Court of Appeals Affirms Jury Verdict of Negligence by Chiropractor in Patient Stroke
In May 2022, Smith Foster King (SFK) obtained a $213,274 jury verdict for an Oregon client who suffered a vertebral artery dissection and multiple strokes following chiropractic neck adjustments in Wilsonville, Oregon. The case was tried over three weeks. At trial, the parties presented competing expert testimony about the cause of the client’s injuries, the risks associated with cervical chiropractic manipulation, and the care provided after she began experiencing neurological symptoms.
According to evidence presented at trial, the client experienced severe head and neck pain and difficulty walking after one of her cervical adjustments. Following a later adjustment, she reported additional symptoms, including dizziness, facial numbness, vision problems, and difficulty getting off the treatment table. She was later taken to an emergency room, where medical providers initiated a stroke response. Imaging showed a vertebral artery dissection and multiple strokes.
The case also addressed whether the client’s symptoms should have prompted a different response. Testimony at trial covered the recognition of potential stroke symptoms and the standard of care applicable to chiropractic treatment.
After approximately a day and a half of deliberations, the jury found the chiropractor negligent. The jury awarded the client $63,274 in economic damages and $150,000 in noneconomic damages, for a total verdict of $213,274. The defendants appealed the judgment. In December 2024, the Oregon Court of Appeals affirmed the judgment, leaving the jury’s verdict in place.
The case involved significant medical and legal issues concerning chiropractic negligence, cervical manipulation, vertebral artery dissection, and stroke. Cases involving serious injuries following medical or chiropractic treatment often depend on detailed medical records and expert testimony regarding both causation and the applicable standard of care.
About Smith Foster King
Smith Foster King is a plaintiff’s law firm representing individuals and businesses in complex civil litigation in state and federal courts. The firm’s collaborative approach draws on decades of courtroom, litigation, and business experience to help clients navigate their most challenging legal disputes.
Smith Foster King handles a broad range of claims, including employment-related matters such as discrimination, retaliation, and workplace disputes, as well as cases involving sexual assault, elder abuse, and business conflicts. Sam, Anne, and Jaimee leverage their extensive courtroom and boardroom experience to deliver effective, personalized representation and help clients navigate complex legal challenges. For more information, visit www.smithfosterking.com or call 503.567.7100.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and depends on its particular facts and circumstances.
