C/hiropractic Mistakes
Chiropractors can provide immense pain relief through manipulation and adjustment of the spine. Yet if the chiropractor fails to adhere to standard treatment protocols, patients can end up in worse physical pain – and sometimes worse physical health – than before.
While chiropractors are not conventional medical doctors, they are highly qualified health professionals with years of specialized training. Accordingly, like M.D.s, chiropractors who negligently cause injuries to their patients can be held legally accountable for their actions.
What are common types of chiropractic mistakes?
- Failure to diagnose an underlying condition. Some chiropractors can be so certain that chiropractic treatment will cure their patients’ troubles that they fail to run certain tests or ask particular questions that might lead to an alternate diagnosis. This may lead them to negligently overlook certain conditions that require the attention of a conventional doctor. The failure to diagnose could also aggravate the patient’s pain if chiropractic treatment worsens the undiagnosed underlying condition.
- Negligent manipulation of the body. Chiropractic adjustments must be performed with the appropriate degree of expertise and care. When chiropractors negligently or recklessly attempt to readjust a spine or neck they can cause severe injuries.
- Failure to obtain informed consent. Chiropractors are obligated to inform the patient of the risks and hazards associated with certain chiropractic adjustments and treatments. If they perform an adjustment without the informed consent of the patient and the patient becomes injured, the chiropractor can be held legally responsible.
What are injuries caused by chiropractic negligence?
A chiropractor’s negligence can cause severe and/or painful injuries that greatly affect a patient’s quality of life. These may include:
- Stroke
- Neck injuries
- Loss of dexterity
- Torn ligaments
- Ruptured disc
- Cracked vertebrae
- Nerve or muscular pain
- Loss of feeling in extremities
- Sciatic nerve pain
What to do if you have suffered a chiropractic injury
If you have suffered a chiropractic injury, consult a Massachusetts medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. A Massachusetts lawyer experienced in chiropractic injuries can thoroughly investigate your claim by analyzing your medical records, and working with medical and/or chiropractic experts to determine whether negligence caused your injuries.
If negligence did cause you harm, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries, including: medical and hospital bills, lost wages and income, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and costs related to any rehabilitation efforts.
Peter Ventura is a Massachusetts medical malpractice lawyer dedicated to helping people in the Massachusetts area recover compensation for chiropractic injuries. Call for a free consultation today at 508-755-7535 or contact us online.
