Professional Negligence Law Reporter
Chiropractic Care
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Negligent spinal adjustment
March/April 2023Craig Pearce underwent a spinal adjustment by chiropractor Toi Tanisha Witherspoon. Immediately afterward, he experienced increased pain and was unable to move his leg. This led to his need for a laminectomy at L5-S1.
Pearce sued Witherspoon and Chiropractic Health Center of Bristol, alleging that Witherspoon had failed to properly examine him or perform orthopedic or neurological testing before the adjustment. As a result, the plaintiff asserted, he suffered an exacerbation of a herniated disk at L5-S1 and had an accelerated need for back surgery.
The jury awarded over $854,900, including more than $31,900 in economic damages.
Citation: Pearce v. Witherspoon, No. HHD-CV18-6091371-S (Conn. Jud. Dist. Hartford Mar. 14, 2022).
Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Caitlyn S. Malcynsky, West Hartford, Conn.
Plaintiff expert: David Drier, chiropractic care, New York City.
