PI and the Subluxation-Defending Yourself and Chiropractic in Court

Have you wanted to increase the amount of PI patients in your office, educate new attorneys or felt very uneasy about going to court to defend a patient? Being prepared, having the proper documentation and latest technology are essential in the courtroom today.

Most chiropractors are afraid of testifying in court. This may be due to a lack of preparation, knowledge of the current research and uneasiness in the court surroundings.

Several years ago, I was involved in two landmark PI cases. This was the first time that I had ever been to court. The attorney was quite skeptical about my ability, not up on the current whiplash research and the new Thermal/EMG technology. The first patient was involved in a truck and tractor accident. The ER room decided that she was "fine" with no fractures or dislocations. She received the appropriate exam, x-rays, testing and treatment at my office. Her response was slow, but documented with the Insight 7000 to show the structural, muscular and neurological changes that were occurring through the course of her care. Her claims were reviewed by a D.C. to do an independent medical examination. "Beyond the first two weeks of care are not medically necessary," he stated. This "two week limit" that is so common in "IME"s that follow the Mercy Guidelines. Along with this, the family doctor and Orthopedic opinions also sided with the Insurance Company. The Jury reached a landmark decision in both cases awarding the patients $142,000 and $165,000 in damages after the trial. Two things made this victory possible. 

First, I was able to tell the chiropractic story through my Spinal Care Class to the jury with the passion and intensity which I live with every day. Secondly, I used the Subluxation Station to provide the objective evidence to document injuries and validate the subluxation, as well as the improvement brought about through chiropractic care. This was an incredible learning curve and three year educational process in the Personal Injury world. I was able to document my testimony, preparation and recent research through The Personal Injury Manual-Defending Yourself and Chiropractic in Court. This manual has the ability to educate the chiropractor on the key ingredients in the preparation process for going to court and provide evidence through referenced documentation and technology. This manual will also prepare the attorney for the current research on whiplash injuries, recent technology and chiropractic care. Attracting and promoting yourself is also a difficult process. I have found that by educating the attorney on chiropractic care, whiplash research, and the latest technology will greatly enhance his/her decision to refer and promote you. So how do you also attract PI patients to your office? Through my success in ADD and Ear Infection seminars, we have created a lecture and Marketing Ads specifically targeted for PI called "Don't Settle Your Claim Until You Hear This." This step-by-step class informs, educates and invites this specific patient into your office. The rest is up to you. 

If you are treating large or small amounts of PI and have not been to court or would like to attract new PI patients to the practice, this manual will give you the necessary information, marketing and research to do what you do best, the subluxation. 
Joseph A. Sheppard, D.C., President of Innate Enterprises, Inc. Graduated from Palmer College in 1992, and is in private practice in Amelia, Ohio. You may contact him by calling (800) 231-6763 or by e-mail at [email protected]. For complete details visit our website www.innateenterprises.com.