You walk into your chiropractor’s office expecting relief from your nagging back pain. Instead, you leave with dizziness, numbness and weakness. Hours later, doctors tell you that you’ve had a stroke. This nightmare scenario is not impossible and you deserve to know your legal options in Kentucky if it happens.
How chiropractors still have a duty of care
When an injury like this occurs, many people wonder if they have any recourse. The answer starts with understanding your chiropractor’s legal obligations. Chiropractors must protect your safety, even though they don’t treat medical illnesses. They owe you the same duty of care that doctors provide to their patients. This means they must follow accepted safety practices and standards in their field. When they fail to meet these standards, you may have grounds for a claim.
How spinal adjustments can cause strokes
Before pursuing any claim, understanding the connection between adjustments and strokes helps you recognize the risks. Spinal manipulation, particularly in the upper spine and neck area, involves rapid movements that can tear the lining of your vertebral arteries. These arteries carry blood to your brain. When they tear, doctors call this condition vertebral artery dissection. Blood clots can form at the tear site and travel to your brain, blocking blood flow and causing a stroke.
Valid reasons to pursue a medical malpractice claim
Now that you understand how these injuries occur, you need to know what makes a strong legal case. In Kentucky, certain errors during chiropractic treatment can lead to valid medical malpractice claims. You may have grounds for compensation if any of these situations occurred:
- Inadequate medical history evaluation: Risk factors like vascular disease need proper screening before spinal manipulation takes place.
- Excessive force during the adjustment: The treatment must stay within reasonable professional standards to minimize injury risks.
- Unrecognized warning signs after treatment: Symptoms like vertigo, severe headache or numbness require immediate emergency care and referral.
These situations represent departures from accepted professional standards. When such errors cause your injury, you have options for seeking compensation to help with your recovery.
Recovering from spinal adjustment errors
Knowing your rights is important, but your health matters most right now. Recovering from a stroke caused by spinal adjustment errors requires your full attention and energy. You face mounting medical bills, lost income from missed work and ongoing rehabilitation needs. While you focus on regaining your strength and independence, having someone help navigate the financial complexities can ease the burden. This allows you to dedicate yourself fully to the healing process your body needs.