Radiology plays a key role in diagnosing a variety of medical conditions, ranging from broken bones to cancer. When radiologists or technicians make mistakes in reading or interpreting images, patients may suffer serious consequences – an undiagnosed fracture, tumor, or internal injury can delay treatment and worsen their condition.
When an imaging error leads to avoidable harm, leaving patients to deal with lasting medical and financial challenges, they may have grounds to file a malpractice claim against their radiologist or another provider.
What Are Some Common Imaging Errors?
X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, mammograms, and ultrasounds are the most common forms of digital imaging used in hospitals and other medical settings. Each technology helps doctors see inside the body to detect injuries or disease. When medical professionals use these tools or interpret their results incorrectly, patients can face delays in diagnosis or receive the wrong treatment altogether. Some examples of imaging errors include:
- Misinterpretation of Images – A radiologist might overlook a fracture, tumor, or internal bleed, or mistake one condition for another. Even a small oversight can cause a serious delay in care.
- Technical or Equipment Errors – These mistakes can occur when machines are not properly calibrated or technicians capture images at the wrong angle, leading to poor-quality scans that obscure critical details.
- Communication Failures – A radiologist may correctly identify an issue but fail to relay the results promptly or clearly to the treating physician. In fast-moving hospital settings, a breakdown in reporting can mean a patient never receives timely treatment.
- Administrative Mistakes – In some cases, someone may label images under the wrong patient name or scan the wrong body part. These errors can have devastating consequences if patients aren’t getting the medical attention they believe they’re getting.
Across all imaging types, these errors often share a common thread: preventable mistakes that compromise patient safety. When they lead to harm, patients may have grounds to pursue a radiology malpractice claim.
Who Could Be Liable for Radiology Mistakes?
Liability for a radiology mistake depends on who made the error and how it occurred. More than one party may share responsibility when imaging mistakes cause harm, including:
- Radiologists
- Imaging technicians
- Referring physicians
- Hospitals or imaging centers
- Equipment manufacturers
How Expert Witness Testimony Can Support Your Claim
In radiology malpractice cases, medical records alone rarely show whether a professional acted below the accepted standard of care. That’s why expert witness testimony often plays a key role. A qualified medical professional – usually another radiologist – can review the images, procedures, and reports to determine whether someone made a mistake and explain how it caused harm.
These witnesses help establish what a competent radiologist or technician would have done under similar circumstances. Their analysis can clarify whether an error stemmed from poor image interpretation, inadequate communication, or flawed equipment. They can also explain to a jury why the mistake was avoidable.
Expert testimony is also helpful for connecting the dots between the imaging error and the resulting injury. For example, if a tumor was visible on an MRI but overlooked, a radiology expert can show how proper detection would have improved the patient’s treatment options. This testimony provides critical context that strengthens the patient’s claim and helps support the argument that they deserve compensation for their losses.
Contact an Arizona Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
If you believe a radiological error harmed you through misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or an improper course of treatment, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your financial and personal losses through a medical malpractice claim against the medical professionals or facilities whose errors caused you injury. Gill Law Firm has decades of combined experience serving people harmed by medical negligence throughout Arizona. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options. We look forward to hearing your story and working with you to determine your next steps.