Radiology is medical specialty that focuses primarily on the diagnostic use of CT scans, MRI, x-rays, ultrasounds, sonograms, and other methods of imaging. Like all medical professionals, radiologists are obligated to provide medical treatment that meets the applicable standard of care. The failure to do so can result in liability for any injuries suffered as a result. Radiology diagnostic errors can be caused by:
- Poor technique
- Lack of knowledge
- Lack of experiences
- Perception errors
- Lack of communication with treating physicians
Some of the most common diagnostic errors caused by radiology errors are missed fractures and missed cancer diagnoses. Radiologists often fail to miss fractures in the cervical spine, the femur, and bones in the feet. Cancer missed diagnoses most commonly include the failure to detect bone tumors, colorectal cancer, lung nodules, and breast lesions. In order to pursue a medical malpractice claim for a radiology error – or any medical error, for that matter – the plaintiff must show the following:
- The defendant had a duty to provide you with appropriate medical care;
- The defendant failed to provide the appropriate medical care; and
- The defendant’s conduct caused you to sustain injuries or damages.
If the plaintiff successfully establishes liability, he or she be receive the following medical malpractice damages:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Household services
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
It is important to act quickly, however, if you think that you may have been the victim of radiology malpractice. There are time limits on when you can file a medical malpractice lawsuit, and delayed action can also result in the loss of valuable evidence and medical information. In Illinois, a medical malpractice lawsuit without death must be filed within two years of the date of that the patient became aware of, or should have become aware of, the medical negligence. If the patient dies, however, the wrongful death medical malpractice lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of the patient’s death. The Chicago medical malpractice law firm at Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish is committed to helping the victims of medical malpractice – including radiology errors, misdiagnosis, missed diagnosis, surgical errors, and obstetrical negligence – obtain maximum financial recovery. If you have been the victim of a radiology error, contact the Chicago medical malpractice lawyers at Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish to schedule a free consultation to learn more about a possible medical malpractice lawsuit. Additional Information:
- Protect Yourself from Misdiagnosis and Other Leading Causes of Medical Error
- Most Common Medical Errors
- The Dangers of Unsterile Surgical Instruments and Other Surgical Errors
Steinberg Goodman & Kalish (www.sgklawyers.com) is dedicated to protecting victims and their families. We handle medical malpractice, product liability, personal injury, wrongful death, auto accidents, professional negligence, birth trauma, and railroad law matters. Contact us at (888) 325-7299 or (312) 445-9084.
