Misinterpreting Imaging in Indiana

Medical Malpractice Claims Involving Radiological Errors

Technology has served to drastically transform the medical field and the quality of care that is offered. Radiology has grown to be one of the most significant parts of patient treatment, not only involving the typical x-ray machine but also providing a plethora of in-depth, clear diagnostic tools.

Unfortunately, the effectiveness of radiological technologies is only as good as the eyes that read the result. As in any other area of medicine, human error and negligence have the potential to completely disrupt a patient’s treatment and health. If you’ve been the victim of misinterpretation, our Indiana medical malpractice attorneys can help.

Radiological Errors: The Beginning of a Nightmare

A significant number of medical malpractice claims have been traced back to an error in the first readings of image results, such as x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, echocardiograms, and more. The interpretation of medical imagery determines the course of a patient’s treatment, and if that interpretation is inaccurate, it can not only keep the patient from getting the necessary treatment, but also place him or her at risk of undergoing unnecessary treatment.

There are two main parties whose interpretation of imagery has an impact on the patient’s treatment:

• The radiologist: Although not the patient’s physician, a radiologist has specific expertise in administering and reading medical imagery, and owes a duty of care to communicate abnormalities to physicians and patients.
• The referring physician: In many cases, the physician is given or shown the imagery he or she requested. They have the duty of care to read the imagery carefully, taking into account the radiologist’s finding, and confirming them with their own.

When it comes to properly interpreting imagery, communication failures and failure to notice abnormalities in images are common roots of medical malpractice. Patients can suffer unnecessarily, wrong treatments can be ordered and administered, and conditions can go untreated even to the point of patient death.

More than 100 Years of Combined Experience

The medical community is realizing the importance of radiological accuracy and has recently been pushing for more care and higher standards from both radiologists and physicians alike. At Langer & Langer, our Indiana medical malpractice lawyers are doing our part to encourage quality care by speaking out for the victims of negligence in this area.

If you are the victim of a radiological error that resulted in your injury or a loved one’s death, the medical malpractice attorneys in Indiana at Langer & Langer wants to fight for your right to damages. Contact us today to request your case evaluation to get started.