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Who is responsible for the surgical error that left me injured? Can I sue my doctor’s employer as well as my doctor for medical malpractice? What can I do if a loved one died due to a medical error? You have many questions following a medical error that left you ill or disabled, but you may not feel ready to talk to anyone about your situation just yet. Browse through our section of medical malpractice Frequently Asked Questions to learn more before picking up the phone to call.

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  • When are knee replacement complications considered medical malpractice?

    Every surgical procedure involves some inherent risk, but complications from a knee replacement can be considered medical malpractice. If you're the victim of knee replacement malpractice, you're entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Knee replacement malpractice

    About Knee Replacement Surgery

    Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure that involves replacing some or all of the components of the knee joint with a synthetic implant. The procedure is intended to fix damage to weight-bearing surfaces of the knee, thus reducing pain and allowing for greater range of motion. In most cases, the damage to the knee joint is caused by osteoarthritis.

    The American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons reports that about 300,000 Americans undergo knee replacement surgery each year. This number has almost doubled over the last decade, due to an aging population. The prosthetic joints used in knee replacements will eventually wear out, but most people experience pain relief and an improved quality of life for 15 years or more.

    Potential Complications From a Knee Replacement

    Some of the complications that patients may experience after a knee replacement include:

    • Infection
    • Stroke
    • Heart attack
    • Nerve damage
    • Blood vessel injury
    • Loss of range of motion
    • Movement impairment
    • Chronic stiffness
    • Chronic pain
    • Urinary tract infection
    • Pulmonary embolism

    Complications can result in the need for additional surgery, added time in the hospital, an inability to return to work as planned, and difficulty performing the tasks of everyday living such as cleaning your home and caring for your children.

    Meeting the Standard of Malpractice

    You’re not entitled to compensation simply because your knee replacement surgery was less successful than you had hoped. To have a valid malpractice claim, you must be able to prove that your orthopedic surgeon was negligent and that this negligence caused your surgical complications.

    Negligence means that the surgeon acted in a way that violates the accepted standard of care for your condition. For example, a surgeon who failed to monitor for signs of post-op infection would be acting in way that goes against what a competent professional would do in the same circumstances.

    After you've established negligence, you must show that this negligence caused your complications. If the complications were caused by another unavoidable factor or by your own failure to follow post-op care instructions, this does not meet the standard for malpractice.

    Typically, meeting the standard for malpractice relies heavily on the testimony of medical experts. These are professionals with expertise who can clarify the standard of care and cause of your complications.

    Statute of Limitations

    Some knee replacement complications are immediately apparent, while others are not noticed until the patient fails to heal and return to his daily routine within the expected timeframe.

    Louisiana law requires you to file a malpractice claim within one year of the action that forms the basis of the case. However, if your complications develop later and the malpractice is thus not immediately known, the statute of limitations is extended to one year of the date on which damages are actually or could reasonably have been discovered but no more than three years after the date of your surgery.

    Protecting Your Right to Compensation

    Medical malpractice cases are extremely complex, and hospitals have extensive legal teams available to protect their interests. If you suspect you have been the victim of medical malpractice related to knee replacement complications, it's essential that you retain an attorney who can help document your damages, prove liability, and negotiate for the highest possible settlement.

    Malpractice attorneys accept cases on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no upfront cost for representation. Your attorney will ask for a percentage of the final settlement as the fee for service.

    The award-winning legal team at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault is committed to protecting the rights of Louisiana residents who've been harmed by a healthcare provider's negligence. Contact us online or call our office directly at 318.541.8188 to schedule a free, no-obligation initial case review.


  • What signs indicate I might be a victim of medical malpractice?

    When you seek medical treatment, you never imagine that your healthcare provider might end up causing you serious harm. However, medical malpractice is much more common than you might expect. In fact, medical errors are said to be the third leading cause of death in the United States. Signs of medical malpractice

    9 Signs That Suggest You're a Victim of Medical Malpractice

    Some cases of medical malpractice are immediately obvious such as having surgery performed on the wrong body part. However, most malpractice cases involve errors that are harder to prove. If you have concerns about the care you've received, the following signs indicate you may have a valid malpractice claim:

    1. The doctor fails to order common diagnostic tests. Every medical condition has a list of specific symptoms and diagnostic tests that should be used to make a correct diagnosis. For example, if a patient has a change in bowel habits, blood in stools, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss, and colon cancer is suspected, a doctor should order a colonoscopy. A doctor who doesn't follow this standard of care may be guilty of malpractice.
    2. Your diagnosis is based solely on the results of one test. Generally speaking, a condition shouldn't be diagnosed based solely on the results of a single test. Results can be incorrectly interpreted or samples can be contaminated. Your doctor should confirm the results with other means before making an assessment.
    3. Your diagnosis is significantly delayed. It's unreasonable to expect your doctor to immediately know what's wrong with you, but alarm bells should go off if it takes several months to find a correct diagnosis. If this delay limits your treatment options, you may have a valid medical malpractice case.
    4. Your condition doesn't improve with treatment. Modern medicine can't work miracles, but a condition that doesn't improve despite ongoing medical care may suggest that your doctor has incorrectly diagnosed you or that appropriate treatment protocols aren't being followed. Both of these errors could constitute a malpractice claim.
    5. You're experiencing many complications. All medical treatment comes with some element of risk, but complications that are unexpected or more serious than anticipated warrant further investigation.
    6. Your healthcare provider doesn't explain treatment or answer your questions. Even though you didn't go to medical school, the doctor should explain your treatment options and answer questions related to your care before any procedures are performed. This is called obtaining informed consent.
    7. Your healthcare provider doesn't follow up. If you don't hear from a physician's office after a diagnosis, procedure, or treatment, this can constitute a form of malpractice. Doctors have a duty to follow up with patients as part of their medical care.
    8. You've received conflicting opinions. Whenever you have doubts about your medical care, it's a good idea to get a second opinion. If the second doctor's opinion is dramatically different, this is a good indication of potential malpractice.
    9. You were told there was a mistake in your care. Most doctors are extremely reluctant to admit liability, but some may inform patients of errors that can't easily be hidden and offer immediate compensation. If this happens, you should consult with an attorney to see if the offer is in line with the harm you have suffered.

    Types of Available Compensation

    A medical malpractice claim should include compensation for the following types of damages:

    • Medical expenses necessary to address the effects of the error such as added surgery or prescription drug costs
    • Future medical expenses, if you've been left permanently disabled due to the error
    • Lost wages from any time you were unable to work due to the error
    • Loss of future earning potential, if you now have a disability that will prevent you from working
    • Pain and suffering

    Seeking Legal Assistance

    Malpractice law can be quite complex, and insurance companies will often offer settlements that are far less than what's appropriate for the harm you've suffered. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can advocate for your interests and help you receive the compensation you deserve.

    Neblett, Beard & Arsenault's legal team is committed to protecting Louisiana residents who've been harmed by medical malpractice. Contact us online or call us directly at 318.588.6303 to schedule your free consultation.


  • When I sign a consent form prior to surgery, do I waive my rights to pursue a malpractice lawsuit?

    Every operation carries an element of risk, even when the procedure is considered routine. Because of this, doctors require patients to sign a consent form before surgery.

    The consent form limits your legal right to sue for surgical complications causing injury, but it does not necessarily prevent you from having a valid medical malpractice claim.  Signing consent forms and medical malpractice

    Understanding Informed Consent

    Informed consent refers to the understanding that patients have the right to make educated decisions about the medical care they receive. While they can rely on the doctor's training and expertise, they still have the freedom to decide what care is best suited for their needs.

    All surgeries carry the risk of complications such as infection. These complications can occur even when the surgeon does everything correctly. It is up to you to decide if the benefits of the surgery outweigh the potential risks.

    Before you have surgery, you'll be asked to sign a consent form. Signing a consent form indicates:

    • You know what procedure you are having the surgeon perform.
    • You were told of the possible risks associated with the surgery.
    • Your doctor discussed any available alternative treatments or procedures.
    • You had a chance to ask questions before the surgery.

    When the patient is a child, the parent gives consent. Informed consent is not required for emergency procedures, regardless of the patient's age.

    When You May Have a Malpractice Claim

    Signing a consent form does not give your surgeon total freedom from litigation. You may still have a medical malpractice claim if the surgeon failed to meet the medical standard of care for your condition.

    Some examples of errors that could constitute a valid medical malpractice case include:

    • You were the victim of a wrong site, wrong procedure, or wrong patient surgery.
    • You suffered complications from a retained surgical sponge or surgical instrument.
    • The surgeon punctured a nerve or organ.
    • An improper incision nicked or cut an artery.
    • The surgery was performed incorrectly due to the surgeon's lack of training or experience.

    You may also be able to proceed with a malpractice case if the consent form was not worded properly. As a legal document, the form must contain specific information and phrasing to be considered valid.

    Elements Necessary to Prove a Medical Malpractice Claim

    You must be able to establish four key elements to win any medical malpractice case, including one that involves surgical errors:

    • The existence of a doctor-patient relationship
    • A deviation from the standard of care that constitutes negligence
    • Injuries resulting from the negligent care
    • Specific financial damages resulting from the injuries

    Malpractice claims rely heavily on the testimony of expert witnesses who are professionals with education and experience in a specific area related to your case. These include surgeons who can talk about the accepted standard of care for your condition, as well as experts who can quantify your future financial needs as they relate to the injuries you've suffered.

    Available Compensation

    The majority of medical malpractice claims are eventually settled out of court, with compensation based on negotiations between the malpractice insurer and your attorney.

    Your settlement will include compensation for:

    • Medical expenses related to treating any injuries caused by surgical errors
    • Anticipated future medical needs, if you've been left permanently disabled
    • Lost wages, if you had to miss work due to extra time in the hospital or a lengthy recovery process
    • Loss of future earning potential, if applicable
    • Pain and suffering, which includes both physical pain and emotional trauma

    Malpractice cases are often accepted on a contingency fee basis, which means your attorney agrees to accept a percentage of the final settlement as a fee for his legal services instead of requiring upfront payment. You'll need to consider the contingency fee when deciding if a settlement is adequate for your needs.

    How Neblett, Beard & Arsenault Can Help

    Neblett, Beard & Arsenault has extensive experience assisting Louisiana residents in obtaining malpractice compensation related to surgical errors. Our attorneys can advocate for your interests throughout the settlement process, leaving you free to focus on recovering from your injuries. To learn more, please contact us online or call us directly at 318.588.6303 for a free consultation.


  • Do I have a malpractice claim if I was exposed to harmful radiation from an X-ray or a CT scan?

    X-rays and CT scans are generally considered safe and effective, but serious harm can result if the risks of radiation exposure are not minimized. If you've suffered injuries due to radiation exposure, you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering in either a medical malpractice or product liability case. Radiation exposure malpractice

    Injuries Caused by Radiation Exposure

    X-rays and CT scans allow doctors to get a better view of your bones or internal organs before diagnosing an illness or injury. However, the radiation used to perform these tests does carry a degree of risk.

    Potential injuries linked to radiation exposure include:

    • Organ and tissue damage
    • Cancer
    • Miscarriage
    • Fetal abnormalities

    The dangers of radiation exposure are increased when several tests are performed in a relatively short time period. CT scans carry a higher risk than X-rays because they use higher doses of radiation.

    Responsibility for Radiology Equipment

    In a hospital or imaging center, the person in charge of ensuring that the radiology equipment is used correctly and that patients receive the right dosage of radiation is called a medical physicist. Medical physicists are certified by The American Board of Radiology in one of three subspecialties: diagnostic medical physics, nuclear medical physics, or therapeutic medical physics.

    Frequency of Radiation Overexposure

    There is no federal agency that tracks radiation exposure related to X-rays and CT scans performed on the general public. However, the federal government funds a testing service known as the Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core (IROC) that must inspect any radiation center seeking federal funding for clinical trials. In 2008, IROC found almost 30% of hospitals undergoing inspection were not able to properly irradiate a test dummy. This statistic alone suggests a legitimate cause for concern.

    Proving a Malpractice Case

    Some examples of conduct that might be considered malpractice include:

    • The doctor neglected to minimize the risk of radiation exposure by using ultrasound or other non-radiation diagnostic tests before ordering the X-ray or CT scan.
    • The radiation dose wasn't properly calibrated for your body size.
    • You weren't provided with a protective lead apron to shield the parts of the body the doctor didn't need to see.
    • Your doctor recommended tests with unnecessarily high risk and minimal benefit such as a whole-body CT scan.
    • Your doctor was sending patients to an imaging center he had a financial affiliation with—which could be a conflict of interest.
    • You were pregnant at the time, and your doctor didn't inform you of the risks to the fetus associated with radiation exposure.

    Malpractice claims involving radiation exposure can be difficult to prove. Tissue or organ damage and cancer related to medical radiation don’t appear until several years after exposure. Miscarriage or fetal abnormalities will be apparent much sooner, but these effects can also have a number of other causes.

    Finding relevant expert witnesses to testify is essential in proving a causal link between your injuries and the radiation exposure. This testimony can also help establish negligence, which means that your doctor failed to follow the accepted standard of care for your condition.

    Product Liability Claims

    If your injuries are due to equipment failure or improper calibration, this non-medical cause wouldn't be considered malpractice. However, you may be able to seek compensation from the manufacturer or servicer of the equipment as part of a product liability claim.

    Product liability law requires companies to be held legally responsible for the harm people suffer due to faulty manufacturing or design errors in a product. Failing to warn of the dangers associated with a product can also be considered evidence of negligence in a product liability claim.

    Contact Neblett, Beard & Arsenault to Evaluate Your Options

    If you've suffered harm that you believe was caused by exposure to excessive medical radiation, Neblett, Beard & Arsenault can help. Our attorneys have extensive experience assisting Louisiana residents in settling both medical malpractice and product liability claims. Cases are accepted on a contingency fee basis, so there is no upfront cost for obtaining quality legal representation. To learn more, please contact us online or call us directly at 318.588.6303 for a free consultation.


  • When am I entitled to damages from gastric bypass malpractice?

    Gastric bypass is a type of bariatric surgery used to help obese patients reach a healthy body weight. Roux-en-Y laparoscopic gastric bypass, the most commonly performed type of gastric bypass in the United States, is considered one of the most difficult procedures to perform laparoscopically. If you've experienced complications following gastric bypass, you may be eligible to file a medical malpractice claim. Gastric bypass surgery malpractice

    About Gastric Bypass

    Gastric bypass involves dividing the stomach into a small upper pouch and a larger lower "remnant" pouch before connecting both pouches to the small intestine. The surgery promotes weight loss by reducing the functional volume of the stomach.

    When gastric bypass is effective, patients typically lose 70 to 80% of their excess body weight within the first year. However, it is common for patients to regain 10 to 20% of this weight in the first five years after surgery. Results will vary based on specific diet and exercise habits.

    By promoting long-term weight loss, gastric bypass can help improve obesity-related medical problems such as type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and lower back pain.

    Risks Associated With Gastric Bypass

    All surgical procedures involve some degree of risk. The most common risks associated with gastric bypass include:

    • Infection. Abdominal infections can result from incisions on the abdomen or inside of it. This can happen due to faulty technique, contaminated medical devices, and other errors. 
    • Anastomotic ulcer. The operation requires the doctor to create a connection between the stomach and bowel called the anastomosis. Ulcers can occur in this connection due to factors such as restricted blood supply or bacteria.
    • Anastomotic leakage. If the anastomosis isn't sealed, it can release fluid from the gastrointestinal tract into the abdomen.
    • Anastomotic stricture. When the anastomosis creates too much scar tissue, this can make it difficult for certain foods or liquids to pass through the body.
    • Nutritional deficiencies. Gastric bypass surgery often impedes the body's ability to absorb calcium, iron, and other necessary nutrients.

    Fatalities can result if complications aren't promptly identified and treated.

    Poor Results Aren't Necessarily Malpractice

    The most important thing to remember about gastric bypass surgery is that a poor result doesn't necessarily mean your doctor is guilty of malpractice. Patients often hope for a dramatic and rapid weight loss, but weight loss takes time even if all goes well during the surgery.

    Medical malpractice involves the following four specific elements:

    • Duty. The doctor was providing care to the patient in a professional capacity.
    • Breach of duty. The doctor's actions constitute a deviation from the standard of care for the patient's condition.
    • Damages. The patient suffered specific harm.
    • Causation. The patient's damages were caused by the doctor's actions and can't be attributed to other factors.

    Specific examples of actions that might constitute malpractice during gastric bypass surgery include:

    • The doctor recommended you as a candidate for surgery despite knowing your history of heart disease, lung disease, or other chronic health problems that would increase your risk of complications. 
    • The doctor failed to obtain your informed consent for the procedure.
    • The doctor performed the surgery incorrectly, resulting in digestive fluids and food leaking into your abdomen.
    • The doctor failed to monitor you for infection and other complications after the surgery.
    • You complained of pain, fever, or other symptoms of complications, and the doctor didn't perform the necessary tests to diagnose the cause of your condition in a timely manner.

    Complications caused by your own failure to follow your doctor's orders and the post-surgical dietary requirements are not considered malpractice.

    Available Compensation

    A malpractice claim is a type of civil action awarding you compensation for the specific damages you've suffered. For gastric bypass malpractice, this can include:

    • Medical expenses related to treating complications such as the cost of additional surgery and hospital stays
    • Lost wages from the time you were unable to work because of your condition
    • Pain and suffering, including physical discomfort and the emotional impact of gastric bypass complications

    To learn more, contact us online or call us today at 318.588.6303 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with the medical malpractice attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault.


  • When can C-section complications be the basis of a malpractice claim?

    Over a third of babies born in the United States are delivered via cesarean section. Although the majority of these births happen without incident, complications that cause harm to the mother and/or her baby may be the basis of a medical malpractice claim. C-section malpractice claims

    Possible C-Section Complications for the Mother

    C-sections are considered a form of major abdominal surgery. Even a C-section that goes smoothly requires the mother to spend three to four days in the hospital and four to six weeks recovering at home.

    Some complications that can occur during a C-section include:

    • Anesthesia errors. When too little anesthesia is administered, the mother can suffer extreme pain and emotional trauma. When too much anesthesia is administered, she can experience dangerously low blood pressure.
    • Infections. Improperly sterilized tools, poor sanitation in the operating room, or objects left inside the patient can result in infections that require antibiotics and an extended hospital stay.
    • Injury to other organs. A doctor who is rushing or inattentive could accidentally damage the bladder or other nearby organs when performing the procedure.
    • Blood clots. The risk of blood clots is higher with a C-section than a vaginal delivery, especially if the doctor doesn't use blood thinning medication and get the mother up walking around as soon as possible.
    • Blood loss. If the doctor cuts into the uterus accidentally, hemorrhaging can occur.
    • Unplanned hysterectomy. If a doctor severs an artery, an unplanned hysterectomy may be done to save the mother's life. This can end her chance of having additional children.
    • Wrongful death. If the mother isn't monitored and complications aren't addressed immediately, death can occur as a result of the surgery.

    Possible C-Section Complications for the Baby

    Mothers aren't the only ones who can be harmed by C-section complications. Issues that can affect the baby include:

    • Lacerations, abrasions, and scarring. Lacerations or abrasions can occur if the doctor cuts too deeply. Scarring can result if the cuts require stitches.
    • Developmental disabilities. If a C-section is delayed, the baby may be deprived of oxygen. Oxygen deprivation can cause cerebral palsy or other developmental disabilities. These conditions can result in the need for lifelong medical care.
    • Premature birth complications. If the doctor is incorrect about the gestational age or the risks associated with allowing a pregnancy to continue, the baby can have undeveloped organs due to premature birth.
    • Wrongful death. In rare cases, C-section complications can result in a stillborn baby or baby who dies shortly after birth.

    Defining Medical Malpractice

    Experiencing complications from a C-section doesn't necessarily mean that a doctor is guilty of malpractice. Complications can sometimes occur regardless of the doctor's skill. However, a doctor who deviates from the accepted standard of care for your condition can be found guilty of medical malpractice. Performing the surgery unnecessarily, cutting too deeply, improperly sterilizing tools, leaving surgical objects inside the body, or failing to monitor vital signs are just a few of the specific errors that could form the basis of your claim.

    A malpractice claim for C-section complications can include the following types of compensation:

    • Medical expenses related to treating complications for both mother and baby
    • Anticipated future medical expenses, if the baby has been left permanently disabled or the mother will need additional surgeries to correct the doctor's error
    • Lost wages if the mother was forced to miss additional work due to C-section complications
    • Loss of future earning potential, if the baby has suffered a permanently disabling injury
    • Pain and suffering, including both physical and emotional trauma
    • Funeral and burial expenses, if the mother and/or baby died from the procedure

    Seeking Legal Representation

    An experienced malpractice attorney can advocate for both mother and baby in a C-section malpractice case. Your attorney can gather evidence, locate experts to testify on your behalf, and negotiate with the hospital's insurance company for the highest possible compensation.

    Call today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Neblett, Beard & Arsenault's dedicated legal team.


  • Can I sue for malpractice if I was denied medical treatment?

    Doctors have a professional duty to provide care to ill or injured patients, but they are not obligated to provide treatment in every circumstance. Whether or not a refusal to treat can form the basis of a valid malpractice claim depends on several different factors. Malpractice when you're denied treatment

    Emergency Room Denial of Care

    In the United States, people who visit emergency rooms must be provided with the care necessary to stabilize an emergency medical condition regardless of their health insurance status or ability to pay. This is outlined in the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA).

    The definition of an emergency medical condition is quite broad but includes conditions that if left untreated would:

    • Place the person's health in jeopardy or risk harm to the unborn child of a pregnant woman
    • Cause serious impairment to the person's bodily functions
    • Cause serious dysfunction of a bodily organ or part

    The emergency room is allowed to deny care if the doctor has examined you and determined that your condition is not a medical emergency.

    Patient Abandonment

    The term patient abandonment is used to refer to the improper termination of a doctor-patient relationship. To qualify as patient abandonment, the following statements must be true:

    • A doctor-patient relationship has been established through previous medical treatment.
    • The doctor refused to provide care when the patient was still in need of medical attention.
    • The refusal to provide care was so abrupt, the patient did not have time to find an alternative healthcare provider.
    • Being without medical care caused the patient to suffer an injury or worsening of a medical condition.

    Doctors are allowed to terminate a patient relationship for a number of reasons, including:

    • The doctor has insufficient skills or training to treat the patient's condition.
    • There are insufficient supplies or resources to provide the necessary treatment.
    • There are ethical or legal conflicts in treatment.
    • The patient refuses to comply with treatment recommendations.
    • The patient engaged in improper behavior, such as making inappropriate sexual advances, verbally abusing the doctor, or being physically aggressive.
    • The patient violates the doctor's policies regarding cancelled appointments.

    If a doctor wants to terminate the relationship for one of these reasons, he must provide written notice and an explanation of why care will no longer be provided after a specific date. A recommendation to a new physician and prompt transfer of medical records are also required.

    Under certain circumstances, the following actions can also be considered patient abandonment:

    • The facility fails to provide care due to inadequate staffing.
    • The medical staff neglects to contact a patient who has missed a vital follow-up appointment.
    • The support staff fails to communicate an urgent question from the patient to the doctor.
    • An appointment is scheduled so far in the future that a patient suffers preventable harm due to a worsening of a preexisting condition.

    Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim

    If you believe you have been improperly denied medical treatment, Louisiana law requires to you file a medical malpractice claim within one year of the offense.

    Medical malpractice settlements include compensation for:

    • Medical expenses related to treating the condition caused by the malpractice
    • Anticipated future medical needs, if you've been left permanently disabled as the result of the malpractice
    • Lost wages for any time you were unable to work due to a malpractice-related injury
    • Loss of future earning potential due to a malpractice-related disability
    • Pain and suffering, including both physical discomfort and emotional trauma

    How Neblett, Beard & Arsenault Can Help

    Although it's true that the vast majority of malpractice claims are eventually settled out of court, it would be a mistake to attempt to resolve a malpractice claim without legal representation. The malpractice insurer's goal is to continue to generate a profit, which often means offering a settlement that's below the level of compensation you deserve.

    The experienced legal team at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault can advocate for your interests throughout the process of resolving your claim. Contact us online or call us directly at 318.588.6303 today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.


  • Can chiropractors be liable for medical malpractice?

    Chiropractic care can help reduce pain and improve quality of life when done correctly. However, mistakes in chiropractic care can result in injuries that may form the basis of a medical malpractice claim. Chiropractic malpractice

    About Chiropractic Malpractice

    A chiropractor treats misalignments of the joints through targeted manipulation. Chiropractic care is considered a type of alternative medicine and is often sought as an alternative to drugs or surgery. A chiropractor must have an undergraduate degree in an approved area before completing a four-year doctorate degree in chiropractic care. A license is also required for the state in which the chiropractor wants to practice.

    Some of the ailments commonly helped by chiropractic care include back pain, whiplash, osteoarthritis, athletic injuries, and fibromyalgia. However, improperly performed adjustments on a patient can result in a range of painful symptoms that affect one's ability to perform the activities of daily living. For example:

    • Vertigo
    • Frequent headaches
    • Worsening of chronic pain
    • Facial paralysis
    • Bladder paralysis
    • Bowel paralysis
    • Pinched arteries
    • Nerve damage
    • Spinal stenosis
    • Disc herniation
    • Muscle weakness
    • Stroke

    Cervical neck manipulation or cracking the neck is thought to be the riskiest procedure for a chiropractor to perform. However, adverse effects can be experienced with any type of adjustment.

    A poor outcome does not necessarily mean malpractice has occurred. To meet the legal standard, the chiropractor needs to have provided negligent care. Examples of mistakes that could form the basis of a chiropractic malpractice claim include:

    • Ignoring risk factors that indicate a particular treatment is not safe for a patient, such as performing spinal manipulation on someone with osteoarthritis or a patient taking blood thinning medication
    • Performing procedures not authorized by one's professional license
    • Failing to obtain informed consent for treatment
    • Neglecting to refer a patient for specialized medical treatment when symptoms indicate a condition not helped by chiropractic care

    Proving Malpractice

    To have a valid malpractice claim, you must be able to establish four key elements:

    • The existence of a doctor-patient relationship
    • A deviation from the standard of care that constitutes negligence
    • Injuries resulting from the negligent care
    • Specific damages that resulted from the injuries

    One common difficulty in proving chiropractic malpractice is that you must be able to establish your symptoms are caused by the chiropractor's actions. In many cases, poor chiropractic care worsens a preexisting condition or causes symptoms that overlap with many ailments that could be attributed to other factors. You will likely need to rely on expert testimony to pinpoint the cause of your injury.

    Another challenge in proving a chiropractic malpractice claim is that a chiropractor's work is judged based on the standard of what a reasonably competent chiropractor would do in the same circumstances. A chiropractor does not have the specialized training of a primary care physician, so he can't be expected to diagnose medical conditions that are outside the realm of what a chiropractor normally sees. This is why it's recommended that you seek a diagnosis from a primary care physician before beginning chiropractic care to treat a specific ailment.

    Available Compensation

    A medical malpractice claim for chiropractic care can include:

    • Medical expenses related to treating the symptoms or injury caused by your chiropractor
    • Anticipated future medical needs, if you've been left permanently disabled
    • Lost wages, if your chiropractic injury kept you from working
    • Loss of future earning potential, if your injury will prevent you from working in the future
    • Pain and suffering

    Chiropractors, like other medical professionals, generally carry malpractice insurance to provide benefits to patients who have suffered harm due to negligent care.

    The Value of Experienced Legal Representation

    Malpractice law is very complex, and insurance companies are typically in no hurry to admit liability for your injuries. To protect yourself, it's vital that you seek skilled legal representation. An attorney can assess the true value of your case, line up evidence to support your claim, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

    Neblett, Beard & Arsenault has extensive experience assisting Louisiana residents in obtaining the malpractice compensation they deserve. Contact us online or call us directly at 318.588.6303 today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.




    About Stroke


    A stroke can be caused by:

    • A blocked artery (ischemic stroke)


    Stroke Symptoms


    • Clumsiness, lack of coordination, and/or trouble walking
    • Difficulty writing and reading
    • Difficulty speaking or understanding others
    • Loss of control over bladder or bowels
    • Personality or mood changes

    Diagnosing a Stroke


    • CT or MRI of the brain


    • Normal age-related cognitive difficulties 
    • Migraine headache
    • Diabetic hypoglycemia
    • Food poisoning
    • Epilepsy
    • Depression
    • Encephalitis

    Proving Medical Malpractice




    Protecting Your Right to Compensation




  • When is misdiagnosis a form of medical malpractice?


    How Misdiagnosis Occurs



    Common examples of conditions that are misdiagnosed include:

    • Asthma misdiagnosed as recurrent bronchitis
    • Benign tumor misdiagnosed as cancerous
    • Celiac disease misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome
    • Heart attack misdiagnosed as a panic attack or severe indigestion
    • Staph infection misdiagnosed as the flu
    • Stroke misdiagnosed as a migraine
    • Thyroid condition misdiagnosed as depression


    Establishing A Malpractice Claim



    1. List the patient's symptoms.
    2. Conduct various diagnostic tests.


    • Increased risk of complications
    • Decreased your risk of survival

    Protecting Your Right To Compensation


    • Any applicable loss of future earning potential
    • Pain and suffering
