Reasons Behind Radiology Medical Malpractice Claims
Advances in radiologic technology in recent years have led to an increase in the role of the radiologist. Because of this, increasing numbers of legal claims against radiologists have begun to surface. Diagnostic errors are the most common reason behind malpractice lawsuits against radiologists in the United States. In fact, 75% of the claims made against radiologists stem from a failure to diagnose or communicate a possible diagnosis to a patient or to the patient’s physician.
Failing To Meet A Standard Of Care
A radiologist is held to the same standard as any other doctor, meaning that they can be sued for misdiagnosing a patient or failing to diagnose a patient. If your health issue has been made worse by radiology malpractice, our Atlanta attorneys at Moraitakis & Kushel, LLP, know how to pursue liability for the harm done to you. Our lawyers have helped hundreds of people gain compensation for the harm done to them by medical professionals. They have a well-earned reputation for successfully resolving complex medical malpractice cases for our clients in Georgia.
Common Radiology Procedures
Radiology encompasses several procedures. The most common ones include:
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Positron emission tomography (PET)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Bone scan, thyroid scan and thallium cardiac stress test
- Mammography
Diagnostics in imaging are difficult because of the subjective nature of interpreting mammograms, ultrasounds, CT scans, X-rays and MRIs. Because every condition is different, radiologists can overlook or misinterpret certain abnormalities. The most common misdiagnosed conditions include, breast cancer, non-spinal fractures, spinal fractures, lung cancer and vascular disease.
The Role Of Communication Among Doctors
Communication with a patient’s referring physician is another important part of a radiologist’s job. If there is miscommunication between the two physicians, then the patient’s health may be in jeopardy. Claims can be made due to a radiologist’s failure to provide test results to the referring physician or failure to mention concerns that should have led to further diagnostic tests.
Contact Our Attorneys Today For Your Free Consultation
If your health has been jeopardized by the failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis of your radiologist or physician, please contact our Atlanta lawyers at Moraitakis & Kushel, LLP, to schedule a free initial consultation. Get your claim started today by giving us a call at 404-973-0341 or filling out our online contact form.