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When you suffer an injury, no matter what the cause, healing takes time and consistent effort. You may need help from a physical therapist to regain your normal function. These trained professionals must meet the same standard of care as medical doctors and surgeons, and they can be held legally responsible for providing deficient treatment in a medical malpractice claim.
A knowledgeable Philadelphia rehabilitation and physical therapy malpractice lawyer from Lowenthal & Abrams, PC can review your situation and provide advice on your legal options. You may be able to seek financial compensation for the harm that your therapist caused you.
Ways a Physical Therapist Can Be Negligent
Negligence is a key concept in personal injury cases. It means that everyone has a duty to act as a reasonable person would in similar circumstances, and failing to meet that duty can establish fault for causing an accident that injures others.
Health care professionals, including physical therapists, must follow accepted medical standards of practice when providing treatment. An act or omission that deviates from this standard and causes you harm is medical malpractice, the legal term for negligence by a health care provider.
There are several ways a physical therapist can provide negligent treatment. One of the most common is requiring you to perform exercises that are inappropriate for your condition. Another example is failing to support you if you are unable to stand independently, resulting in a fall and injury.
Rehabilitation often involves specialized equipment to help you perform certain movements. Your therapist should be properly trained and skilled in using these tools safely to avoid harming patients.
If the injury results from defective equipment, the case may involve product liability rather than medical malpractice. These rehab situations can be complex and require consideration of factors beyond the physical therapist’s negligence, so it is vital to speak with an experienced Philadelphia attorney who can review the facts and determine the best course of action.
What Kinds of Injuries Can Happen From Subpar Treatment?
The goal of physical therapy is to help you recover your normal functions through a treatment plan tailored to your needs. However, an incorrect stretch or an unsafe movement can worsen your injury rather than improve it.
When your therapist fails to provide proper supervision and drops you or allows unsafe use of exercise equipment, you can endure new injuries such as broken bones or muscle strains. This would not have happened had your therapist been more diligent.
It is important to note, though, that a lack of progress does not always indicate malpractice. Treatment is largely dependent on your needs and abilities, and your age and condition can affect how quickly you can improve. As with injuries from defective equipment, there are several details to consider when building a case for PT misconduct in Philadelphia, and having skilled legal representation can help you navigate through these challenges as you recuperate.
Come and See a Philadelphia Attorney if You Have Been Hurt in Rehab or PT
Therapy should help you make a full recovery, and when your therapist fails to provide adequate care, you can seek financial compensation. A Philadelphia rehabilitation and physical therapy malpractice lawyer at Lowenthal & Abrams will help you in this pursuit.
These cases are often complicated, and our capable attorneys can provide dedicated guidance and support. Call today for a free case consultation to discuss your situation.
