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While chiropractic errors are less discussed in the medical malpractice arena, they do still happen. Chiropractic care is an alternative medical treatment that uses non-invasive, hands-on spinal manipulations to enhance joint mobility. The treatment goal is to restore range of motion and reduce muscle spasms by providing controlled, manual force to the joints. It is utilized for ailments such as acute and chronic back pain, neck pain, headaches, and whiplash related injuries. According to the American Chiropractic Association, chiropractic care is widely recognized as one of the safest medical treatment alternatives for various musculoskeletal issues. Side effects from spinal manipulation are generally considered benign and typically resolve in a short time. There can be some discomfort, including stiffness or soreness. It is touted as an effective and drug-free alternative to traditional medicine to prevent, treat, and maintain health. But what happens when things go wrong? At this point, the patient should seek an experienced medical malpractice attorney, such as Orlando lawyer Jeff Badgley at Badgley Law Group.
The chiropractic industry is the most popular complementary alternative to traditional medical care offered in the United States. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, chiropractic is used to treat an estimated 74% of Americans with back pain. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2016, reported an estimated 47,400 Chiropractors were practicing in our nation.
The World Health Organization reports that spinal manipulations can cause personal injury for individuals with specific comorbidities. Examples include osteoporosis, cancer of the spine, bone abnormalities, bone infections or fractures, and circulation or nervous system conditions.
Medical malpractice law holds chiropractic practitioners accountable to a standard of care. That is, what a prudent Doctor of Chiropractic would do in the same or similar circumstances. There are significant numbers of medical malpractice claims against chiropractors for medical errors due to failure to diagnose. Perhaps a chiropractor failed to conduct a proper exam or obtain a thorough history and physical before treatment. Failure to order appropriate diagnostic imaging or neglecting to refer a patient to a medical doctor for pathology viewed on an x-ray can cause a delay in life- saving treatment. Or they may have been remiss in educating patients about the risks of treatment. These are all acts of medical negligence and breaches of duty.
We expect and trust our healthcare providers to act reasonably and professionally. When they breach this duty, there can be devastating and life-long consequences. If you or a loved one has sustained an injury or wrongful death due to a chiropractor’s negligence, contact The Badgley Law Group to assess your claim. Chiropractic health care providers should be held accountable for their acts of negligence and subsequent damages. Medical errors due to poor judgment, a lack of skills, misdiagnosis, and failure to coordinate with needed medical providers is preventable. Our experienced medical malpractice lawyers have the resources to craft strategies for negotiation or courtroom litigation, to get you the compensation that you deserve.
Contact Badgley Law Group in Orlando, Florida, at 407-781-0420. We can help you understand your rights and fight for compensation for your damages.