Do I need a lawyer for a chiropractor injury claim?

Whether or not you need a lawyer for a chiropractor injury depends on the circumstances. As a general matter, however, you will want to have a lawyer to help you sue for chiropractic malpractice. 

Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim

Like any other claim against a doctor, if you are suing your chiropractor for hurting you when he was supposed to be providing you with care, you will be bringing a medical malpractice claim. This is a civil tort that you bring in a court of law. There are specific requirements associated with getting the lawsuit started, such as filing the right paperwork with the right court and making a solid legal argument in that initial paperwork. There are also time limits within which you must file your claim and specific requirements as far as the notice your chiropractor has to get that you are suing him. If you don't know these specific rules, called the rules of civil procedure, you might not even be able to get your lawsuit started. 

Once the lawsuit is started, you'll need a lawyer to help you prove your case. You will need to prove your chiropractor was negligent and that the negligence led to injuries. This may mean getting expert witnesses to testify that the chiropractors care fell below the level a reasonable chiropractor would have provided. A lawyer can help you to assemble the right evidence to convince the judge or jury to find in your favor. 

Even if you are considering settling out of court, you should strongly consider hiring a lawyer to review the settlement for you and to help make sure the offer is fair and that you get the compensation you deserve.