Malpractice Insurance for Chiropractors

Malpractice lawsuits against chiropractors can result in high settlements. An example is a recent Florida case where a jury awarded $14,031,841 to a man who suffered spinal nerve damage and aggravation of a pre-existing lower back condition after chiropractic manipulation under anesthesia, followed by a discectomy and additional manipulation. He claimed the chiropractor performed unnecessary procedures.

Another $1.6 million verdict was awarded to a young woman in Illinois who sustained severe injuries due to chiropractic negligence. The chiropractor repeatedly applied excessive force during manipulations, leading to chest and rib inflammation, long thoracic nerve damage, scapular winging, and costochondritis. Despite recommendations for conservative treatment, the chiropractor continued with aggressive manipulations, exacerbating the injuries.

Chiropractors Liability Insurance can include:

Option to include general liability insurance
Coverage limits of up to $2 million per individual claim
Complete authority to approve settlement decisions
Protection for telemedicine and telehealth services
Legal defense coverage for professional license issues
Legal defense expenses covered in addition to liability limits
Defense coverage for allegations of sexual misconduct
Protection for HIPAA-related privacy violation claims
Portable coverage available 24/7, applicable in volunteer work, telehealth roles, per diem, or moonlighting assignments

Why do chiropractors need insurance?

Chiropractors face unique challenges that require professional liability insurance. This is because a reliance on physical manipulations, exposes them to certain risks and potential lawsuits. Patients can sue chiropractors for malpractice in these key areas.

Treatment-Related Injuries: The most common basis for malpractice claims against chiropractors is injuries resulting from spinal adjustments. Injuries can range from herniated disks to more serious issues like vertebral artery dissection, which could cause a stroke.
Misdiagnosis or Failure to Diagnose. Liability insurance is essential to protect chiropractors against legal action for misdiagnosing a condition or failing to diagnose a serious underlying medical issue. This can lead to a delay in necessary medical treatment, worsening the patient’s condition.
A lack of Informed Consent. Chiropractors must give patients clear and detailed information about the risks of treatments, especially for procedures with high risk. If patients are not properly informed about a medical procedure, the chiropractor may risk malpractice claims.
Failure to Refer. Chiropractors should refer patients to other healthcare providers if their condition is too complex. Patients should also be referred for further testing or treatment. Failure to do so can lead to complications in the patient’s condition and potential legal action.
Improper Technique: Utilizing incorrect or unsafe techniques during chiropractic manipulations can directly cause patient injury. Claims are filed when patients believe that their injury was directly caused by a chiropractor’s improper technique..
Failure to Follow Standard Care Protocols. If chiropractors don’t care for patients properly, they can face legal problems. This is especially true if the patient suffers harm.It’s important to follow the correct procedures when treating patients in chiropractic practice. Failure to do so can lead to legal consequences
Breach of Professional Ethics. Examples of ethical issues in healthcare can include breaches of confidentiality, inappropriate relationships with patients, or unethical business practices. These issues can harm patients and result in malpractice lawsuits.

Malpractice or liability insurance provides financial protection against claims of negligence or malpractice, covering legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments. For chiropractors, this insurance is crucial for mitigating the financial risks associated with their practice.

how much does malpractice insurance for chiropractors cost?

This cost of malpractice insurance for chiropractors can vary widely. This depends on factors such as location, experience level, services offered, and coverage limits.

Typically, premiums for chiropractic malpractice insurance can range from $1,000 to $3,000 annually for a standard policy. However, these costs can increase if the chiropractor performs more invasive procedures or if there’s a history of claims.

The cost of a chiropractor’s liability insurance also can vary, depending on other factors. These include your location, the deductible amounts you choose, and any additional coverage you add to your policy. For example, a chiropractor who incorporates other complementary therapies into their practice may face higher insurance costs due to a perceived increase in risk.

Chiropractors in urban areas with higher rates of litigation may experience higher insurance premiums than those in rural areas. Understanding these cost factors helps chiropractors effectively manage their business risks while maintaining professional compliance and safeguarding their practice. Contact us today for a quote.