Baltimore Radiologist Errors Lawyer
Physicians use radiology as an important diagnostic tool so they can correctly diagnose illnesses and develop a treatment plan appropriate for the patient. When there is an error made during the radiology process, it can result in an inaccurate or delayed diagnosis. When radiologist errors are made, patients suffer significant harm, for which they can collect damages. Our Baltimore radiologist error lawyers understand how these grave medical mistakes affect patients. It is why we are dedicated to helping victims collect the full financial compensation they may be entitled to.
Radiologist Errors are More Common than People Think
Errors made by radiologists are not as common as other types of medical malpractice, but the consequences can be fatal for patients. According to one study, approximately three to five percent of all radiologist cases involve medical negligence. That number may not seem significant to some, but there are other factors to consider. One report found that an alarming 80 percent of medical malpractice cases involving radiologist errors result in permanent impairments or wrongful death for patients.
Common Tools that Contribute to Radiologist Errors
Radiology is a branch of medicine that uses medical imaging devices to diagnose illnesses, diseases, and injuries. Some of the most common radiology tools that contribute to radiologist injuries include:
- CT scans
- PET scans
- MRIs
- X-rays
- Ultrasounds
- Mammograms
Radiologists are physicians trained to accurately read the results of imaging tests. They are expected to provide accurate readings of a patient’s test results in order to detect problems and abnormalities that could indicate a patient’s health condition. When those results are flawed, physicians cannot develop a proper treatment plan and patients suffer serious injury as a result.
Common Causes of Radiologist Errors
In many cases, it is human error that causes harm to patients. These causes include:
- Misinterpreting the results of a radiology test
- Reading test results from another patient
- Distractions, exhaustion, and substance abuse
- Improper inspection and maintenance of equipment
Some hospitals and clinics have a ‘double reading’ policy that is meant to prevent the above errors from occurring. Double reading involves two radiologists reading the same tests to confirm the results.
Still, it is not always radiologists that are to blame for radiology errors. Sometimes, defective equipment is to blame as well. When this is the case, the manufacturer of the equipment can be found negligent. It is important to distinguish between the two types of negligence. A manufacturer error involves the negligent production, design, and marketing of the machines. When doctors and hospitals are responsible for the machine’s maintenance and they fail in that regard, the manufacturer cannot be held responsible so long as the machine was not initially defective.
Call Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Baltimore for a Free Consultation
Medical malpractice cases involving radiologic errors are complex. At Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC, our Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers can help you overcome the challenges these claims present so you obtain the full financial compensation your family deserves. Call us today at 410-998-3600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
