Acupuncture Experts Discuss Lung Puncture Caused by Allegedly Negligent Treatment

Case Overview

This case involves a young man in Nevada who sought acupuncture treatment for pain stemming from a lower back injury. During the acupuncture treatment, the defendant needled several points on the man’s chest using one of the longest needles available, which was inserted most of the way in, at which point the needle punctured the man’s chest cavity. Despite intense pain and brief periods of unconsciousness, the practitioner did not seek medical attention for his client, nor did he recommend that his client seek medical attention. It was alleged that the length of needle and depth of insertion was too great, causing the needle to puncture the man’s chest cavity and lung, and that the subsequent failure to seek immediate treatment exacerbated his injury. It was also claimed that there was no indication for acupuncture treatment in that area given his presenting complaint of lower back pain.