Radiological errors can cause severe harm to patients. These errors range from misdiagnosis and failure to diagnose to incorrect treatment and delayed care. But the results are usually the same: serious injury. Patients who are victims of radiological errors can develop life-threatening complications and suffer permanent disability.
At Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers, our Fort Lauderdale radiological errors lawyers understand how vital correct diagnostic results are for a patient’s long-term health. We have over 28 years of experience assisting individuals injured through negligence and wrongdoing, meaning our legal team is prepared to handle the most complex, challenging medical malpractice claims in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
A personal injury caused by medical errors is not your fault. You deserve to receive fair compensation from the party responsible for your pain and suffering. Contact our law firm in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to request a free consultation, or call us at (954) 287-0566 to discuss your case with our experienced Fort Lauderdale medical malpractice lawyer.
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How Our Fort Lauderdale Medical Malpractice Lawyers Help You with a Radiological Errors Claim
The hospitals and medical providers in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, are highly qualified and competent. However, they make mistakes, and many mistakes should never have happened. At Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers, our radiology errors lawyers understand how one mistake can destroy a patient’s life.
When you hire our Fort Lauderdale medical malpractice attorneys, you can expect us to:
- Begin an investigation into the medical providers, health care facilities, labs, and other members of your medical team to determine how the radiological errors occurred
- Consult with medical experts for second opinions and expert testimony regarding the standard of care a patient receives in a similar situation
- Carefully review your radiological tests with experts to determine what went wrong
- Identify the parties responsible for the medical negligence and file claims with their insurance providers
- Calculate the actual value of your damages and losses and then fight to recover that amount
- File a medical malpractice lawsuit, if necessary, to protect your best interest
If a doctor or other medical provider injured you, please reach out to our office for a free case evaluation. Our Fort Lauderdale medical malpractice lawyer will give you undivided attention and provide an honest assessment of your case.
How Common Are Radiological Errors?
Radiology errors occur in about three to five percent of cases in the United States. Even though the occurrence rate may be low, the death rate is not. In about 80 percent of cases involving radiology mistakes, the result was permanent disability or death for the patients.
What Are Common Causes of Radiological Errors?
Doctors rely on the results from radiology tests to develop an effective treatment plan for their patients. Without this information, physicians may not be able to provide adequate care for their clients.
Doctors generally order radiology based on a physical exam of the patient and the patient’s reported symptoms.
Examples of radiology tests that a doctor might order include:
- MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging)
- X-rays
- Ultrasounds
- Mammograms
- Computed Tomography (CT scans)
- PET Scans
The results of the tests allow doctors to confirm or rule out various conditions. In some cases, ruling out conditions is the only way to reach an accurate diagnosis to develop a treatment plan.
What Causes Radiological Errors?
There are many reasons why a radiology error might occur, including:
- Defective or faulty machines
- Inadequately inspecting and maintaining radiological technology
- Making mistakes when reading the test results (interpretive errors)
- Reading the test results for another patient (records mismanagement)
- Lack of experience or training in performing the tests or reading the tests
- Satisfaction of Search errors (a radiologist stops looking for problems when he finds the condition he suspected before performing the test)
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Performing the tests or reading the results under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Perception errors and distractions
- Rushing to complete the test and read the results
- Understaffing
The results of diagnostic tests, including radiology tests, are crucial for a patient’s treatment. Mistakes cannot be tolerated when a patient’s life hangs in the balance.
A physician can reduce the risk of radiological errors by performing a double reading. With a double reading, two or more radiologists read the results of a test. Having two doctors review the test results makes it less likely that a medical error or mistake goes unnoticed.
What Are the Results of Radiological Errors?
The results depend on the facts and circumstances of the case. Potential consequences of diagnostic errors include:
- A medical condition goes undiagnosed
- The patient receives the wrong treatment
- The delay in diagnosing the actual condition could result in a quicker death
- Instead of making a full recovery, the patient sustains permanent impairments or disabilities
- The patient could go into cardiac arrest, or their other organs may begin to shut down
If you believe you are the victim of radiological errors, consult another doctor immediately. Any delay in treatment could cause your condition to worsen.
Who is Responsible for Damages Caused by Radiological Errors in South Florida?
The person performing the test and the doctor reading the results could have made the error. If so, they would be liable for damages caused by their medical mistakes. If the problem resulted from a faulty machine or defect, the machine manufacturer could be liable for damages. The hospital, other medical providers, and health care professionals could also share liability for the mistake.
Under Florida law, the liable party could be responsible for a patient’s economic damages, such as medical costs and lost wages. The party may also be responsible for the patient’s non-economic damages, such as physical pain, mental trauma, permanent disabilities, and emotional distress.
The types of damages and the value of the medical malpractice claim depend on numerous factors. An attorney can review your case and give you more information based on your specific circumstances.
Contact Our Fort Lauderdale, FL Medical Malpractice Lawyers
You are not alone in this fight. Our legal team is here to help you each step of the way from start to finish. Contact our office to schedule your free consultation with one of our Fort Lauderdale radiological errors lawyers.
