Malpractice Claims for Misread X-Rays

Misread X-rays can lead to delayed diagnoses, unnecessary procedures, and worsening medical conditions. If a radiologist or treating physician fails to properly interpret imaging results, patients may suffer preventable harm. A White Plains medical malpractice lawyer or Westchester County medical malpractice attorney can evaluate whether an imaging error rises to the level of negligence and supports a malpractice claim under New York law.

How X-Ray Misreads Happen

X-rays require careful interpretation by trained medical professionals, often radiologists. Common causes of misread X-rays include:

• Failure to identify fractures, tumors, infections, or internal bleeding
• Overlooking subtle abnormalities or early signs of disease
• Mislabeling or mixing up patient images
• Poor-quality imaging that is not repeated or clarified
• Inadequate review of patient history when interpreting results
• Communication breakdowns between radiologists and treating physicians

Errors can occur at several stages of the diagnostic process, but not every misread X-ray is negligent. However, providers must meet accepted professional standards when reviewing and acting on imaging studies.

Conditions Commonly Missed on X-Rays

Certain medical conditions frequently appear in malpractice claims involving diagnostic imaging. These include:

• Bone fractures, particularly hairline or spinal fractures
• Lung cancer or other chest tumors
• Infections such as pneumonia or osteomyelitis
• Internal bleeding following trauma
• Joint dislocations or ligament damage
• Foreign objects left in the body after surgery

Missed findings can delay treatment and allow conditions to progress to more severe stages.

When a Misread X-Ray May Constitute Malpractice

A misread X-ray may support a malpractice claim when the interpretation falls below accepted medical standards and causes harm. The central question is whether a reasonably competent radiologist or physician would have identified the abnormality under similar circumstances. Factors often evaluated include:

• The clarity of the abnormal finding on the X-ray.
• Whether symptoms warranted closer scrutiny or follow-up imaging.
• Whether accepted radiology protocols were followed.
• How promptly results were reviewed and communicated.
• Whether earlier diagnosis would have changed the outcome.

A poor outcome alone does not establish malpractice. The error must represent a deviation from accepted practice that caused injury.

Time Limits for Filing a Claim

Medical malpractice claims based on misread X-rays are subject to New York’s statute of limitations. In most cases, a patient has two years and six months from the date of the malpractice to file a lawsuit. Exceptions may apply under the continuous treatment doctrine, when a patient continues to receive treatment from the same provider for the same condition related to the alleged malpractice. In those cases, the filing deadline may begin when the course of treatment ends rather than when the error occurred. Limited exceptions may also apply in cases involving delayed discovery, when the injury could not reasonably have been identified earlier.

How a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help

A White Plains personal injury lawyer can review imaging studies, radiology reports, and treatment records to identify whether the interpretation deviated from accepted medical standards. They also have the resources to work with qualified medical experts to evaluate whether the missed finding should have been identified and whether earlier diagnosis would have changed the outcome.

An attorney manages communication with hospitals and insurers, assesses the full impact of delayed diagnosis, and ensures that all procedural requirements under New York law are met before a claim is filed. As a result, you can focus on recovering while the legal aspects are handled for you.

Contact Us Today

If you believe a misread X-ray may have delayed your diagnosis or worsened your condition, contact Fiedler Deutsch, LLP at (914) 993-0393 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation.