A random sampling of typical litigation during the past calendar year reflects an attitude of general cynicism toward plaintiffs seeking compensation for pain and suffering and reimbursement of expenses related to therapeutic treatment. In many instances, judgment amounts would appear less than adequate to cover legal fees necessary to the pursuit. Others fall well short of recovering documented medical costs. The rub, so to speak, lies in the fact that the majority of such cases rely solely on chiropractic evidence rather than more traditional medical forms of treatment. The majority of plaintiffs in soft tissue cases seek out chiropractic help after prescribed pain medications fail to provide relief.
Plaintiffs seek out chiropractors when other forms of physical therapy or medications fail.
In theory, the expense will be recovered once their case is settled or goes to trial. Realistically, the odds are stacked against them on both counts. Their hunch is strongly supported by percentages. And while statistics show that most plaintiffs in such cases receive some compensation for their injuries, judgments often fall short of totally covering their treatments. It is distressing for the plaintiff to seek out treatment only to be disappointed by the verdict, said Judge Shipley, citing current jury verdict trends reflecting such low awards.