Chiropractors offer much-needed relief from the pain, stiffness, and joint immobility that prevent thousands of New Jersey residents from enjoying daily life. Unfortunately, far too many patients leave the clinic with new and painful conditions caused by the treatment they thought would help them. When a chiropractor’s negligent treatment hurts you, seeking medical help and qualified legal support is essential. A qualified malpractice attorney can help you exercise your rights and seek compensation for your injuries.
This blog post will explain the legal support available for New Jersey residents who’ve suffered preventable harm at the hands of a chiropractor. We’ll discuss how to find a skilled legal representative, common cases a chiropractor malpractice lawyer handles, and the steps involved in pursuing a medical malpractice claim.
How to Find a Chiropractor Malpractice Attorney
Capable and trustworthy legal support is crucial for medical malpractice victims to protect their rights and get justice for their injuries. However, finding a qualified attorney can seem overwhelming after a painful injury. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when conducting your search for a legal representative.
Look for Qualified Recommendations
When asking trusted family and friends for recommendations, don’t settle for generic legal referrals. Look specifically for law firms that handle patient medical malpractice claims. These attorneys will have the background, experience, and strategic knowledge to best address your needs.
The New Jersey State Bar Association is another reliable resource for finding legal support. The bar association in your county can help you search for qualified malpractice attorneys and law firms who have valuable local insights that can help strengthen a claim.
Know What Makes a Good Attorney
Identifying the best legal representative for you involves considering various factors, including education, background, and litigation experience in malpractice lawsuits. Here are some other important features to prioritize in your search:
- Case results. Look for a track record of successful outcomes in medical malpractice cases. Past case results aren’t a guarantee of success, but they can shed light on an attorney’s skills in the courtroom.
- Expert support. Medical malpractice claims are complicated and highly technical, so a skilled attorney should have connections to a network of credible medical experts. An expert witness who can testify to the proper standard of chiropractic care is essential to prove a chiropractor’s negligence.
- Communication skills. Your attorney should ensure you’re informed and on board at each step in the legal process. This means communicating frequently and clearly, so look for someone who listens to you closely and takes the time to answer your questions in clear, non-jargon language you understand.
Overall, a good attorney is one that you can trust. If you don’t feel comfortable with a lawyer, they’re not the right advocate for your interests.
Schedule Consultations
Many law firms offer free consultations for victims of suspected medical malpractice. If possible, arrange to meet with all the malpractice attorneys you’re considering. The in-person consultation is a great time to ask questions about the specifics of your case, the process, and their experience. It’s also essential to get a sense of an attorney’s communication style and demeanor.
What Kinds of Cases Do Chiropractor Malpractice Attorneys Handle?
Any time a chiropractor deviates from the professional standards of care and treatment in their field, they risk legal penalties for medical malpractice.
Here are some examples of the types of negligence our chiropractor malpractice lawyers have seen:
- Not consulting a patient’s medical history,
- Neglecting diagnostic imaging or other pre-procedure tests,
- Ignoring symptoms,
- Performing unnecessary or improper spinal adjustments,
- Refusing to refer a patient to medical doctors,
- Using excessive force, and
- Failing to inform a patient about the risks and side effects of treatment.
Although chiropractic treatments may not seem invasive, performing these procedures carelessly or improperly can lead to severe, even debilitating, consequences.
What Happens When I Hire a Chiropractor Malpractice Lawyer
Generally, your lawyer will begin by investigating the circumstances behind your injury. They will collect information about your medical history, your communications with the chiropractor, and the treatment they received. In the process, they’ll gather documentary and medical evidence for the case, including identifying and interviewing witnesses who can support your claim, like a medical expert.
Your attorney will contact the chiropractor or clinic responsible for your injury, inform them about your intended claim, and request compensation for the cost of your harm. In some cases, chiropractic malpractice cases can be settled out of court. If you can’t agree on a settlement, the case will go to court. Your lawyer will prepare to present arguments and evidence to illustrate that the chiropractor’s negligent, substandard care directly caused your injury.
Whether in settlement discussions or a trial, your attorney will negotiate for you to recover the maximum compensation available. Your damages can include reimbursement for financial losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Malpractice compensation can also address intangible losses, such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment in life.
Seasoned Chiropractor Malpractice Lawyers to Fight for You
At O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating the damage of chiropractic malpractice can be for victims. If you’re suffering because of a chiropractor’s negligence, our attorneys are prepared to help. Our advocates have years of experience working with medical experts and evidence to help hold providers accountable for preventable substandard care. We’re proud to have helped clients recover millions of dollars in just compensation for their suffering, and we’re ready to fight you.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.