Chiropractic treatment is intended to relieve pain and improve mobility, but improper chiropractic care can cause serious and sometimes catastrophic injuries. Patients trust chiropractors to perform spinal adjustments and other treatments safely and within the scope of their training. When a chiropractor’s negligence results in injury, Georgia law may allow the injured patient or their family to pursue compensation through a chiropractic malpractice claim.
If you or a loved one was harmed by chiropractic malpractice in Georgia, The C. Paul Law Firm P.C. can help evaluate whether negligence occurred and what legal options may be available.
What Is Chiropractic Malpractice Under Georgia Law?
Chiropractic malpractice occurs when a chiropractor fails to meet the accepted standard of chiropractic care, and that failure causes injury to a patient. Chiropractors must properly evaluate patients, recognize contraindications, and avoid treatments that pose unreasonable risks.
Chiropractic malpractice is treated as medical malpractice under Georgia law and is subject to procedural and expert-evidence requirements.
Common Types of Chiropractic Malpractice
Chiropractic malpractice claims in Georgia frequently involve:
- Improper spinal manipulation
- Failure to diagnose serious underlying conditions
- Performing adjustments contraindicated by patient history
- Excessive force during manipulation
- Failure to refer patients to medical doctors
- Improper treatment of neck or cervical spine
- Failure to obtain informed consent
- Treatment beyond the chiropractor’s scope of practice
Many chiropractic injuries are preventable with proper assessment and care.
Chiropractic Errors by Category
Common Chiropractic Negligence Scenarios
| Type of Error | Potential Consequences |
| Cervical Manipulation Errors | Stroke, spinal injury |
| Missed Diagnosis | Worsening of serious conditions |
| Excessive Force | Disc herniation, nerve damage |
| Contraindicated Treatment | Permanent injury |
| Failure to Refer | Delayed life-saving care |
Neck and spine injuries can have life-altering consequences.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Chiropractic Malpractice
Chiropractic negligence may result in:
- Spinal cord injury
- Herniated or ruptured discs
- Stroke due to arterial injury
- Nerve damage or paralysis
- Chronic pain
- Loss of mobility
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death in severe cases
Georgia courts recognize the serious harm that can result from chiropractic negligence.
Where Chiropractic Malpractice Commonly Occurs
Chiropractic malpractice claims may arise from care provided at:
- Chiropractic offices
- Multidisciplinary clinics
- Rehabilitation centers
Liability may extend to chiropractors, clinics, or supervising medical providers.
What Must Be Proven in a Georgia Chiropractic Malpractice Case
To pursue a chiropractic malpractice claim in Georgia, an injured patient generally must establish:
- A chiropractor-patient relationship existed
- The chiropractor breached the standard of care
- The breach involved chiropractic treatment or omission
- The breach caused injury
- The patient suffered damages
Expert chiropractic or medical testimony is typically required.
Georgia’s Expert Affidavit Requirement
Georgia law requires most chiropractic malpractice lawsuits to be filed with an expert affidavit identifying at least one negligent act or omission and explaining how it violated the applicable standard of care.
Failure to comply can result in dismissal, making early legal evaluation essential.
Damages Available in Chiropractic Malpractice Claims
Depending on the severity of harm, recoverable damages may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death damages (when applicable)
Chiropractic malpractice cases often involve significant long-term impact.
Statute of Limitations for Chiropractic Malpractice Claims in Georgia
Most chiropractic malpractice claims in Georgia must be filed within two years from the date of injury or death. Georgia’s statute of repose may also limit claims regardless of discovery.
Missing these deadlines can permanently bar recovery.
What to Do If You Suspect Chiropractic Malpractice
To protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek immediate medical evaluation
- Obtain complete chiropractic and medical records
- Preserve imaging studies and treatment notes
- Document symptoms and progression of injury
- Avoid discussions with insurers or providers without legal guidance
- Seek a professional legal evaluation promptly
Early action helps preserve evidence and expert testimony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are chiropractic injuries always malpractice?
No. A claim requires proof that negligence caused the harm.
Can chiropractors cause strokes?
Improper cervical manipulation has been linked to arterial injury and stroke.
Can clinics be liable for chiropractic malpractice?
Yes, depending on supervision and employment relationships.
Why Choose The C. Paul Law Firm P.C.
- Experience evaluating complex Georgia medical malpractice claims
- Knowledge of chiropractic standards and scope-of-practice issues
- Strategic analysis of causation and damages
- Clear, professional communication
- Commitment to ethical, client-focused representation
We approach chiropractic malpractice cases with diligence, precision, and accountability.
Speak With a Chiropractic Malpractice Lawyer in Georgia
If you or a loved one was harmed by chiropractic malpractice in Georgia, The C. Paul Law Firm P.C. is ready to help you understand your legal options.
The C. Paul Law Firm P.C.
1870 The Exchange, Suite 200, #1387
Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: (212) 551-PAUL
Website: www.cpaullawfirm.com
Reach out today to speak with a member of our team and take the next step toward accountability and recovery.