Understanding Physical Therapy Malpractice Lawsuits

There is a need for understanding malpractice lawsuits when it comes to physical therapy in nursing home patients and among the elderly, as the number of incidences of patient injury or death increases. The aim of physical therapy is to improve a person’s well being. However, injuries may occur during physical therapy sessions due to the physical therapists’ unfamiliarity with the patient, inadequate supervision, or broken equipment.

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A cause of action for medical malpractice may be brought for the resulting death or injury when such incidents happen. You can sue your physical therapist for negligence regarding the care you received or failed to receive. It is their responsibility to evaluate fully the patient’s signs and symptoms in order to come up with the right diagnosis and treatment plan. The court of law can hold them responsible or liable for any error, omission or negligence committed that may result in harm.

Physical therapy malpractice lawsuits can be successful if the following elements are proven: the patient was owed a duty from the physical therapist, the physical therapist breached the standard care, the breach caused harm, and there was actual harm or damages to the patient. If you or a family member is under the care of a physical therapist, make sure that you understand the medical necessity of physical therapy and its associated risks. Moreover, ensure that you only go to a licensed physical therapist, and know that you can be compensated for injuries arising from physical therapist malpractice.