(845) 303-1000When a patient enters a rehabilitation program or physical therapy clinic, they expect to receive care that will aid their recovery. Unfortunately, some people only see their condition worsen. Negligence during rehabilitation or physical therapy can lead to significant harm, setbacks in healing, or permanent injury. If you or a loved one has been injured during therapy or rehab, you have options. A Troy rehabilitation and physical therapy malpractice lawyer may be able to protect your rights and help you pursue compensation.
Contact one of our dedicated medical malpractice attorneys today for a free consultation.
What Is Malpractice in Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the acceptable standard of care, causing injury to a patient. In a rehabilitation or physical therapy setting, malpractice could involve failure to properly assess a patient’s condition. For example, a therapist might aggressively modify a program without accounting for underlying health conditions.
Malpractice may also stem from improper techniques, neglect during treatment, or inadequate supervision of trainees. A claim may also arise when a provider fails to properly warn a patient about the risks of treatment. A Troy rehabilitation and PT malpractice lawyer may assess the facts of the case and outline available legal options.
Common Injuries from Physical Therapy Negligence
Many injuries can result from physical therapy malpractice. For instance, a patient may enter therapy for a manageable condition, like a sprained ankle, only to leave with long-term damage caused by a therapist’s negligence. Common injuries seen in malpractice claims include:
- Head trauma
- Nerve damage
- Herniated discs
- Dislocated joints
- Torn ligaments and tendons
Each of these injuries can significantly impair a patient’s recovery timeline. In some cases, they may lead to permanent disability, resulting in long-term medical expenses, lost income, and the need for additional therapy or rehabilitation. A rehabilitation malpractice lawyer in Troy could help investigate whether the harm was preventable and pursue compensation for the resulting physical and financial burdens.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Depending on the facts of the case, one or more parties may be responsible for the harm suffered. These parties could include a treating physical therapist, supervising physician, rehabilitation facility, hospital, or support staff who act negligently under supervision. These are people whom patients are supposed to be able to rely on and trust.
Some cases of rehab and physical therapy malpractice in Troy arise from systemic failures such as poor staffing, inadequate training, or improper equipment maintenance. In these situations, the facility or company may bear responsibility. A lawyer with experience in these complex cases may help level the playing field against companies supported by large insurance carriers and aggressive legal teams.
How a Troy Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Malpractice Lawyer Could Help
Medical malpractice claims, especially those involving physical therapy, require a nuanced understanding of legal and medical issues. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case, gather and preserve medical records, file a claim within New York’s statute of limitations, and calculate damages to include future medical care. Most importantly, a lawyer can advocate on behalf of a patient to hold negligent practitioners accountable.
If you or a loved one has experienced harm due to negligence, do not hesitate to explore your legal options. A knowledgeable Troy rehabilitation and physical therapy malpractice lawyer could help you understand your rights and pursue justice for an injury you should never have suffered. Contact us today to set up a free consultation to discuss your case.