Radiology Errors

Radiology is a key component of medical care, as it is used to diagnose and treat a variety of serious illnesses and conditions. To ensure that radiologists possess the skills and knowledge needed to provide competent care, they are required to undergo extensive training. Unfortunately, radiology errors are nonetheless common, and when they occur, they often cause extensive harm. If you suffered losses due to careless radiology mistakes, it is advisable to speak with an attorney about what damages you may be able to recover for your losses. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our trusted Syracuse medical malpractice lawyers know what evidence is needed to prevail in claims against negligent physicians, and if you hire us, we will work tirelessly to help you seek the results you deserve. We regularly represent victims of radiology errors in medical malpractice cases in Syracuse, Rochester, and throughout Upstate New York.

Radiology errors can significantly impact patient outcomes. Common mistakes include interpretive, communication, and dosing errors. For example, interpretive errors involve misreading or failing to identify abnormalities in the images, which can result in missed diagnoses or incorrect treatment plans. Communication errors, on the other hand, occur when radiological findings are not accurately or promptly conveyed to the referring physician or patient. Finally, dosing errors can arise due to radiation dose calculation, mistargeting of the radiation beam, and inaccurate treatment planning. Overdosing or underdosing can lead to severe side effects or insufficient treatment of the condition, respectively. Mistargeting the radiation can damage healthy tissues and organs, causing unnecessary complications. Inaccurate treatment planning might arise from inadequate imaging, leading to suboptimal treatment outcomes.

When radiology errors cause patients harm, the doctors responsible for such mistakes can be held liable for medical malpractice. Generally, as the harm caused by doctors is usually careless rather than intentional, a plaintiff in a medical malpractice case will allege the defendant committed negligence.

In New York, a plaintiff seeking to establish the negligence of a defendant first must illustrate that the defendant owed them a duty. The duty a doctor owes their patient is to provide treatment that aligns with the relevant standard of care. The standard of care, generally, is defined by what a competent physician in the same practice area would do under similar circumstances.

Next, the plaintiff has to establish that the defendant breached the duty owed by departing from the standard of care. Usually, the plaintiff will need to retain an expert to explain the standard of care to the fact finder and how the defendant’s acts or omissions demonstrate a deviation from the standard.

Finally, the plaintiff has to connect the defendant’s actions to their harm, which means that they must prove that they suffered actual losses and that such losses were the direct result of the defendant’s breach. While the plaintiff does not have to show that the defendant’s behavior was the only cause of their injuries, they must show that such behavior was a significant factor in bringing them about.

A plaintiff who establishes the defendant’s negligence may be awarded compensation for the cost of any medical care they needed or will need in the future due to the defendant’s behavior, and for out-of-pocket expenses and lost wages. They may also be awarded damages for their intangible losses, such as suffering, mental and emotional trauma, and pain.

Radiology errors can result in delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment, and worsened prognoses, and in many instances, the physicians who make such mistakes can be held accountable for the losses they cause. If you were harmed by the carelessness of a radiologist, it is wise to meet with an attorney to assess your potential claims. The Syracuse medical malpractice lawyers of DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers are committed to helping victims of medical negligence seek justice, and if we represent you, we will advocate aggressively on your behalf. Our main office is located in Syracuse and we routinely represent people in medical malpractice lawsuits in Syracuse as well as in Rochester and throughout Upstate New York. To schedule a confidential and free consultation, you can contact us by calling us at 833-200-2000 or by using our online form.