Because Relationships Matter 
Knowing common radiology malpractice mistakes helps patients recognize when medical negligence may have occurred and take steps to protect their rights.
Frequent Radiology Malpractice Errors
Radiology malpractice occurs when a radiologist fails to meet the accepted standard of care, leading to patient injury. Common mistakes include:
Misinterpretation of Images
Radiologists may incorrectly read imaging results, leading to a wrong diagnosis. For example, a tumor might be mistaken for a benign growth, delaying critical treatment for cancer.
Failure to Detect Abnormalities
Some conditions, such as fractures or internal bleeding, may be overlooked entirely. A missed finding can worsen a patient’s condition and require more invasive treatment later.
Delayed Diagnosis
Even if an abnormality is identified, delays in reporting results to the treating physician can prevent timely intervention.
Communication Errors
Radiologists must clearly communicate findings to other doctors. Miscommunication or incomplete reporting can lead to inappropriate treatment plans.
Technical Errors During Imaging
Improperly calibrated equipment, incorrect patient positioning, or poor-quality images can compromise diagnostic accuracy.
Failure to Recommend Follow-Up Testing
If initial imaging is inconclusive, radiologists must suggest additional tests. Omitting these recommendations may leave serious conditions undiagnosed.
Overlooking Incidental Findings
Radiologists sometimes ignore incidental findings that may signal early stages of diseases unrelated to the primary complaint, such as lung nodules suggesting early lung cancer.
Causes of Radiology Malpractice
Several factors contribute to these errors:
- High Workload: Radiologists often review hundreds of images daily, increasing the risk of oversight.
- Inadequate Training: Lack of specialization in certain imaging techniques can lead to misinterpretation.
- Fatigue and Distractions: Long hours and high-stress environments can impair judgment and focus.
- Insufficient Collaboration: Poor communication between radiologists and other medical professionals can result in diagnostic gaps.
Consequences of Radiology Errors
When radiology malpractice occurs, patients can suffer severe and sometimes irreversible harm:
- Disease Progression: Delayed or missed diagnoses allow conditions like cancer or infections to worsen.
- Unnecessary Surgeries: Incorrect imaging interpretations may lead to invasive procedures that are not needed.
- Medication Errors: Wrong diagnoses can result in patients receiving harmful or ineffective drugs.
- Permanent Disability or Death: Critical diagnostic errors can have life-altering or fatal consequences.
These consequences can impact a patient’s ability to work, enjoy daily activities, and maintain overall quality of life for years after the initial error.
How a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help
When radiology errors cause harm, patients have the right to pursue compensation through a medical malpractice claim. A skilled White Plains Medical Malpractice Lawyer can assist by:
- Investigating the Case: The attorney reviews medical records, imaging results, and reports to identify deviations from the standard of care.
- Working with Expert Witnesses: Lawyers collaborate with radiology experts to strengthen claims and demonstrate negligence.
- Calculating Damages: They assess medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
- Negotiating with Insurers: Lawyers handle communications with hospitals and insurance companies to seek fair settlements.
- Litigating in Court: If necessary, the attorney takes the case to trial to secure maximum compensation.
Patients who suspect radiology malpractice should act quickly because medical malpractice claims are subject to strict filing deadlines. Call (914) 993-0393 or contact Fiedler Deutsch, LLP online to arrange a free consultation today.