Yes, you can sue a chiropractor for injury in Chicago if their negligence or improper care led to your harm. Just like any healthcare provider, chiropractors have a legal duty to provide safe and competent treatment. If they fail to do so—say by performing an adjustment incorrectly resulting in a herniated disc or nerve damage—you may have grounds for a personal injury or medical malpractice claim.
Having a chiropractor injury lawyer Chicago can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the process of seeking compensation. For example, if a patient experienced stroke symptoms due to an aggressive neck manipulation, this could be considered actionable negligence. Each case depends on the specific circumstances, but legal action is possible when standard care isn’t followed and injuries result.
When Can You Sue a Chiropractor in Chicago?
Seeking chiropractic care should lead to relief, not injury. Unfortunately, when negligence plays a role, it may result in serious consequences. You may be eligible to sue a chiropractor in Chicago if they fail to meet the expected standard of care and you suffer harm as a result.
Here are some common scenarios where legal action could be warranted:
- Incorrect spinal manipulation causing herniated discs or nerve damage
- Failure to diagnose underlying conditions before performing treatment
- Excessive or aggressive adjustments resulting in stroke or vertebral artery dissection
- Negligent post-accident treatment exacerbating previous injuries
- Improper use of equipment or therapy devices
If you believe your injury was caused by a chiropractor’s mistake, consulting a chiropractor injury lawyer Chicago can help clarify your options.
What Is Chiropractic Malpractice in Illinois?
Chiropractic malpractice falls under medical malpractice law. In Illinois, chiropractors are held to the same duty of care as doctors. This means they must act with the competence and diligence that a similarly trained professional would demonstrate in the same scenario.
To pursue a claim, you generally must establish:
- Duty of Care: The chiropractor-patient relationship existed
- Breach of Duty: The chiropractor failed to follow accepted standards
- Causation: This breach caused your injury
- Damages: You suffered measurable harm—a new or worsening condition, lost wages, medical expenses, etc.
A seasoned chiropractor injury lawyer Chicago can help gather records, consult expert witnesses, and build a strong case to support these elements.
Common Injuries Linked With Chiropractic Negligence
Chiropractic treatment includes spinal adjustments, joint mobilizations, and various physical therapy services. When done improperly, these procedures can result in serious injuries such as:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Nerve damage
- Neck or back pain exacerbation
- Paralysis (in rare but extreme cases)
- Stroke from vertebral artery damage after neck manipulation
If you’ve experienced any of these conditions after chiropractic treatment, particularly without prior explanation of risks, speaking with a chiropractor injury lawyer Chicago may be the next step.
Signs You Should Contact a Chiropractor Injury Lawyer
Not every poor outcome equates to malpractice. However, here are signs that your situation may merit legal action:
- Unexplained worsening of your original condition
- New symptoms (e.g., numbness, tingling, weakness) that began after treatment
- Sudden pain following an adjustment or manipulation
- Lack of informed consent before a procedure
- Failure to refer you to a specialist when necessary
A chiropractor injury lawyer Chicago can help determine if your injury resulted from negligence and what compensation you’re entitled to seek.
How to File a Chiropractic Injury Claim in Chicago
Filing a claim involves several steps and strict timelines. In Illinois, the statute of limitations generally gives you two years from the date of injury—or the date the injury was discovered—to file a claim.
The process includes:
- Evaluation: Discuss your situation with a chiropractor injury lawyer
- Medical Record Review: Your lawyer will gather and review relevant records
- Expert Testimony: Qualified experts may testify on what the standard of care should have been
- Lawsuit Filing: If negotiations fail, a formal lawsuit may be filed
- Settlement or Trial: Many malpractice claims are resolved without going to trial, but your lawyer will prepare for both outcomes
To improve your chances, it’s critical to act promptly and provide all documentation related to your treatment and injury.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
If you succeed in your chiropractic injury claim, potential compensation may include:
- Medical expenses (past & future treatment)
- Loss of income or earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation costs
Working with a chiropractor injury lawyer Chicago ensures that all aspects of damages are considered and fought for during the legal process.
Comparing Chiropractic Malpractice Cases
Let’s look at real-world examples of what can happen when things go wrong in chiropractic care:
| Case Summary | Injury | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Neck manipulation on a patient with undiagnosed vertebral artery dissection | Stroke | $1.9 million settlement |
| Improper instrument-assisted adjustment | Rib fracture | $150,000 awarded at trial |
| Failure to refer patient for diagnostic imaging | Progressive nerve damage | Confidential out-of-court settlement |
These examples illustrate that chiropractors have a duty to act carefully and refer out when something is beyond their expertise. Failure to do so could warrant legal compensation.
Preventing Further Injury: What to Do After a Chiropractic Incident
If you suspect you’ve been injured during chiropractic treatment, take steps immediately:
- Stop chiropractic treatment until reassessed by a medical doctor
- Get evaluated at a hospital or by a neurologist or orthopedist
- Request copies of your treatment records
- Write down your symptoms and treatment timeline
- Contact a chiropractor injury lawyer Chicago as soon as possible
Early action can help you not only protect your health but also strengthen your potential legal claim.
Trusted Legal Guidance When You Need It Most
Dealing with an injury caused by chiropractic treatment can be deeply frustrating, painful, and life-altering. Whether you suffered a mild exacerbation of symptoms or a serious, permanent injury, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. A chiropractor injury lawyer Chicago is equipped with the expertise to evaluate your case, determine liability, and pursue compensation.
Chiropractors offer various treatments—from general chiropractic care to specialized pain therapies such as therapeutic ultrasound—but when these practices are handled negligently, harm can result. Legal recourse is not only your right—it’s a way to secure the support and resources you need to fully recover and move forward.
If you or your loved one has experienced an injury at the hands of a chiropractor, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice. Taking action puts you one step closer to accountability and healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Think You’ve Been Injured by a Chiropractor? Don’t Wait to Act
Understanding your rights after a chiropractic injury can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. At Grandview Health Partners – Accident Injury Chiropractors Chicago, we know how critical it is to get support fast. If you’re feeling worse after treatment or have symptoms that won’t go away, it’s time to take the next step toward clarity and healing.
Reach out today—we’re here to help assess your situation and guide you toward the right care and potential legal resources before time runs out.
