and restricted movement.
- Worsened pre-existing conditions – Failing to account for a patient’s medical history can exacerbate conditions like scoliosis or arthritis, leading to prolonged recovery and additional complications.
Steps to Take After Experiencing a Chiropractic Injury
If you have been injured during chiropractic treatment, the actions you take immediately afterward can have a significant impact on your recovery and potential legal case. These steps are designed to protect your health, document the incident, and prepare you for the process of seeking justice and compensation. You should:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Preserve all relevant documentation
- Avoid discussing the incident without a personal injury attorney
- Document your personal experience
Speak With a Trusted Chiropractic Malpractice Lawyer Today
Recovering from a chiropractic injury can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about your next steps. Whether you’re struggling with nerve damage, a herniated disc, or another injury caused by negligent treatment, it’s essential to act quickly to protect your rights and pursue compensation.
Our experienced personal injury lawyers with The Law Office of Paul Previte can provide the support and advocacy you need. We’ll work tirelessly to build a strong case, handle negotiations, and fight for the justice you deserve. Take the first step by scheduling a free consultation. Call our office or complete our quick contact form to take advantage of this opportunity as soon as today.
