Chiropractic Malpractice Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Chiropractic Malpractice Lawsuit Overview

Chiropractic malpractice lawsuits involve claims against chiropractors who fail to provide care that meets professional standards.

These legal actions typically allege negligence in diagnosis, treatment procedures, or failure to refer patients to appropriate medical specialists.

According to recent statistics, there have been over 5,000 reported incidents of chiropractic-related injuries nationwide in the past decade.

The American Medical Association has issued warnings about certain high-velocity neck manipulations that can lead to serious complications.

Latest Chiropractic Malpractice Lawsuit Updates

• May 7, 2025: A Winnipeg woman filed a lawsuit against her chiropractor, alleging that a neck adjustment caused a vertebral artery dissection and subsequent stroke. The suit claims the chiropractor failed to obtain informed consent and did not adequately warn of the risks. The patient is seeking damages for pain, suffering, and loss of income [1].

• April 15, 2025: The Illinois Appellate Court affirmed the dismissal of a chiropractic negligence lawsuit after the plaintiff missed the statute of limitations deadline due to a late e-filing. The court reinforced the importance of timely filings in malpractice cases, setting a precedent for similar claims in the state [2].

• February 11, 2025: Recent settlements in California highlight the high stakes of chiropractic malpractice: a $6.5 million settlement was reached for a patient who suffered a stroke after a neck adjustment, and a $4.2 million settlement was awarded for permanent nerve damage from improper spinal manipulation. These cases underscore the need for proper patient evaluation and informed consent [3].

• April 4, 2024: An Illinois jury awarded $3,599,000 to a patient who suffered a stroke and vertebral artery dissection after a high-velocity neck adjustment. The lawsuit found the chiropractor negligent for failing to recognize symptoms of arterial injury, not seeking immediate emergency care, and not informing the patient of the risks associated with cervical manipulation [4].

Chiropractic Industry Statistics

The chiropractic industry in the United States includes approximately 70,000 licensed practitioners serving over 35 million Americans annually.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans spend over $15 billion on chiropractic care each year. Industry data from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners shows that cervical manipulation procedures account for approximately 23% of all chiropractic treatments performed.

Healthcare economic impact studies have found that complications from improper chiropractic care result in approximately $1.3 billion in additional medical costs annually.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the rate of adverse events following chiropractic treatment ranges from 33% to 61% for mild-to-moderate adverse events, and serious adverse events occur in approximately 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 250,000 manipulations.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to the FDA's MAUDE (Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience) database, there have been 1,173 adverse events related to chiropractic treatment devices and manipulation techniques in the past five years. These reports include:

• 487 cases of increased pain or worsened condition
• 253 cases of nerve damage
• 198 instances of vertebral artery dissection
• 147 stroke incidents
• 88 cases of spinal disc injuries

The FDA has issued safety communications regarding certain high-velocity neck manipulation techniques, particularly cautioning about their use in patients with pre-existing vascular conditions or osteoporosis.

Chiropractic Injuries & Side Effects

Chiropractic treatments, while beneficial for many patients, can lead to serious complications when performed improperly or on unsuitable candidates.

• Vertebrobasilar Stroke: Manipulation of the neck can damage vertebral arteries, leading to blood clots, stroke, and permanent neurological damage
• Herniated Discs: Excessive force during spinal manipulation can cause or worsen disc herniation
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Improper technique can cause compression of the spinal cord leading to weakness, numbness, or paralysis
• Nerve Damage: Manipulation can cause compression or damage to peripheral nerves resulting in chronic pain or loss of function
• Cauda Equina Syndrome: Rare but serious complication involving compression of nerve roots at the base of the spine, potentially causing permanent paralysis

Do You Qualify for a Chiropractic Malpractice Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a chiropractic malpractice lawsuit if:

• You received chiropractic treatment within the past 1-6 years (depending on your state's statute of limitations)
• You experienced serious side effects including stroke, nerve damage, disc herniation, or worsened condition
• Your injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the chiropractic procedure
• The chiropractor failed to obtain proper informed consent or screen for contraindications
• The treatment provided deviated from the standard of care in the chiropractic profession

Evidence Required for a Chiropractic Malpractice Lawsuit

Building a successful chiropractic malpractice case requires substantial documentation. Important evidence includes:

• Complete medical records before and after the chiropractic treatment
• Professional opinions from medical experts establishing the standard of care and how it was breached
• Documentation of all treatments received, including dates, procedures performed, and chiropractor's notes
• Records of all medical treatments required to address injuries caused by chiropractic care
• Witness statements from those who observed your condition before and after the treatment

Damages You Can Recover

In a successful chiropractic malpractice lawsuit, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses for past and future treatments related to your injuries
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering damages for physical discomfort and emotional distress
• Cost of rehabilitative therapy and assistive devices
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct

Chiropractic Equipment Recall Information

• July 2023 – The Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled 12,500 units of Model X7 Chiropractic Adjustment Tables manufactured by ChiroTech Industries due to a defect in the drop mechanism that could cause sudden collapse, resulting in patient injuries.
• March 2023 – FDA ordered recall of TheraStim Neuromuscular Stimulators used in many chiropractic offices after 37 reports of electrical burns and 3 incidents of fires.
• October 2022 – The CPSC recalled approximately 8,000 units of ProAdvantage Cervical Traction Devices due to a defect in the rope and pulley system that could cause sudden release and potential neck injuries.
• May 2022 – MedTech Chiropractic Adjustment Tools model CT-350 were recalled nationwide after reports of excessive force delivery resulting in 22 serious patient injuries.

Statute of Limitations for Chiropractic Malpractice Lawsuits

The time limit for filing a chiropractic malpractice lawsuit varies significantly by state:

• California, Tennessee, and Ohio: 1 year from date of injury
• Florida, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania: 2 years from date of injury
• New York, Texas, and Illinois: 2-3 years depending on case specifics
• Most other states: 2-3 years from date of injury or discovery of injury

It's crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible, as these time limits may be shortened or extended based on specific circumstances such as continuing treatment or delayed discovery of injury.

FAQs

1. What Constitutes Chiropractic Malpractice?

Chiropractic malpractice occurs when a practitioner fails to provide care that meets the professional standard, resulting in patient harm. Examples include performing contraindicated procedures, failure to diagnose serious conditions requiring medical referral, and causing injuries through improper technique. The key legal element is proving the chiropractor's negligence directly caused your injury.

2. How Common Are Serious Injuries From Chiropractic Treatment?

While most chiropractic treatments are safe, serious complications occur in approximately 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 250,000 manipulations. Cervical spine manipulations carry higher risk, with vertebral artery dissection being the most concerning potential complication. Studies indicate that between 400-700 serious adverse events occur nationally each year.

3. What Is The Average Settlement For A Chiropractic Malpractice Case?

Settlements for chiropractic malpractice typically range from $250,000 to $3 million depending on injury severity, permanence, and impact on quality of life. Cases involving stroke or permanent disability generally result in higher settlements. Most cases settle out of court, with approximately 20% proceeding to trial.

4. Can I Sue If The Chiropractor Had Me Sign A Waiver?

Signing a waiver doesn't automatically prevent you from filing a malpractice lawsuit. Courts often find such waivers unenforceable when they attempt to shield practitioners from liability for negligence. If the chiropractor failed to provide the standard of care or didn't properly inform you of risks, you may still have a valid claim despite signing a waiver.

5. How Do I Prove The Chiropractor Caused My Injury?

Proving causation requires establishing a direct link between the chiropractic treatment and your injury through medical records, expert testimony, and temporal relationship. Medical experts will review your case to determine if your injury is consistent with the type of manipulation performed and whether alternative causes can be ruled out.

6. What Should I Do Immediately After Suspecting An Injury From Chiropractic Treatment?

If you suspect an injury from chiropractic treatment, seek immediate medical attention, document all symptoms, obtain copies of all medical records, and consult with an attorney experienced in medical malpractice. Avoid discussing your case with the chiropractor or their insurance company before speaking with your own legal counsel.

7. Are Chiropractors Required To Carry Malpractice Insurance?

Most states require chiropractors to carry professional liability insurance, though coverage amounts vary significantly. Some chiropractors maintain minimal coverage levels of $100,000, while others carry policies up to $1-3 million. Understanding your chiropractor's insurance coverage is an important factor in determining potential compensation.

8. How Long Does A Typical Chiropractic Malpractice Case Take To Resolve?

Most chiropractic malpractice cases take between 1-3 years to resolve. Simple cases with clear liability may settle within 8-12 months, while complex cases involving permanent injuries typically take longer. Approximately 80% of cases settle before trial, but those that go to court usually extend the timeline by 12-18 additional months.

Get A Free Chiropractic Malpractice Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for chiropractic malpractice injuries. Depending on your state, you may have as little as one year from the date of injury to file your claim. Waiting too long could permanently forfeit your right to compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees for our services
• Payment only if we win your case and secure compensation
• Experienced attorneys specialized in medical malpractice claims

Don't let time run out on your right to seek justice. Contact our team today to understand your legal options and begin the process of securing the compensation you deserve.

Reference:

1. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-chiropractor-lawsuit-stroke-1.7528187
2. https://www.hinshawlaw.com/newsroom-news-hinshaw-secures-appellate-victory-chiropractic-negligence-lawsuit.html
3. https://www.helbocklaw.com/services/san-diego-chiropractor-malpractice-lawsuit/
4. https://www.lawsuit-information-center.com/malpractice-lawsuits-chiropractors.html