Photo Credit: 123RF Stock Photo[/caption] Many people see a chiropractor for the treatment of back and neck pain. In fact, by some estimates, as many as 10 to 15 percent of the U.S. population visits a chiropractor from time to time. Like all medical professionals, chiropractors are required to provide care that meets or exceeds accepted standards of care for the profession. When a chiropractor fails to provide treatment that meets this standard, he or she can be liable for any injuries that are sustained as a result of the inadequate care. Some common examples of chiropractic malpractice include:
- Negligent manipulation of the body, which can result in a worsening of an existing injury or a new injury, such as a herniated disc, broken ribs, neck damage, nerve damage, sciatic nerve pain, lumber pain, neurological damage, and premature labor.
- Chiropractic-induced stroke, which can happen if an artery to the brain ruptures or becomes blocked due to the chiropractor’s manipulation of the neck.
- Failure to diagnose, which can happen if a chiropractor misdiagnoses an injury or does not make the proper diagnosis in a timely manner. Misdiagnosis is the most common type of medical error – not just for chiropractors, but all medical professionals – with an estimated 10 to 20 percent of medical malpractice cases involving a diagnostic error.
In order to pursue a chiropractic malpractice claim, the plaintiff must show the following:
- The defendant had a duty to provide you with appropriate medical care;
- The defendant failed to provide the appropriate medical care; and
- The defendant’s conduct caused you to sustain injuries or damages.
If the plaintiff successfully establishes liability, he or she be receive the following medical malpractice damages:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Household services
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
It is important to act quickly if you think that you may have been the victim of chiropractic malpractice. There are time limits on when you can file a medical malpractice lawsuit, and delayed action can also result in the loss of valuable evidence and medical information. In Illinois, a medical malpractice lawsuit without death must be filed within two years of the date of that the patient became aware of, or should have become aware of, the medical negligence. At Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish, our Chicago medical malpractice lawyers are committed to helping the victims of medical malpractice – including chiropractic errors and misdiagnosis – obtain maximum financial recovery. If you have been the victim of a chiropractic malpractice, contact the Chicago medical malpractice lawyers at Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish to schedule a free consultation to learn more about a possible medical malpractice lawsuit. Additional Information:
- Estimating How Much Medical Malpractice Case Might Be Worth
- Radiology and Medical Malpractice
- Are Medical Errors the Same as Medical Malpractice?
- What to Do If You Are Victim of Medical Error
Steinberg Goodman & Kalish (www.sgklawyers.com) is dedicated to protecting victims and their families. We handle medical malpractice, product liability, personal injury, wrongful death, auto accidents, professional negligence, birth trauma, and railroad law matters. Contact us at (888) 325-7299 or (312) 445-9084.
