Doctors use radiological tests to diagnose various medical conditions. They rely on radiological test results to inform them of a patient’s condition and to form an individualized treatment plan. While radiological tests can be a lifesaver, errors with these tests can result in serious injuries and even death to patients.
The Baltimore radiological errors lawyers at WGK Personal Injury Lawyers work diligently to help injured patients recover compensation for the harm they have suffered because of diagnostic errors. If you suspect a radiological error caused your injury, contact us at (410) 837-2144 and request a free case review with an experienced Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer.
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How Our Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers Can Help You With a Radiological Error Claim
We trust our healthcare providers to provide a competent level of care that is consistent with their training and education. When they act in a negligent manner, the results can be catastrophic. Even when healthcare providers know they have made a costly mistake, they often refuse to accept responsibility for their errors. Worse, the insurance companies that represent them fight aggressively to deny valid medical malpractice claims.
If you believe you were harmed by a healthcare provider’s negligence, turn to the Baltimore personal injury attorneys at William G. Kolodner Personal Injury Lawyer.
When you hire our personal injury law firm in Baltimore, Maryland, you can expect us to:
- Thoroughly investigate your claim and identify all possible liable parties
- Consult medical experts to help establish your claim
- Communicate with insurance companies and handle insurance claims
- Fully account for the damages you have suffered
- Answer any questions you have
Our elite legal team has more than 80 years of combined legal experience. We have fought aggressively against insurance companies for over 40 years. We know what it takes to win a case against them. Contact our law office in Baltimore, MD today to discuss your case during a confidential case review.
How Common Are Radiological Errors?
Research shows that radiological errors occur in 3 to 5 percent of cases in the United States. Approximately 80% of cases involving radiology-related medical malpractice claims were fatal or caused permanent disabilities in patients.
Overview of Radiological Errors
Various types of medical imaging techniques are commonly used to diagnose conditions, including:
- X-rays
- MRIs
- CT scans
- PET scans
- Ultrasounds
- Mammograms
These tests help to confirm a patient’s diagnosis and lead to recovery. Radiology errors do the opposite.
What Are Common Causes of Radiological Errors?
Various factors can cause radiological errors.
Some of the most common are:
- Interpretive errors
- Lack of training
- Understaffing
- Fatigue
- Using the equipment incorrectly
- Satisfaction of search errors
- Confirmation bias errors
- Records handling mistakes
- Mechanical malfunctions or defective equipment
A thorough investigation is usually necessary to get to the bottom of what caused these types of critical errors.
Common Types of Injuries Caused by Radiological Errors
Radiological errors can result in significant injuries to patients. Sadly, some patients die as a result of these errors. When a radiological error occurs, the patient may not be diagnosed with the condition they have, and their treatment is delayed. Imagine if a cancer diagnosis was incorrect and the mistake was not discovered months or years later. The consequences can be deadly.
In other situations, a radiological error may result in the patient being misdiagnosed and receiving treatment that is ineffective or harmful to the patient. The patient could be subjected to painful treatment they do not need, such as chemotherapy or radiation.
How To Prove Who Is Responsible for a Radiological Error
In many cases, the radiologist is responsible for the errors they make. In other cases, the radiologist’s employer or the supervising doctor may share the blame. If the error was caused by defective equipment, the equipment manufacturer could be responsible for the error.
To determine liability for a radiological error, a thorough investigation may be necessary to determine which tests were ordered, who ordered them, and how the mistake occurred. A medical expert may need to be consulted to determine what a similar healthcare provider would have done under the circumstances and how the injury could have been avoided.
Knowledgeable lawyers can gather doctor’s notes, lab test results, and other critical information to help you prove your claim.
What Compensation Is Available in a Baltimore Radiological Error Case?
If you or a loved one was injured because of a radiological error, possible compensation could be provided for:
- Medical expenses, including expenses that are anticipated in the future
- Lost wages, including potential lost future wages
- Reduced earning capacity, if the victim is permanently disabled or unable to return to the same line of work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Contact us to learn what your claim may be worth and how we can help.
Contact Our Radiological Errors Lawyers in Baltimore, MD for a Free Consultation
If you were harmed because of negligent medical care, our Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers can help. WGK Personal Injury Lawyers has over a century of combined legal experience. Set up a free consultation by calling or visiting our Baltimore law office.