Physical TherapyPhysical Therapy Malpractice

Chiropractic and physical therapy malpractice causes avoidable injuries. Physical therapists and chiropractors play an important role in our healthcare system. Customer satisfaction among chiropractic and physical therapy patients generally exceeds ratings of other healthcare providers. This explains why patients are comfortable placing their trust in their physical therapists and chiropractors. The injuries that brought patients to seek chiropractic care or physical therapy often render them vulnerable to additional and new injuries if proper procedures are not followed.

Chiropractic and physical therapy malpractice causes avoidable injuries. Physical therapists and chiropractors play an important role in our healthcare system. Customer satisfaction among chiropractic and physical therapy patients generally exceeds ratings of other healthcare providers. This explains why patients are comfortable placing their trust in their physical therapists and chiropractors. The injuries that brought patients to seek chiropractic care or physical therapy often render them vulnerable to additional and new injuries if proper procedures are not followed.

Malpractice claims have successfully been pursued against physical therapists and chiropractors for herniated discs during procedures. Chiropractic manipulations that are performed improperly have been shown to cause strokes. Patients should be instructed and monitored during certain exercises to make sure they are properly and safely performing the exercises.

A physical therapy malpractice lawyer will want to know the following information:

• Was the physical therapy or chiropractic care ordered by a medical doctor that conducted a medical evaluation and made specific care recommendations?
• Was the patient a fall risk either due to the injuries, surgeries or other medical conditions?
• Did the physical therapist or chiropractor take a medical history?
• Were risk factors for susceptibility to injury or new injuries during care documented and properly considered before treatment was rendered?
• Was a physical examination performed prior to the commencement of physical therapy or chiropractic care?
• Was a neurological exam performed? This is relevant particularly in cases where a fall occurred during therapy or a stroke is alleged to have occurred at or near the time of a chiropractic manipulation.
• Was medication history obtained? Certain medications can increase the risk of falls and bleeding.

The care that is taken prior to the commencement of physical therapy or chiropractic care is crucial to identifying and accounting for risk factors.

If you suffered a physical therapy injury please call 301-888-4878 to speak with George Patterson, a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney and a Board Certified Civil Pretrial Attorney for a free consultation.

Chiropractic treatment and physical therapy requires the health care providers to follow recognized standards of care. Physical therapy malpractice occurs when a violation of these rule leads to a physical therapy injury. Many violations can result in serious injuries. If a patient is assessed as being a fall risk, physical therapy should be performed in a fashion that prevents falls. Electrical stimulation requires proper preparation of the patient’s skin, use of clean equipment and proper monitoring to prevent burns. Chiropractic manipulations must be performed properly to prevent injuries to the spine and strokes.

If you suffered a serious physical therapy injury please contact George Patterson an eleven time Top 100 Maryland Super Lawyer to schedule a consultation to discuss your physical therapy malpractice case. Patterson Law has offices in Annapolis and Bowie, Maryland. Call 301-888-4878 to schedule a free consultation.