How To File Your Claim For Radiology Malpractice

Radiology is an essential branch of medicine crucial in diagnosing and treating many common health conditions you may experience today. But like any medical field, radiology isn’t immune to human error. One single mistake can cause severe long-term consequences and damages patients may never recover from. If you’ve been a victim of radiology malpractice, knowing more about how to file a claim for damages can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Is Radiology Malpractice Common? 

Since radiology is a highly specialized field in the medical industry, healthcare professionals undergo years of training and follow strict standards. Despite these precautions, radiology specialists are one of the top ten medical professionals who get sued in their career. In fact, a recent study reports that over 60% of radiologists have been named in a lawsuit at least once. Whether it’s misdiagnosis or patient mismanagement, there are many reasons why cases in this industry are on the rise.

Main Types Of Radiology Errors

Radiology errors can take various forms, but they often fall into a few specific categories:

Communication Error

In any medical setting, clear communication is essential. Miscommunications happen when the specialist in charge doesn’t convey or document crucial information regarding a patient’s condition. For example, if a radiologist finds something serious on a CT scan but doesn’t tell the treating physician, it can lead to a delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Perception Error

Perception errors happen when a radiologist misinterprets or overlooks something in an imaging study. These errors can occur due to a system error or simply missing a crucial detail when reviewing the images. Regardless of the reason, perception errors can be fatal and result in missed diagnoses or an assessment of a patient’s condition.

Knowledge Error

When a radiologist makes a knowledge error, it generally happens when they lack the expertise or knowledge to accurately interpret specific types of imaging studies. Radiologists should have specialized training to read and understand different kinds of scans. When a radiologist attempts to analyze one they’re unfamiliar with, it can potentially lead to errors.

Proving Negligence In A Radiology Malpractice Lawsuit

Like other medical malpractice cases, filing a successful radiology malpractice claim means you need to prove that your healthcare provider’s negligence caused your damages. This typically involves demonstrating four key elements:

  • Duty: Prove that the defendant owed you a duty of care, which is  standard in any medical treatment.
  • Breach of Duty: Show that the radiologist breached their duty of care by making an error or not meeting the required standards of care.
  • Causation: Prove that the radiologist’s error directly caused you harm.
  • Damages: Give detailed evidence of the injuries you suffered from the radiology error, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Speak To Our Attorneys Today

If you believe you’ve been a victim of radiology malpractice, it’s essential to seek legal advice. Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Please contact us online or call (866) 507-1730 to schedule your free consultation and explore your legal options today.