Why ‘Just Seeing a Chiropractor’ Can Hurt Your Personal Injury Case
After a car accident or other personal injury incident in Arizona, you’re probably dealing with pain, stress, and confusion about what steps to take next. Many people immediately think of seeing a chiropractor for their back and neck pain – and while chiropractic care can absolutely be beneficial for recovery, relying only on chiropractic treatment without proper medical documentation and referrals can actually hurt your personal injury case.
This might sound counterintuitive, especially when you’re in pain and just want relief. But understanding why a chiropractor-only approach can be problematic could save you thousands of dollars in your settlement and protect your legal rights.
The Insurance Company Perspective: Why They Love Chiropractor-Only Cases
Let’s start with the uncomfortable truth: insurance companies have trained adjusters and defense attorneys who know exactly how to minimize payouts, and they’ve identified several red flags that make cases easier to challenge. Cases that rely solely on chiropractic treatment are among their favorites to dispute.
Here’s why insurance companies prefer when you only see a chiropractor:
Limited Medical Authority
Chiropractors are not medical doctors, and chiropractic treatment is generally characterized as alternative medicine. While chiropractors receive extensive training and are licensed healthcare professionals, they have a more limited scope of practice compared to medical doctors. Insurance companies will often argue that:
- Chiropractors cannot perform comprehensive medical evaluations
- They cannot order advanced diagnostic tests like MRIs or CT scans without a physician’s referral
- Their diagnoses carry less weight in court compared to medical doctors
- They cannot prescribe medications or perform surgical procedures when necessary
Jury Bias Against Chiropractic Care
There are people who question the legitimacy of chiropractic care as an alternative to more traditional medicine, and it may be difficult to persuade jurors of this ilk that your treatment is necessary and appropriate. This bias, while unfair, is a real factor that can affect the outcome of your case.
When a case goes to trial, you need every juror to believe your injuries are legitimate and your treatment was necessary. Some jurors may view chiropractic care as less credible than traditional medical treatment, which can hurt your case’s value.
Easy Defense Strategy: “Overtreating”
Insurance adjusters may label extensive chiropractic care or repeated physical therapy as excessive or unnecessary. When you only see a chiropractor, insurance companies will often argue that you’re “overtreating” or that your pain isn’t real because you didn’t seek “real” medical attention.
This defense strategy is particularly effective when there’s no medical doctor’s referral or recommendation supporting the chiropractic treatment plan.
The Documentation Problem: Missing Critical Medical Evidence
One of the biggest issues with chiropractor-only treatment is the documentation gap it creates in your case. Personal injury cases live and die on medical documentation, and here’s what you might be missing:
Lack of Comprehensive Initial Medical Evaluation
Medical doctors are trained to conduct thorough initial evaluations that include:
- Complete medical history review
- Comprehensive physical examination
- Neurological testing when appropriate
- Ordering of diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
- Assessment of all body systems, not just musculoskeletal
When you skip this initial medical evaluation and go straight to a chiropractor, you’re missing critical documentation that establishes:
- The full extent of your injuries
- Baseline measurements for your condition
- Medical causation linking your injuries to the accident
- Proper differential diagnosis ruling out other conditions
Inadequate Diagnostic Testing
Failure to order diagnostic imaging prior to a manipulation is actually considered a form of potential chiropractic negligence. While chiropractors can take X-rays, they often cannot order more advanced imaging like MRIs or CT scans without a physician’s referral.
This means you might be missing:
- MRI evidence of soft tissue damage
- CT scan results showing internal injuries
- Advanced imaging that reveals the true extent of your injuries
- Diagnostic tests that provide objective proof of your condition
Missing Medical Causation Opinions
Medical doctors are generally better positioned to provide medical causation opinions—the critical link between your accident and your injuries. If the chiropractic physician has an evaluation by a specialist, such as a neurologist, physiatrist, neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon, who provides a supportive report with some recommendations, it will lend greater credibility to the case.
Without this medical backing, insurance companies will challenge whether your injuries were actually caused by the accident or are pre-existing conditions.
The Credibility Gap: How Insurance Companies Attack Chiropractor-Only Cases
Insurance defense attorneys have specific strategies they use to undermine cases that rely solely on chiropractic treatment:
The “Not Really Injured” Argument
Defense attorneys will argue that if you were truly injured, you would have sought immediate medical attention at a hospital or with a medical doctor. They’ll suggest that going only to a chiropractor indicates your injuries weren’t serious enough to warrant “real” medical care.
The “Subjective vs. Objective” Challenge
Insurance defense lawyers wish to infer that your patient is a liar, or is embellishing the truth. Chiropractic treatment often relies heavily on patient-reported symptoms (subjective evidence) rather than objective medical findings. While this doesn’t make the treatment less valid, it does make it easier for insurance companies to challenge.
Medical doctors typically provide more objective findings through:
- Laboratory tests
- Advanced imaging interpretation
- Neurological testing results
- Standardized medical assessments
The “Financial Motivation” Attack
Las Vegas chiropractors will typically accept payment on an attorney’s lien basis, meaning that they will not be paid anything until the end of your case. While this arrangement is designed to help injured people get treatment they couldn’t otherwise afford, defense attorneys will use it to suggest that chiropractors have a financial incentive to:
- Overtreat patients
- Extend treatment unnecessarily
- Exaggerate injuries to increase case value
Real-World Consequences: How This Hurts Your Settlement
The practical impact of these issues isn’t theoretical—it directly affects your compensation:
Reduced Settlement Offers
Your chances of recovering expenses for chiropractic care in a lawsuit will be greater if you have first pursued more traditional medical treatments without positive results. Insurance companies routinely offer lower settlements when cases lack medical doctor involvement because they know these cases are harder to prove and more vulnerable to challenge.
Difficulty Proving Future Medical Expenses
If your injuries require ongoing treatment, you’ll need medical doctors to provide opinions about your future medical needs. Chiropractors alone typically cannot provide the same level of credibility for long-term prognosis and future care requirements.
Challenges with Permanent Disability Claims
For cases involving permanent injuries or disabilities, you’ll almost certainly need medical specialists to document and testify about your condition. The financial burden of long-term care for conditions such as nerve damage or lumbar disc herniation can be profound. Without proper medical documentation from the beginning, it becomes much harder to prove these serious, long-term consequences.
The Right Way: Building a Strong Medical Foundation
Here’s what you should do instead to protect your personal injury case:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
After any accident, your first stop should be a hospital emergency room (for serious injuries) or your primary care physician. This establishes:
- Immediate medical documentation
- Professional medical assessment of your injuries
- Baseline measurements and objective findings
- Medical causation linking your injuries to the accident
Get Proper Referrals
If your doctor recommends chiropractic care, get that recommendation in writing. If you are interested in chiropractic treatment, bring the subject up with your primary care physician. Your PCP could weigh the merits of integrating chiropractic care into your treatment plan and perhaps write you a prescription or even recommend a chiropractor by name.
Maintain Comprehensive Medical Records
Work with medical doctors to ensure you have:
- Complete diagnostic workups
- Appropriate imaging studies
- Specialist referrals when needed
- Documentation of all treatments and their effectiveness
- Regular medical reassessments of your condition
Use a Team Approach
Chiropractic care could be a valuable component of a multidisciplinary approach to managing the pain and mobility limitations imposed by an accidental injury in collaboration with other healthcare providers, such as physicians and physical therapists.
The strongest personal injury cases involve coordinated care between:
- Primary care physicians
- Specialists (orthopedists, neurologists, physiatrists)
- Chiropractors (when appropriate)
- Physical therapists
- Other healthcare providers as needed
When Chiropractic Care DOES Help Your Case
Don’t misunderstand—chiropractic care can absolutely strengthen your personal injury case when it’s part of a comprehensive treatment plan:
Proper Documentation and Testimony
Detailed chiropractic documentation and persuasive testimony can significantly influence the outcome of a settlement, providing clear evidence of injury and the need for compensation. When chiropractors work as part of a medical team, their records and testimony can be incredibly valuable.
Specialized Knowledge
Chiropractors are often able to recognize and diagnose injuries that other doctors would miss. This allows them to get a more comprehensive view of any damage suffered during an accident, which could lead to fair compensation for your injury.
Expert Witness Testimony
Because of their knowledge of relevant injuries (as well as extensive experience with car accident damage), chiropractors may also be called to act as expert witnesses in court. This testimony can be crucial in explaining your injuries to a jury.
Red Flags That Hurt Your Case
Watch out for these common mistakes that insurance companies will use against you:
Treatment Gaps
Some insurance companies will deny your chiropractic treatment if there are gaps in care or you waited too long to begin treatment. Maintaining consistent treatment is crucial for your case.
Inaccurate Records
If the records associated with your personal injury claim are not good, then they can have the reverse effect, by devaluing your personal injury case. For instance, some chiropractors will make inaccurate records. These records fail to relate your appointment history and some will have inaccurate pain scales.
Lack of Medical Referral
Some policies may require pre-authorization from a doctor before they will cover any form of chiropractic care. This requirement exists for insurance coverage, but it’s also important for legal credibility.
Arizona-Specific Considerations
As an Arizona personal injury law firm, we see these issues regularly in our cases. Arizona law allows for recovery of reasonable and necessary medical expenses, but what’s considered “reasonable and necessary” is often challenged by insurance companies.
Arizona courts generally allow chiropractic expenses as recoverable damages, but the strength of your case significantly impacts the amount you’ll recover. Whether expert witnesses are involved in a case or not, it is ultimately up to the jury to determine how much of the plaintiff’s chiropractic expenses were “reasonably necessary”.
PIP Coverage in Arizona
Arizona requires insurance companies to offer Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which can help pay for immediate medical expenses including chiropractic care. However, your PIP coverage only extends to reasonable expenses for necessary medical treatment.
Working with Personal Injury Attorneys
At Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm, we’ve handled hundreds of cases involving chiropractic care. Here’s what we’ve learned:
Early Attorney Involvement Matters
The earlier you involve an experienced personal injury attorney, the better we can guide your medical treatment to strengthen your case. We can help you:
- Choose the right healthcare providers
- Ensure proper documentation
- Coordinate care between different providers
- Avoid common pitfalls that hurt case value
We Work with Quality Providers
The Injury Firm has decades of experience in helping victims of personal injury cases. With that, we’ve worked with the best. Our clients can rest assured knowing they are being treated by the most knowledgeable and efficient chiropractors Las Vegas has to offer. Similarly, we’ve built relationships with healthcare providers who understand the legal requirements for personal injury cases.
Documentation Review
The plaintiff’s case is certainly strengthened when there is appropriate documentation such as a radiologist’s report, emergency room report, prior medical history, MRI and C-T scan reports, laboratory reports (when indicated) and the specialist’s report. We review all medical documentation to ensure your case is as strong as possible.
Common Misconceptions About Chiropractic Care and Personal Injury Cases
Let’s address some myths we hear frequently:
Myth: “Chiropractic care always hurts your case”
Reality: Proper chiropractic care as part of a comprehensive treatment plan can strengthen your case significantly.
Myth: “Insurance companies never pay for chiropractic treatment”
Reality: Expenses for chiropractic treatment are recoverable in a personal injury lawsuit as long as you can prove that they are reasonably necessary and appropriate for your particular injury.
Myth: “You have to choose between medical doctors and chiropractors”
Reality: The strongest cases often involve coordinated care between multiple healthcare providers.
Myth: “Expensive treatment means a bigger settlement”
Reality: Insurance companies challenge excessive or unnecessary treatment. Your treatment must be medically justified and properly documented.
The Role of Proper Medical Documentation
The key to a successful personal injury case isn’t avoiding chiropractic care—it’s ensuring comprehensive medical documentation from day one. Here’s what makes the difference:
Immediate Medical Evaluation
Get checked by a medical doctor immediately after your accident, even if you feel fine. Many injuries don’t show symptoms immediately, and delayed treatment gives insurance companies ammunition to challenge your claim.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Testing
Make sure you get appropriate diagnostic testing based on your symptoms and the mechanism of your injury. This might include:
- X-rays for bone injuries
- MRI for soft tissue damage
- CT scans for head injuries
- EMG/NCV testing for nerve damage
Specialist Referrals When Appropriate
Don’t hesitate to see specialists when your primary care doctor recommends it. This might include:
- Orthopedic surgeons for bone and joint injuries
- Neurologists for head injuries or nerve damage
- Pain management specialists for chronic pain
- Physiatrists for rehabilitation planning
Coordinated Care Plans
Ensure all your healthcare providers communicate and coordinate your care. This creates a cohesive treatment record that supports your case.
Financial Considerations: Treatment Costs vs. Case Value
Many people worry about the cost of medical treatment after an accident. While we understand these concerns, the long-term financial impact of inadequate documentation far outweighs the initial cost of proper medical care.
Medical Liens and Payment Options
Many healthcare providers, including medical doctors, will work on a lien basis for personal injury cases. This means:
- You can get treatment without paying upfront
- The provider gets paid from your settlement
- You don’t have to choose between treatment and financial stability
Insurance Coverage Issues
Understanding these details is essential to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses when it comes to insurance coverage for chiropractic care. We help our clients understand:
- What their PIP coverage includes
- How to maximize available insurance benefits
- When additional coverage options apply
Warning Signs: When to Be Concerned About Your Treatment
Watch for these red flags that could hurt your case:
Provider Issues
- Chiropractors who discourage you from seeing medical doctors
- Providers who seem more interested in your legal case than your health
- Healthcare providers who make exaggerated claims about your injuries
- Clinics that seem to be “personal injury mills” rather than legitimate medical facilities
Documentation Problems
- Inconsistent records between providers
- Missing treatment dates or gaps in care
- Records that don’t accurately reflect your symptoms or treatment
- Lack of objective findings to support your complaints
Treatment Issues
- Treatment that continues far beyond what seems reasonable
- Providers who won’t discuss your prognosis or end goals
- Treatment plans that don’t seem to help your symptoms
- Pressure to continue treatment you don’t feel you need
Taking Action: What You Should Do Right Now
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Arizona, here’s your action plan:
Immediate Steps (First 24-48 Hours)
- Seek medical attention – Go to the ER if seriously injured, or see your primary care doctor as soon as possible
- Document everything – Take photos, get police reports, gather witness information
- Contact a personal injury attorney – Early legal guidance can prevent costly mistakes
- Don’t give recorded statements to insurance companies without legal representation
Short-term Steps (First Week)
- Follow up with medical care – Keep all appointments and follow medical advice
- Get proper referrals – If your doctor recommends specialists or chiropractic care, get those referrals in writing
- Start a treatment diary – Document your symptoms, pain levels, and how injuries affect your daily life
- Preserve evidence – Keep all medical records, bills, and accident-related documents
Long-term Strategy
- Maintain consistent treatment – Don’t skip appointments or delay recommended care
- Communication is key – Keep your attorney informed about your treatment and progress
- Focus on recovery – Your health should be the primary concern, not just your legal case
- Be patient – Personal injury cases take time, but proper documentation from the beginning pays off
Why Experience Matters in Personal Injury Cases
At Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm, we’ve seen countless cases where proper medical documentation made the difference between a small settlement and full compensation. Our experience includes:
- Over 15 years representing personal injury clients in Arizona
- Successfully securing over $31 million in settlements for our clients
- Working with hundreds of healthcare providers throughout the Phoenix area
- Understanding exactly what documentation insurance companies challenge and how to counter their tactics
The Bottom Line: Don’t Go It Alone
The key message isn’t that you should avoid chiropractic care—it’s that you should approach your personal injury case strategically from day one. If you’ve been injured in an accident that was someone else’s fault, recovering just compensation will most likely involve dealing with the insurance companies. Unfortunately, this is never an easy process, and many insurance companies make it far more difficult than it should be.
The insurance companies have teams of adjusters, investigators, and attorneys working to minimize your claim. You need experienced advocates on your side who understand their tactics and know how to build cases that withstand their challenges.
Whether you choose chiropractic care, traditional medical treatment, or a combination of both, the key is ensuring your treatment is:
- Medically appropriate and necessary
- Properly documented and coordinated
- Supported by objective medical findings
- Part of a comprehensive treatment plan
Get the Legal Help You Need
If you’ve been injured in an accident in the Phoenix area, don’t let poor medical documentation hurt your case. At Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm, we provide the guidance you need to protect your rights while focusing on your recovery.
Our team understands the complexities of personal injury cases involving chiropractic care, and we work with healthcare providers who know how to document cases properly. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay attorney fees unless we win your case.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the insurance companies and healthcare system so you can focus on getting better while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
Remember: The decisions you make in the first few days and weeks after your accident can significantly impact your case’s value. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of documentation gaps or treatment choices that weren’t properly planned. With the right legal and medical team on your side, you can protect both your health and your financial recovery.
Contact Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm today at 480-725-4799 for your free consultation. Because when you’re injured, you need more than just treatment—you need a strategy.
