Operating a chiropractic clinic requires attention to more than just treating patients. Like many healthcare-related businesses, these clinics often rely on multiple contractual relationships to function. From employment contracts to vendor agreements, even small misunderstandings can develop into legal disputes. Attorneys like those at Eric Lindh Foster Law, LLC discuss how these issues often arise and how they’re handled in practice.
Disputes Involving Vendor Contracts
Many chiropractic offices contract with vendors for supplies, medical equipment, and billing services. Problems often emerge when there are questions about pricing, delivery timelines, or maintenance obligations. For example, a clinic may sign a lease agreement for an adjustment table, only to discover later that the vendor failed to maintain the equipment as promised. If the terms are vague or if one party fails to meet its obligations, legal action may follow. Disputes over automatic renewal clauses or termination penalties also frequently come up in vendor agreements.
Employment Contract Issues In Chiropractic Practices
Whether hiring associate chiropractors, massage therapists, or administrative staff, employment agreements play an important role in defining responsibilities and expectations. Disagreements can develop over compensation models, noncompete clauses, or termination procedures. A common source of conflict is when a provider leaves a practice and opens a competing clinic nearby. If the noncompete provision is overly broad or poorly worded, it may be challenged in court. In other cases, disputes can stem from unclear bonus structures or alleged violations of contractually required performance standards.
Franchise And Licensing Disagreements
Certain chiropractic clinics function through franchise arrangements or licensing agreements. These arrangements often include branding rights, operational requirements, and support obligations from the franchisor. Contract disputes can occur if the clinic believes it isn’t receiving adequate training or marketing assistance, or if the franchisor claims the clinic has violated branding guidelines. Tensions may also arise when a franchisor introduces changes to operations or fees not clearly addressed in the original agreement.
Lease Disagreements With Landlords
Commercial leases are another common source of disputes for chiropractic clinics. Issues may arise over property maintenance, rent escalation clauses, or exclusive use provisions. For instance, a chiropractor leasing a unit in a medical plaza might discover that a competing provider was allowed to move in next door—despite language in the lease suggesting exclusivity. Repair responsibilities and building access after hours are also frequent points of contention. Disagreements over these terms can disrupt clinic operations and lead to legal disputes.
Payment Processing And Billing Service Contracts
Many chiropractic offices rely on third-party services for insurance billing or payment processing. These contracts must address timelines, reimbursement policies, and software functionality. If the billing service fails to submit claims on time or mishandles insurance coding, it may lead to financial losses and disputes over breach of contract. A commercial litigation attorney can help assess whether a breach occurred and what remedies may be available under the agreement.
Intellectual Property And Confidentiality Issues
Contract disputes may also involve confidentiality clauses or intellectual property developed by providers within the clinic. For example, if an associate chiropractor creates patient education materials or treatment plans during their employment, questions may arise about who owns that content after they leave. Clear language in contracts can help prevent such disputes, but vague or missing terms can result in drawn-out legal arguments.
Business Transitions And Contract Reassignment
When a chiropractic clinic is sold or a partner exits the business, existing contracts often need to be reviewed or reassigned. Misunderstandings during this process can lead to disagreements over ownership, ongoing obligations, or indemnity clauses. Even small changes in ownership can trigger disputes if the original contract doesn’t clearly permit reassignment or outlines different procedures for transfer.
Dispute Prevention
Contract disputes often arise from unclear terms, poor communication, or unwritten assumptions. Chiropractic clinics face a range of business relationships, each with legal risks that can grow over time if not addressed early. Clear agreements, routine legal review, and prompt attention to early warning signs can help prevent issues from escalating. Commercial contract disputes remain a frequent challenge in this field, and attorneys can attest to the importance of handling them with practical strategies and well-drafted agreements.