Detroit Chiropractor Malpractice Lawyers
For numerous physical discomforts, chiropractors can provide an array of valuable services. While many chiropractors practice efficiently and safely, some, unfortunately, act negligently when treating patients. When a chiropractor’s negligence causes injury to a client, the injury victim is sometimes eligible to hold the chiropractor accountable for medical malpractice.
Though injuries can vary in severity and nature, chiropractor malpractice is something that a number of Detroit residents cope with annually. Fortunately though, injury victims do not have to deal with their issues alone. The Detroit chiropractic malpractice attorneys of Ravid & Associates, P.C., may be able to help eligible injury victims pursue compensation.
Examples of Chiropractor Malpractice
Chiropractor malpractice might take a number of different forms. Each of the following examples is a particular form of malpractice that could have devastating results for the injured patient:
- Negligence / manipulation of a body
- Failure to obtain informed consent
- Medical condition misdiagnosis
- Stroke caused by a chiropractor’s action
Suffering from any one of these forms of malpractice could be detrimental to a person’s health and could easily compromise mobility, comfort, and nerve function. If a medical practitioner, such as a chiropractor, has caused undue damage to your body, then you might be able to pursue financial compensation.
Chiropractor Malpractice Statistics
Chiropractic malpractice cases, while infrequent compared to malpractice in many other medical specialties, do exist and can have serious implications for both patients and practitioners. According to data from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), a total of 5,796 medical malpractice reports involving chiropractors were filed between 1990 and 2012. This data reflects a small portion of the overall medical malpractice landscape, yet it underscores the importance of accountability in chiropractic practice. Additionally, during the same period, there were 7,535 reports related to licensure and professional society memberships, as well as 4,147 reports concerning Medicare and Medicaid exclusions.
Common Chiropractic Malpractice Issues
Several common issues often lead to malpractice claims against chiropractors, including:
Delayed Diagnosis – This refers to a chiropractor’s failure to recognize and diagnose serious underlying medical conditions, such as tumors or fractures. When such conditions go undetected, they can lead to significant harm or worsening health issues for the patient.
Improper Spinal Manipulation – In some cases, the technique used for spinal manipulation can result in severe complications, including nerve damage or arterial dissection. This type of injury can have long-lasting or even life-threatening consequences.
Failure to Obtain Informed Consent – Chiropractors have a responsibility to ensure that patients are fully informed about the risks associated with their treatment. If a patient does not understand these risks before undergoing a procedure, the chiropractor may face legal repercussions.
Negligent Treatment – This encompasses a variety of improper treatment practices, such as inadvertently causing fractures or exacerbating a patient’s pre-existing conditions. Negligent treatment can lead to additional medical issues that require further intervention.
Risk of Injury from Chiropractic Adjustments
While chiropractic treatments are generally considered safe, certain risks are associated with them:
Cervical Spine Manipulations
These adjustments have been linked to arterial dissection at a frequency of 1 case per approximately 5.85 million manipulations. While this rate is low, it is still a significant concern for practitioners and patients alike.
Nerve Injuries
The estimated occurrence of nerve injuries during chiropractic adjustments is around 0.038 cases per 1 million adjustments. These injuries can vary in severity and potentially lead to chronic pain or neurological issues.
Serious Adverse Events
The likelihood of serious adverse events following neck manipulations is estimated to range from 1 in 1 million to 1 in 3 million procedures. Such events may include stroke, severe headaches, or other neurological issues.
Stroke Risk – The occurrence of stroke following cervical manipulation is estimated at a rate of 1 in 50,000 treatments. This statistic emphasizes the need for careful patient evaluation and the importance of understanding the potential risks involved in chiropractic care.
Legal and Insurance Considerations – The legal landscape for chiropractors indicates that approximately 1 in 72 chiropractors face a malpractice lawsuit each year. A survey revealed that around 15% of chiropractors have encountered a malpractice lawsuit during their careers. Notably, many of these claims—about 18%—are related to failures in diagnosing serious conditions that could pose significant risks to patient health.
Contact Our Chiropractor Malpractice Attorneys in Detroit
Patients should take care to ensure they are receiving treatment from licensed and qualified professionals, and they should be proactive in understanding the risks associated with treatments. In turn, chiropractors must strive to follow best practices, maintain thorough documentation, and engage in ongoing education to minimize the potential for errors, thereby prioritizing patient safety and care quality.
Since chiropractor malpractice injuries can cause numerous challenges to people, it is important for victims to learn about their legal options. If you or someone you care about has been victimized by Detroit chiropractor malpractice, the attorneys of Ravid & Associates, P.C., may be able help you. Contact our offices today at (248) 948-9696 to learn more about how we can help you hold your irresponsible chiropractor accountable.