Creating A Rock Solid Defense

Chiropractic Treatment, Strokes, And Wrongful Death: The Connection You Should Know

Losing a loved one suddenly to a stroke is a startling and emotional event, but what you may not realize amidst your grief is that you may actually have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. While most people automatically assume a stroke to be a natural occurrence, depending on your loved one's life habits and medical history, it may not have been. For example, if he or she sees a chiropractor, there's a possibility that there could be a connection.

How Can Chiropractic Care Be Connected To A Stroke?

Strokes are caused by an interruption in blood flow to your brain. Most commonly caused by a blocked artery, few people would connect this with a chiropractic treatment. However, if a chiropractor is addressing a particularly troublesome misalignment, the adjustment can be deep. It can inadvertently lead to a disruption in circulation. If the adjustment isn't done correctly, it can tear an artery and lead to a stroke, potentially a fatal one.

What Should You Do If Your Loved One Dies Of A Stroke?

If you have a loved one who has suffered a stroke and you know that they are regular patients of a chiropractor, you may want to ask about the possibility that a recent appointment may have contributed to the stroke.

An autopsy can help to confirm the cause of the stroke, and if you mention the potential that the injury was caused by the chiropractic treatment, the medical examiner will look for any signs that the adjustment could possibly have caused it.

If you have any reason to question the cause of the stroke, reach out to a wrongful death attorney from a law office like Putnam Lieb Potvin. Let them know what your concerns are and ask them about the potential for gathering information to pursue a case. Your attorney will tell you what you need to support the case, but it will start with the report from the medical examiner.

What Can You Expect From The Case?

The very first step in the process will be proving that the stroke was caused by the chiropractor's adjustment. The medical examiner will examine the injury that led to the stroke and will determine if the chiropractor's work could have caused it. The final report will be key to your case because you'll need that for evidence as part of your case.

Once you get the report, your attorney will request copies of medical records that apply to the situation, including records from the chiropractor. Those records will be used as evidence in the case as well.

What Can You Expect From The Attorney?

As with any other personal injury or wrongful death case, the attorney will meet with you and discuss the case first. Then, he or she will determine if the case is strong enough to take on. If so, you shouldn't have to pay a retainer fee. In most cases, personal injury and wrongful death cases are taken on a contingent basis. Your attorney will not seek payment from you until you get a settlement in the case.

Ask up front what the percentage will be. It can vary from one attorney to another, so it's important to confirm. You should also find out what kinds of expenses you'll be expected to pay for throughout the process. If there's any special lab testing or anything like that, you may need to pay for it. Review the contract closely to be sure that you understand all of the expectations.

Although you likely wouldn't connect a stroke to a wrongful death case, understanding how it can happen is important. That way, if it happens to one of your loved ones, you will know how to address it from the start.


Share