Government defends IHS physical therapist over man's shoulder injury

Lawsuit claims patient suffered permanent damages

The federal government is denying responsibility for an injury that allegedly occurred to a patient at an Indian Health Service facility in Rapid City.

Chadwick Miner-Ratigan, an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, filed suit against the government after the Department of Health and Human Services failed to respond to his administrative tort claim seeking $2 million. After filing suit, the department denied Miner-Ratigan’s claim.

Miner-Ratigan underwent shoulder surgery at Black Hills Orthopedic and Spine Center on May 19, 2020 and was released to begin physical therapy at the Oyate Health Center. The surgeon’s instructions for physical therapy included a note not to move Miner-Ratigan’s arm or shoulder in a certain position.

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