Radiology Errors
Radiology is a critical component of patient care. This medical field refers to scans, tests, x-rays and other diagnostic imaging procedures that allow physicians to detect abnormalities and identify serious medical conditions in the patient.
When a radiology error occurs, it can interfere with a patient’s diagnosis, leading to dangerous delays, failure to diagnose and related harm. If you are a victim of a radiology error in New Jersey, you may be entitled to financial compensation if the mistake was caused by negligence or medical malpractice in New Jersey.
Examples of Radiology Errors
A radiology error describes any mistake or mishap that leads to a medical imaging scan or test not being properly performed, interpreted, recorded or communicated. In medical malpractice law, a radiology error can be grounds for a legal claim if a reasonable and prudent radiologist would not have made the same error in the same circumstances.
Many different mistakes can interfere with the accuracy and results of a radiology scan, such as:
- Misreading or misinterpreting an x-ray, MRI or CT scan
- Failing to notice signs of an abnormality on a scan
- Missing signs of a tumor or cancer
- Incorrectly identifying a mass or spot
- Failing to properly communicate any findings of significance
- Failing to recommend follow-up appointments or scans
These preventable mistakes can lead to harmful medical misdiagnoses or the failure to diagnose cancer and treat. Commonly missed conditions due to radiology errors are cancer, bone fractures, internal bleeding, strokes, lesions and infections.
Radiology Errors and Signs of Medical Malpractice
Errors in radiology could lead to medical malpractice claims in New Jersey if there is evidence that the physician or defendant owed the patient a professional duty of care, breached or failed to meet the requirements of this duty, and that this caused patient harm.
Many different examples of medical malpractice can cause radiology errors, including:
- Incomplete medical history taken from the patient
- Understaffing and overworked staff
- Radiologist fatigue or distraction
- Misinterpretations of scans or test results
- Attributing an abnormality to the wrong underlying cause
- Improper patient positioning
- Technical errors
- Equipment failures or defects
Financial compensation could be awarded for a radiology mistake if it interfered with the patient getting proper medical care. Missing the signs of a problem, for example, could lead to a harmful misdiagnosis, failure to diagnose, failure to treat and a worsened health condition. If the patient suffered damages or losses, he or she may be eligible for financial compensation.
Damages Available for a Radiology Error Case in New Jersey
A civil claim or lawsuit filed on behalf of an injured patient because of a radiology error in New Jersey could lead to financial compensation (or damages) being awarded to reimburse the plaintiff for a variety of related losses. Common damages include medical costs, lost wages, disability, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Wrongful death damages may also be available in fatal malpractice cases.
How a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help
A personal injury lawyer with experience in the practice area of medical malpractice can make a critical difference to the outcome of your radiology error case in New Jersey. A personal injury lawyer knows how to hold a negligent health care provider accountable for the harm you suffered, including when to hire medical experts.
The right attorney can help you move on from the traumatic event with the justice and financial compensation you deserve. To discuss a particular radiology error case with a knowledgeable local attorney, contact us at the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C. to arrange a free consultation. We can explain your legal rights and review your recovery options at no cost or pressure.