You always trust a radiologist to accurately identify any medical conditions early. But what if a radiology error takes place and leads to a missed diagnosis, delayed treatment, or worsened health?
If so, you are the victim of medical malpractice and have the right to seek justice and compensation for the harm. In such cases, our radiology error attorney can extensively secure the relief you should get.
What Are Radiology Errors?
Mistakes in radiology occur when radiologists or other healthcare professionals commit errors in their interpretation or analysis of diagnostic imaging, which includes X-rays, CT and MRI scans, and ultrasound examinations.
It may happen at different levels of the imaging cycle, from requesting imaging tests to processing their findings. Such errors may result in the misdiagnosis of a disease, postponement of medical intervention, and, unfortunately, permanent consequences.
It may also result in missing the diagnosis of a critical illness such as cancer, fractures, infections, or even internal bleeding.
What Role Does Our Chicago Radiology Errors Attorney Play?
Dealing with a medical malpractice case requires a deep understanding of the legal and medical fields. Our experienced radiology error attorney can be invaluable in helping you pursue compensation and justice. We pay attention to your case and give specific advice!
Here are a few ways Chicago Injury Lawyer will stand by you at this terrible time:
We Are Experts in Medical Malpractice Law
Our attorneys specialize in medical malpractice law and clearly understand the complexities of radiology error cases. We know what evidence is needed to prove negligence and how to present your case correctly.
We Consult with Medical Professionals
Medical malpractice cases, including those involving radiology mistakes, often require professional testimony. Our attorney will work with top-tier medical experts in radiology to provide testimony. We will see whether the error meets the standard of care and how it may have contributed to your damage.
We Investigation Carefully
After consulting with expert witnesses, our skilled attorney will conduct a comprehensive investigation. We will carefully gather medical records and review imaging reports to build a solid case and establish liability.
We Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize the compensation in malpractice cases. Our experienced attorney will negotiate assertively on your behalf. They will ensure that you receive rightful compensation for your injuries and losses.
We Take Charge in Court
Our attorney will represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached. We will present a compelling case to secure your rightfully entitled compensation. It includes preparing legal documents, presenting evidence, and advocating for your rights before a judge or jury.
Types of Radiology Errors Our Clients Experience in Chicago
Errors and inconsistencies in radiology practice are alarmingly widespread, with an average daily rate of 3-5% of cases noted, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH).
Here are the most common errors in radiology our clients experience and their impact:
| Type of Radiology Error | Description | Potential Consequences |
| Misinterpretation of Images | A radiologist fails to recognize an abnormality (e.g., tumor, fracture) in the images. | Missed or delayed diagnosisWorsened health conditions |
| Failure to Detect Serious Issues | Critical conditions like cancer, infections, or fractures are overlooked or misinterpreted. | Delayed or inappropriate treatmentIncreased risk of complications or death |
| Delayed Diagnosis | A radiologist fails to report potential issues to the doctor promptly. | Prolonged sufferingWorsened condition due to delayed intervention |
| Incorrect Diagnosis | A radiologist misinterprets the images and makes a wrong diagnosis. | Unnecessary treatments or procedures (e.g., surgery, chemotherapy)Emotional distress |
| Technical Errors | Imaging equipment malfunctions, leading to poor-quality scans or inaccurate readings. | Inaccurate diagnosesNeed for repeat imagingMisdiagnosed conditions |
| Inadequate Communication | A radiologist does not correctly communicate findings to the referring doctor. | Delayed treatmentMismanagement of the patient’s condition |
| Over-reliance on AI or Computer Assistance | Over-reliance on automated systems may lead radiologists to miss anomalies that need human expertise. | Missed diagnosesIncreased risk of human error |
Possible Causes of Radiology Errors We Have Noticed
Radiology errors can lead to devastating outcomes for patients, including permanent disabilities or even death. Here are some possible causes of the most common radiology misses:
- Human Error: Fatigue, lack of experience, or oversight by radiologists.
- Technical Issues: Malfunctioning or outdated imaging equipment.
- Incomplete History: Missing or inaccurate patient history can lead to misinterpretation.
- Failure to Consult Prior Studies: Not reviewing previous imaging studies can result in missed diagnoses.
- Management Problems: Short staffing, poor communication practices, or insufficient training.
- Behavioral Biases: Preconceived notions or biases affecting the interpretation of images.
- Technical Limitations: Limitations in imaging techniques or protocols.
- Overly Dependent on Automation: As AI aids in image analysis, central radiologists may depend too much on automated systems, missing critical red flags.
Our Advice to Identify a Radiology Error
Not every misinterpretation of an image causes significant harm. But if you suspect a radiology error may have impacted your diagnosis or treatment, we advise looking for signs like:
- Misdiagnosis: It indicates a reporting error if your diagnosis does not align with your symptoms or other tests.
- Unresolved Symptoms: Persistent or worsening symptoms despite treatment could signal a missed issue on the scan.
- Delayed Diagnosis: A delay in detecting a condition that should have been found earlier may point to an error.
- Contradictory Findings: Conflicting radiology reports or opinions can suggest an error.
- Technical Issues: Poor image quality or incomplete scans might indicate technical problems.
If you believe a radiology error has led you to severe harm, consult us as soon as possible. Our skilled radiology error attorney will determine whether you have a valid medical malpractice claim.
Legal Compensation Options After a Radiology Error in Chicago
Failure in precision radiology and radiology errors typically fall under the broader category of medical malpractice. Legal structures within Chicago’s medical malpractice framework directly apply to radiology errors and the compensation for injury resulting from those errors. Here are the possible legal compensation options available:
Illinois Medical Malpractice Act
The Illinois Medical Malpractice Act (735 ILCS 5/2-1701) deals with medical malpractice claims, including radiology errors. If a radiology error causes harm, you would file a lawsuit under this Act.
The compensation possibility under the medical malpractice act:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Other self-funded expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium (loss of companionship for spouses)
- Punitive damages
- Survival action damages (for pain and suffering experienced before death)
- Legal costs
Wrongful Death Act
If a patient dies as a result of a radiology mistake, the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180) permits relatives left behind to pursue a wrongful death cause of action. This occurs when a diagnostic imaging error delays the detection of a fatal condition, like cancer, leading to the patient’s death.
The wrongful death act covers fatal expenses, which include:
- Medical bills
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of income
- Loss of companionship and emotional suffering
The Statute of Limitations of Radiology Error Settlement
Under Illinois law (735 ILCS 5/13-212), the Statute of Limitations for medical malpractice claims, including radiology errors, must be reported within two years of discovering the injury. Exceptions exist for minors and cases involving fraud or hiding evidence.
This rule extends the statute of limitations until the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered, which is crucial in cases like missed or misdiagnosed cancer.
Get in Touch Now: Consultation is Free!
Illness or injury due to radiology errors in Chicago is a concern you need not face in isolation. Though Illinois Medical Malpractice Law is beneficial in providing the required protection, it is still tricky to process the legal steps. Our dedicated attorneys are here to fight for you and ensure your financial recovery is obtained!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prove a radiology error caused my injury in a malpractice case?
To prove a radiology error caused your injury, you must show:
The radiologist failed to meet the standard of care.
The error directly caused your injury.
Expert testimony confirming the mistake and its impact.
Causation (error led to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis).
What happens if the radiologist or hospital denies the error?
If the radiologist or hospital denies the error, your attorney must gather evidence (expert testimony, medical records, depositions) to prove negligence. If a settlement fails, the case may go to trial.
Can a radiology error lawsuit succeed if the mistake wasn’t immediately discovered?
Yes, a radiology error lawsuit can still succeed if the mistake is discovered later. You require evidence to show that the delay worsened the patient’s condition or led to additional injuries.
