Chiropractic adjustments relieve pain and restore mobility. But what if the treatment goes wrong? Many New Yorkers will ask: Can you sue a chiropractor for injuries or aggravating an existing condition? The answer is yes — under certain circumstances, if a chiropractor’s act or omission fell below the accepted professional standard of care, causing harm. At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe – Long Island Personal Injury Lawyers, our Long Island medical malpractice lawyers assist victims of negligent chiropractic treatment in understanding their rights and the pursuit of justice in New York.
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What is Chiropractor Malpractice?
Under New York Education Law Article 132, the practice of chiropractic is defined as the detection and correction—by manual or mechanical means—of structural imbalances, distortions, or subluxations in the human body that interfere with the nervous system. Their license allows limited use of X-rays to identify these spinal imbalances, but it does not permit the use of radiotherapy, fluoroscopy, or any form of ionizing radiation beyond that purpose.
Given these defined boundaries, chiropractor malpractice occurs when a practitioner steps outside this legal scope or fails to uphold the professional standard of care expected within it. Examples include performing manipulations that cause spinal or nerve injuries, failing to recognize symptoms requiring medical referral, or using diagnostic or therapeutic methods not authorized by law.
Can You Sue a Chiropractor in New York?
Can you sue a chiropractor? Yes, you can file a malpractice lawsuit against a chiropractor in New York if you suffered injury due to negligent treatment. These cases are legally complex because chiropractors are considered health professionals under New York law, but not medical doctors. As a result, your claim may fall under professional negligence rather than medical malpractice, depending on the nature of the conduct.
According to the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR § 214[6]), patients have three years from the negligent act or omission to file a claim. This differs from the two-year and six-month limit under CPLR § 214-a, which applies to medical, dental, and podiatric malpractice. However, certain exceptions may apply, which could extend or shorten this period, making legal guidance essential.
Injuries Caused by Chiropractor Negligence
While most chiropractic treatments are safe when performed correctly, improper adjustments or misdiagnosed conditions can lead to serious complications. Some of the most common injuries associated with chiropractor negligence include:
- Herniated or ruptured discs
- Nerve compression or damage
- Stroke resulting from neck manipulation
- Worsened spinal misalignment
- Muscle tears or ligament injuries
- Chronic pain or reduced mobility
In some cases, chiropractors fail to recognize symptoms of more serious conditions — such as fractures, infections, or vascular issues — that require urgent medical attention. This failure to refer a patient to an appropriate physician can have catastrophic results.
How To Prove a Chiropractor’s Negligence Case
To succeed in a malpractice claim, you must establish that:
- The chiropractor owed you a duty of professional care.
- The chiropractor breached that duty through an act or omission.
- The breach directly caused your injury.
- You suffered measurable damages as a result.
Proving these elements typically requires expert testimony from another licensed chiropractor or medical professional who can explain how the treatment deviated from accepted standards. Medical records, imaging studies, and patient histories are critical in demonstrating the connection between the chiropractor’s actions and the injury.
Damages You Can Seek in a Chiropractic Malpractice Lawsuit
Victims of chiropractic negligence may be entitled to recover several categories of damages under New York law, including:
- Medical expenses: Costs of emergency care, hospitalization, or corrective procedures.
- Lost income: Wages or future earning potential lost due to disability or prolonged recovery.
- Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort, mental distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Rehabilitation costs: Physical therapy or long-term medical treatments related to the injury.
In particularly severe cases, where a chiropractor’s conduct was reckless or clearly outside their professional boundaries, additional punitive damages may be available. Every case is unique, so we evaluate all potential forms of recovery based on the specific facts and impact on your life.
Contact a Long Island Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
When chiropractic care causes harm instead of healing, you have the right to take action. At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe – Long Island Personal Injury Lawyers, we stand with injured patients across Long Island and New York City who deserve accountability and fair compensation. Our team understands how to handle complex malpractice claims and will fight to secure the outcome you need to move forward.
Reach out for a free consultation today at 516-358-6900. Let’s discuss your situation, evaluate your options, and help you hold negligent practitioners responsible.
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