Chiropractors are a popular source of treatment for various spinal and neck issues, including pain, sensitivity, and poor posture. However, chiropractic treatment carries a risk of injury, especially if administered by a poorly trained or unqualified professional. If you have injuries after receiving chiropractic care, you may be able to file a chiropractic malpractice lawsuit. The Illinois malpractice attorneys at Levin, Riback & Adelman can investigate your case and hold negligent medical professionals accountable for your losses, including medical bills, lost work income, and pain and suffering.
Contact our Chicago office today to speak to a chiropractic malpractice attorney about your case.
Our brand of legal advocacy is focused on results first and foremost. When you are in pain and financial distress due to an injury, you need an attorney who will aggressively fight for your rights. Levin, Riback & Adelman has recovered millions in malpractice claims in both state and federal courts, including one $8.3 settlement for a failed tumor diagnosis.
Our personal injury attorneys are experienced in working with medical professionals to identify substandard care and can negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies. Our firm defines itself by our trial experience and is not afraid to take claims to court to prove your case. No matter your circumstances, you can count on our compassionate and effective legal team to seek the best possible outcome.
Chiropractic malpractice occurs when a chiropractor causes injury by violating some accepted standard of medical care, whether through action or omission. Chiropractors have specific licensing requirements and must provide an adequate level of patient care. Failing to meet that level of care is a violation of professional standards and grounds for a lawsuit.
Below are examples of potential chiropractic malpractice:
Chiropractors primarily work on the spine and neck, so chiropractor negligence can cause a range of musculoskeletal injuries. Below are some of the most serious types of injuries from chiropractic malpractice.
Herniated Disc
Herniated discs occur when the membrane of the discs between vertebrae tear and leak fluid. Chiropractors can cause herniated discs if they apply too much lateral force to the spine, causing the disc to slip between the vertebrae. A negligent chiropractor can cause a herniated disc or exacerbate a previously existing injury from a herniated disc.
Nerve Compression
Chiropractors can also cause nerve compressions as they apply force to the spine, muscles, and joints. Nerve compressions in the arms and legs can cause pain, and compressions in the spinal cord can cause weakness and mobility issues.
Dislocations
Chiropractors may also cause joint dislocations as they apply force. They can cause new dislocations or make existing dislocations worse through improper techniques.
Stroke
Although rare, manipulations can also cause arterial dissections in the spine, leading to stroke and brain injuries. The high force causes the interior membrane of the artery to pull apart, trapping blood and creating a clot. Arterial dissections are most common with manipulations in the upper back and neck.
Chiropractors are not medical doctors, but they still must meet a legally required standard of care. This standard of care is based on the type of care that a qualified professional in the field would provide.
As such, expert testimony is often a critical component of chiropractic malpractice cases. Expert testimony can shed light on the accepted standards of care in the field and whether the professional in question fell short of the threshold.
It is impossible to state beforehand how much you can receive for a given malpractice claim as it depends on a number of conditions. Factors that influence the final amount of your settlement will include:
Our goal at Levin, Riback & Adelman is to seek the maximum possible compensation. Depending on your circumstances, we can seek compensation for your:
Unlike many other states, Illinois does not cap compensation for noneconomic damages in medical malpractice claims.
Under Illinois law, you have two years to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. The time limit in personal injury cases normally starts counting from the date the injury happened. However, medical and chiropractic malpractice might cause injuries that only become noticeable much later. So, the two-year counter in medical malpractice claims starts from the date you discovered you were injured, not the actual injury date.
However, you cannot bring a medical malpractice lawsuit for malpractice that happened more than four years ago. This four-year time limit holds regardless of when you discover your injuries and puts an ultimate time limit on all medical malpractice claims.
When people go to the chiropractor, they expect a specific level of care and competence. Chiropractors who commit malpractice are guilty of violating this obligation to patients and should be held accountable. The attorneys at Levin, Riback & Adelman are proud to stand up for victims of medical malpractice. We will use every available resource to secure financial compensation from negligent chiropractors, granting you the peace of mind and stability you need for healing.
Contact us online or call today to schedule a case consultation with a chiropractic malpractice attorney in Chicago.
