Chiropractor Malpractice Lawyers

Chiropractic care is a common treatment option for people across Atlanta who are dealing with pain, stiffness, or limited mobility. When chiropractic care is performed correctly and within appropriate limits, many people find it beneficial.

But when a chiropractor acts negligently by failing to properly evaluate a patient, using excessive force, performing unsafe adjustments, or ignoring warning signs, the consequences can be severe. Some chiropractic injuries constitute medical malpractice and lead to permanent disability, nerve damage, or life-altering complications.

Office workers commuting into Downtown and Midtown, warehouse employees near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, rideshare drivers spending long hours on I-75 and I-285, workers at Emory Healthcare and the CDC, and construction crews in Buckhead and West Midtown often turn to chiropractors for relief from their back pain, neck pain, or joint issues.

At Prieto, DelCampo, Lopez, & Marigliano LLC, our Atlanta chiropractor malpractice lawyers represent individuals who were seriously injured during chiropractic treatment due to preventable mistakes. If your chiropractor failed to meet the accepted standard of care and caused you harm, you may have the right to pursue compensation under Georgia law. Contact us today for a free consultation and to learn your next steps.

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What Is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic care is a licensed healthcare profession focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, especially those involving the spine, joints, and nervous system. Chiropractors commonly treat issues such as lower back pain, neck pain, headaches, joint stiffness, and mobility limitations.

Many chiropractors in Atlanta advertise services aimed at people seeking:

• Pain relief
• Improving range of motion
• Supporting recovery after accidents or injuries
• Managing musculoskeletal discomfort related to work or physical activity

Chiropractic treatment often includes spinal manipulation or adjustments along with stretching, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitative exercises. While chiropractic care can be appropriate and beneficial for certain patients, it’s not risk-free.

Chiropractors are required to evaluate patients thoroughly, recognize contraindications and preexisting conditions, and refer patients to medical doctors when chiropractic treatment is unsafe or ineffective. However, that doesn’t always happen, and sometimes, chiropractor put their patients in danger and even seriously injure them.

How Can Chiropractic Adjustments Be Dangerous?

Chiropractic adjustments become dangerous when they’re performed improperly or on patients who should not receive certain treatments. The risks of adjustments increase when chiropractors fail to follow established safety standards.

Chiropractic adjustments may be dangerous when a chiropractor:

• Uses excessive force during spinal manipulation
• Performs high-velocity neck adjustments without proper screening
• Fails to review medical history or imaging
• Ignores symptoms such as severe pain, numbness, or dizziness
• Continues treatment despite worsening symptoms
• Performs adjustments beyond their scope of practice

Certain areas of the spine, especially the cervical (neck) region, require particular caution by chiropractors. Improper manipulation of the neck can have catastrophic consequences for patients and result in lifelong pain and complications.

What Are Common Chiropractic-Related Injuries?

When chiropractic malpractice occurs, injuries can range from painful to life-threatening. Some of the most common chiropractic-related injuries include:

• Herniated or ruptured discs
• Spinal cord injuries
• Nerve damage or compression
• Worsened back or neck injuries
• Vertebral artery dissection
• Stroke following neck manipulation
• Fractured vertebrae or ribs
• Soft tissue tears
• Chronic pain syndromes

In severe cases, patients experience permanent disability, cognitive impairment, or loss of independence.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Chiropractic Injury?

Liability for chiropractic malpractice depends on the circumstances of the injury. Potentially responsible parties for these injuries may include:

• The chiropractor who performed the adjustment
• A chiropractic clinic or practice group
• Supervising chiropractors or practice owners
• Healthcare facilities that employed or contracted with the chiropractor

If a clinic failed to properly train, supervise, or vet a chiropractor, it may share responsibility for the harm caused.

Can I Sue a Chiropractor for Medical Malpractice?

Yes. Although they aren’t medical doctors, chiropractors are considered licensed healthcare providers in Georgia and can be held accountable for medical malpractice when they fail to meet the accepted standard of care.

As with other types of medical malpractice cases, to succeed in a chiropractic malpractice claim, you generally must show:

• The chiropractor owed you a duty of care.
• They breached that duty by acting negligently.
• Their actions directly caused your injury.
• You suffered measurable damages.

Chiropractic malpractice cases often require expert testimony to explain what the chiropractor should have done differently and how the injury occurred. Our lawyers know how to build strong cases against healthcare providers, and negligent chiropractors are no exception.

What Should I Do if I Was Injured During an Adjustment?

If you believe you were injured during a chiropractic adjustment, take the following steps to protect your health and your right to compensation:

• Seek medical attention immediately, especially for severe pain, numbness, weakness, or neurological symptoms.
• Stop chiropractic treatment until you’re evaluated by a medical professional.
• Request copies of your chiropractic records, including treatment notes.
• Document your symptoms and how they affect your daily life.
• Avoid discussing the incident with insurers before speaking with a lawyer.
• Contact an Atlanta chiropractor malpractice attorney to evaluate your case.

Delaying treatment can worsen injuries and make it harder to prove what went wrong during your adjustment, while waiting too long to get legal representation can result in lost evidence and missed deadlines.

Where Should I Get Treatment for My Chiropractic Injury in Atlanta?

If you were seriously injured during chiropractic treatment, Atlanta has several major medical centers equipped to evaluate and treat spinal, neurological, and orthopedic injuries.

These include:

• Emory University Hospital: Emory University Hospital provides advanced neurological and spinal care, including imaging, neurosurgery, and treatment for nerve and spinal cord injuries.
• Grady Memorial Hospital: Grady Memorial Hospital is a Level I trauma center experienced in treating serious spinal injuries, neurological trauma, and complex musculoskeletal conditions.
• Piedmont Atlanta Hospital: Piedmont Atlanta Hospital offers comprehensive orthopedic and spine care, including diagnosis and treatment of disc injuries and nerve damage.
• Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center: Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center provides emergency and follow-up care for patients suffering from acute spinal and neurological injuries.

What Rehabilitation Centers Can Help Me While I Recover?

Recovery from a chiropractic injury often requires structured rehabilitation. Atlanta offers a number of respected rehabilitation providers:

• Emory Rehabilitation Hospital: Emory Rehabilitation Hospital specializes in recovery for spinal cord injuries, neurological trauma, and severe orthopedic conditions.
• Shepherd Center: Shepherd Center is internationally recognized for rehabilitation of spinal cord and neurological injuries, offering intensive inpatient and outpatient programs.
• Piedmont Rehabilitation Services: Piedmont Rehabilitation Services provides physical and occupational therapy focused on restoring function and mobility after serious injuries.

How Can a Lawyer Help With My Case?

Chiropractic malpractice cases are medically and legally complex, and dealing with one on your own can be frustrating and difficult. An experienced lawyer can:

• Review your chiropractic and medical records
• Work with medical experts to establish malpractice
• Identify all liable parties
• Handle insurance and defense attorneys
• Calculate current and long-term damages, including medical bills and lost wages
• Pursue settlement or trial when necessary

At Prieto, DelCampo, Lopez, & Marigliano LLC, we understand how devastating chiropractic injuries can be and fight aggressively for our clients’ rights.

Contact Our Atlanta Chiropractor Malpractice Lawyers

If you were injured due to negligent chiropractic care in Atlanta or the surrounding areas, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Prieto, DelCampo, Lopez, & Marigliano LLC represents individuals harmed by medical negligence and is committed to pursuing accountability and fair compensation.

We offer confidential consultations and work to protect your future. Contact our Atlanta chiropractor malpractice lawyers today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help.

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