Can I Sue for Medical Malpractice if a Radiologist Misread My Tests?

 Posted on April 12, 2021 in Medical Malpractice

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, computed tomography (CT) tests, and other imaging tests have dramatically improved doctors’ ability to diagnose patients. These tests allow doctors to see inside a patient’s body without the need for invasive surgery. However, when the results from an imagining test are misread, the test can do more harm than good. If you were harmed because a radiologist misinterpreted the result of your imaging test, you may be able to sue for medical malpractice.

Radiologist Mistakes Can Lead to Considerable Patient Harm

Radiologists are highly educated and spend years learning about how to properly interpret the results of an imaging test. However, this does not mean that radiologists are immune to mistakes. Unfortunately, misunderstanding the results of a patient’s imaging test can be disastrous. The patient may not receive a correct diagnosis in time to prevent additional harm or even death. Failure to diagnose cancer is one of the most serious consequences that may result from a radiologist’s mistake. The patient may be left with additional medical bills, lost income from missed work, and other financial losses. He or she may be forced to suffer avoidable, painful symptoms.

When Is a Radiologist or Other Doctor Guilty of Medical Malpractice?

Medical professionals cannot be held to the standard of perfection. To know if a radiologist’s mistake constitutes medical negligence, his or her actions must be compared to the accepted medical standard. In medical malpractice claims, the standard used to establish if a medical professional’s conduct was negligent is the “medical standard of care.” This is usually defined as the quality of care that a reasonably skilled person of similar expertise would have provided in similar circumstances. In most medical malpractice cases, highly experienced medical experts in the same field as the defendant are asked to weigh in regarding the defendant’s actions and whether the defendant met the medical standard of care.

Radiologist malpractice occurs when three elements are present:

• The radiologist violated the medical standard of care.

• This violation caused the patient physical harm in the form of new or worsening medical conditions.

• The patient suffered damages such as additional medical expenses and lost wages from missed work.

If these elements are satisfied, the patient may be entitled to monetary compensation for the financial and non-financial losses he or she suffered. There is a two-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims in Illinois. If you think you may have a case, you need to act quickly to get legal help and determine how you can pursue compensation.

Contact a Palatine Radiologist Malpractice Lawyer

If you have suffered harm due to a misdiagnosis caused by a radiologist’s mistake, you may be able to hold the radiologist accountable and collect monetary damages. To learn more, contact a Schaumburg medical malpractice attorney at Newland & Newland, LLP. Call 847-797-8000 for a free case assessment.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=073500050HArt%2E+XIII+Pt%2E+2&ActID=2017&ChapterID=56&SeqStart=102300000&SeqEnd=105700000