Physical therapy is supposed to help patients recover from injuries, surgeries, and chronic conditions—not cause more harm. But when physical therapists fail to follow proper procedures, use incorrect techniques, or push patients beyond safe limits, serious injuries can occur. If you were injured during physical therapy in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, our West Palm Beach medical malpractice lawyers help injury victims hold negligent physical therapists and trainers accountable. Here’s what you need to know about your rights after a physical therapy injury and how to pursue legal action.
Common causes of physical therapy injuries
While physical therapy is designed to improve mobility and strength, negligence or improper treatment can result in serious injuries. Common causes include:
- Overexertion and improper technique – Pushing patients too hard or using incorrect guidance can cause muscle tears, fractures, or joint damage.
- Faulty or poorly maintained equipment – Defective exercise machines or resistance bands can lead to falls, sprains, or broken bones.
- Lack of supervision or failure to address pain – Patients should never be left unattended, and therapists must respond to pain, dizziness, or discomfort to prevent further harm.
- Misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment – If a therapist fails to assess a patient’s condition properly, they may recommend exercises that worsen injuries rather than promote healing.
- Inadequate therapist training or certification – Therapists must be properly licensed, and under Florida Statutes § 486.125, they can face disciplinary action for negligence or failure to meet professional standards.
If a physical therapist’s carelessness or lack of proper training led to your injury, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
When does a physical therapy injury qualify as malpractice?
Not every injury sustained during physical therapy qualifies as medical malpractice. However, a therapist or facility may be liable for negligence if the following elements apply.
1. They violated the standard of care
Physical therapists are required to follow established safety protocols and industry standards. They may be liable if a therapist fails to act as a reasonably competent professional.
2. Their actions directly caused your injury
To have a valid claim, you must show that your injury was directly caused by the therapist’s negligence—not a pre-existing condition.
3. They failed to obtain informed consent
Patients must be fully informed of the risks and potential complications of treatment. If a therapist did not explain potential dangers, and you suffered an unexpected injury, they may be responsible.
4. There was improper supervision
If you were injured because you were left unsupervised during an exercise, the therapist or facility may be held accountable.
If any of these factors contributed to your injury, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
What to do if you’re injured during physical therapy
If you believe your injury was caused by negligence or malpractice, taking the right steps can strengthen your case:
1. Seek immediate medical attention
- Document your injury with a doctor’s evaluation.
- A medical report will help establish a clear connection between your injury and the physical therapy treatment.
2. Request your medical and therapy records
- Obtain your full treatment records from the physical therapy clinic.
- These records can show what exercises were performed, therapist notes, and whether proper precautions were taken.
3. Take photos and document everything
- Photograph visible injuries, bruises, or swelling.
- Write down details of the incident, including the specific exercise or action that caused harm.
4. Report the injury to the clinic or facility
- Notify the physical therapy clinic or hospital of the injury.
- If necessary, file a complaint with the Florida Board of Physical Therapy under Florida Statutes § 456.073.
5. Speak with a personal injury attorney
- An experienced lawyer can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and determine whether you have a claim for malpractice.
- You may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Who can be held liable for a physical therapy injury?
Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may be responsible for your injury, including:
- The physical therapist – If they used unsafe techniques, failed to monitor your condition, or violated professional standards.
- The clinic, hospital, or rehabilitation center – If they hired unqualified therapists, failed to maintain equipment, or did not enforce safety protocols.
- The equipment manufacturer – If a malfunctioning therapy device contributed to your injury, you may have a product liability claim.
What compensation can you recover?
If your injury was caused by physical therapy malpractice, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses – Emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
- Lost wages – If you were unable to work due to the injury.
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for chronic pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Permanent disability – If the injury caused long-term impairment.
Florida law places limitations on medical malpractice damages, so consulting an experienced attorney is crucial to maximize your recovery.
How Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath can help
If you were injured during physical therapy, you shouldn’t have to suffer in silence. At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, we have decades of experience handling medical malpractice and personal injury claims in Florida.
Why choose us?
- Proven track record in physical therapy malpractice cases.
- Access to top medical experts to review your case.
- Aggressive legal representation to hold negligent parties accountable.
- No upfront costs – We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win.
Contact us today for a free consultation if you or a loved one was injured during physical therapy. Our legal team is here to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
