Experienced Chiropractic Malpractice Lawyers in Kentucky
Chiropractors may not be medical doctors, but they are professionals who are offering a medical treatment. When a treatment leads to injury, you may wonder what your options are in terms of compensation. After all, is a chiropractor subject to malpractice suits?
As healthcare providers, chiropractors still must follow the oath to keep their patients’ best interests at the forefront of their treatment plans, and they are still required to follow specific industry practices – even if those are not practiced by MDs.
Exploring Chiropractic Malpractice – Do You Have a Case?
Chiropractics is still relatively new in terms of medical treatments. While founded back in the late 1800s, this treatment involves manipulation of injured body parts, and has always been seen as somewhat of a controversial treatment. There are plenty of both medical professionals who discount the value of chiropractic treatments altogether, and those who are for it.
Malpractice is a word that refers to negligence in the medical field. Chiropractic negligence, in turn, is also called chiropractic malpractice. In general, a chiropractor could be considered negligent by not exercising reasonable care. The courts will often define a provider’s negligence based on his or her failure to exercise the degree of care that others in the same field would have done. So, the actions of the negligent chiropractor would be compared to others practicing in the same field. They would also take into account any medical advances that the industry has seen, and the resources that were available to that provider, as well as what resources the provider was utilizing at the time of your injury.
Types of Chiropractic Malpractice
Chiropractic malpractice isn’t the same as regular physician malpractice, but that is because chiropractors offer different treatments, and even alternative medicine treatments. But, components of a malpractice case can be somewhat similar to those involved with the malpractice of a regular physician, including:
- Failure to diagnose
- Delayed diagnosis
- Failure to get informed consent from patient
- Injuries during treatment
Informed Consent in Chiropractic Care
When you visit a chiropractor, you are already agreeing to an alternative form of medicine. But, that doesn’t mean that he or she cannot proceed with treatments without your informed consent. Informed consent, for any healthcare professional, is always required before proceeding with a treatment.
In order for you to provide your informed consent, even to chiropractic manipulation, the practitioner must first explain to you the risks and complications associated with that treatment – even if the risks are minor and unlikely. Only after you fully comprehend the treatment can he or she proceed. Some professionals will even require that you sign a consent form before receiving the manipulation.
Injuries During Treatment
Chiropractic manipulation can be cruel on the human body, especially when it is performed incorrectly. While it is claimed to be used for treatment, it can actually lead to further injury, or create new injuries. Just some of those injuries can include:
- Torn muscles or tendons
- Paralysis
- Strokes
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain damage
- Herniated disks
Were You Injured by a Chiropractor? Contact a Lawyer Right Away
If you or a loved one has been injured by a chiropractic treatment, or if you have suffered a misdiagnosis due to such treatments, contact the Gladstein Law Firm, PLLC right away. We can assist you with your case and help you receive compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and more. Schedule a free consultation by contacting attorney Gladstein at 502-791-9000, or request more information online.
