What Happens When a Chiropractor Accidentally Hurts a Patient?

 Posted on November 07, 2025 in Medical license defense

Even the most skilled and careful chiropractors can face complaints when a patient claims that treatment caused an injury. In Indiana, allegations of professional negligence or misconduct can lead to serious investigations by the Indiana Board of Chiropractic Examiners. A single complaint not handled correctly can threaten your license, your livelihood, and your reputation in the community.

If you are a chiropractor accused of accidentally injuring a patient in Evansville or anywhere in Indiana, you can get help that makes a difference. At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc., our Indiana professional license defense attorney provides free consultations and has experience defending healthcare professionals before licensing boards and administrative agencies.

Common Accusations of Chiropractic Injuries to Patients 

In most cases, complaints against chiropractors are made after a patient experiences pain or unexpected symptoms following an adjustment. While minor soreness is common after treatment, some patients may believe their chiropractor acted carelessly or performed a procedure incorrectly.

Common allegations include:

• Spinal manipulation leading to nerve damage or a herniated disc

• Exacerbation of a pre-existing condition

• Not being given informed consent

• Doing adjustments beyond the chiropractor’s scope of practice

• Inadequate recordkeeping or patient communication

These complaints may be filed directly with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) or the Attorney General’s Office, both of which have authority to investigate claims of chiropractic misconduct.

What Happens After a Patient Files a Complaint Against a Chiropractor?

Once a complaint is submitted, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division reviews it to determine whether it falls within the Board’s jurisdiction. If it does, investigators may contact you to ask for medical records, treatment notes, or a written response.

It is extremely important to take this first stage seriously. Even if the complaint seems silly or unfounded, anything you say or submit can later be used as evidence in disciplinary proceedings. You have the right to meet with an attorney before providing any statement or documentation to the investigating board.

If investigators find enough information to move forward, the Attorney General may file a formal administrative complaint with the Board of Chiropractic Examiners. This begins the disciplinary process, which can include hearings, witness testimony, and expert review of your treatment practices.

Possible Outcomes of a Chiropractic Board Investigation

The Board has broad authority to discipline chiropractors who violate professional standards. The outcome of an investigation ranges from total dismissal of the complaint to formal reprimands and even to suspension or revocation of your chiropractic license.

Even a minor disciplinary action can damage your professional reputation and make it harder to renew or expand your license in the future. In some cases, a complaint can also lead to civil malpractice claims or insurance complications.

Our chiropractic license defense attorneys’ goals are to make sure your case is handled as efficiently and privately as possible. We always hope for dismissal and, when that is not possible, work to minimize the impact of the complaint on your career and personal life.

Call an Evansville, IN Professional License Defense Lawyer Today

A single patient complaint does not have to end your career. With the right representation, many chiropractors are able to resolve investigations and resume their work without lasting damage to their reputation or license.

At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc., our Indiana license defense lawyer represents chiropractors, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals facing disciplinary action. Call 463-219-2612 today to get the guidance you need. We offer free consultations.