Professional physical therapy is vital in regaining strength. However, the potential for malpractice exists just like in any healthcare setting. If a physical therapist fails to provide the expected standard of care, the result can often be painful and lead to lasting complications. Lawyers for medical malpractice can represent you in these legal cases.
What is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice happens if a healthcare professional violates their duty of care, which results in harm or injury to a patient. The duty of care in Florida personal injury law refers to the accepted standards of medical care. If you are a victim of medical malpractice, it is essential to consult with a medical malpractice lawyer or a personal injury attorney.
Physical Therapy Malpractice Examples
Physical therapy malpractice is a subset of medical malpractice cases involving physical therapists. Below are some examples of malpractice in healthcare involving physical therapy as well as why contacting a personal injury lawyer is essential:
Leaving Patients Unattended on Equipment
Patients in a physical therapy clinic may be left unattended on equipment, leading to severe injuries. If you are left unattended and injured, consulting a personal injury lawyer near you may be worthwhile.
Improper Use of Biophysical Agents
The improper use of biophysical agents can result in injury. Such cases require expert testimony from a professional physical therapist to demonstrate that the physical therapy was not in line with accepted standards.
Electric Stimulation, Light Therapy, Ultrasounds, etc.
Misusing any of these therapies can lead to burns, nerve damage, or exacerbated pain. A medical malpractice lawyer near you can help you understand your rights.
Using Broken or Damaged Equipment
A physical therapy clinic may be liable if they use broken or damaged equipment, leading to injury. This is a clear-cut negligence case; a personal injury law firm can help victims pursue compensation.
Failure to Follow Physician’s Treatment Plans
If a physical therapist fails to follow a doctor’s treatment plan and the patient is injured, the therapist could be held liable under medical malpractice law. A personal injury lawyer can look at your case to determine your best course of action.
Not Disclosing Potential Risks of Treatment
A significant part of healthcare malpractice involves failure to disclose potential risks of treatment. As any personal injury lawyer in Florida or elsewhere would affirm, patients have a right to understand physical therapy risks and make informed decisions about their treatment.
Injuries Resulting from Physical Therapy Malpractice
Physical therapy malpractice cases can result in various injuries, as medical malpractice attorneys would attest. Examples of malpractice in physical therapy include:
Over-Extended Joints
Over-extension of joints during physical therapy can lead to severe pain, inflammation, and long-term damage.
Over-Stretched Connective Tissue
Stretching connective tissues beyond their limit can result in sprains and tears.
Herniated Discs
Aggressive or inappropriate physical therapy can lead to herniated discs, causing severe pain and disability.
Fractures
Improper handling of patients, particularly those with osteoporosis, can result in fractures.
Burns
Patients can sustain burns from improperly administered hot or cold therapy or misuse of electrical stimulation devices.
Muscle or Ligament Damage
Excessive force during therapy can cause muscle or ligament damage.
Compromised or Lost Motor Skills
Poorly administered physical therapy can compromise a patient’s motor skills or lead to loss of motor function.
Closing Thoughts
Victims of physical therapy malpractice can seek legal action by consulting a personal injury attorney or a medical malpractice attorney. A Florida personal injury lawyer can determine these legal cases’ medical malpractice statute of limitations. You can also contact medical malpractice lawyers if you have questions about personal injury protection in Florida.
If you believe you’ve been a victim of such healthcare malpractice, reaching out to a personal injury attorney in Florida is essential.
