Key Takeaways
- A radiology error occurs when a flaw in the diagnostic process causes a failure to diagnose, an inaccurate diagnosis, or a delayed diagnosis.
- Faulty equipment or a technician’s failure to position a patient properly can produce poor-quality images and lead to a missed diagnosis.
- Misinterpreting an image, which can stem from a lack of experience and knowledge, may delay treatment or lead to treating the wrong illness.
- When a radiologist’s findings are not communicated effectively to the doctor and patient, treatment may be significantly delayed.
- Under §12.110(4), a legal action must be filed within two years of discovering the injury or when it reasonably should have been discovered.
A radiology error occurs when a deficiency in the diagnostic process results in a failure to diagnose, accurately diagnose, or delays diagnosis. Radiologists are one part of a critical team central to diagnosing illness by interpreting scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-rays, and other medical tests. A skilled Portland medical malpractice lawyer can review your claim to determine if medical negligence contributed to these common radiology errors leading to your damages.
Speak to a Portland Medical Malpractice Lawyer for Assistance Today
Technical Errors
Imaging quality may be impacted by faulty equipment. A technician’s inability to properly position a patient may also lead to poor image quality. An image’s quality is only as good as the machinery capturing the image and a medical provider’s ability to use the equipment adequately. Critical radiology errors can occur, leading to a missed diagnosis.
Misinterpretation
You may suffer severe health implications when a radiology image is misinterpreted. By misinterpreting an image, a Portland radiology error may lead to delayed treatment or the incorrect diagnosis and treatment of the wrong illness or disease.
A lack of core experience and knowledge in interpreting radiological tests can lead to a misinterpretation or a missed interpretation. Hiring sufficiently trained staff is vital to patient safety and health.
Communication Errors
A radiologist must effectively relay the information discovered through testing to your doctor. The physician must then communicate the findings and create a course of treatment with you. Without communication, a patient may experience significant delays in treatment, potentially leading to worsening outcomes.
“At Paulson Coletti, ‘liberty and justice for all’ is more than just a phrase – it is our mandate. Our team of trial lawyers is driven to pursue justice for the injured, ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable. Whether your case settles or goes to trial, you can trust our Oregon personal injury lawyers to be the legal advocates you need so your voice can be heard.”
How a Portland Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help You
Radiology errors can result from the breakdown in the function of multiple hospital departments. Investigating a radiology error is extensive, requiring a medical malpractice lawyer in Portland to determine how the error occurred and who may be responsible. Additionally, a Portland medical malpractice attorney at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC will provide the following services:
- Value the damages: Your damages will consist of financial, physical, mental, and emotional costs to you. A thorough assessment of your past and future damages is a priority.
- Filing a Claim: Filing a legal action must occur within two years (§12.110(4)) from the date of the discovery of your injuries or from a reasonable date a discovery should have been made. We continuously strive toward effective negotiations with the insurance company to settle your claim.
- Proceeding With Trial: As experienced trial attorneys, we recognize the value of preparedness for presenting your case in court to secure a favorable verdict.
A benefit of working with a medical malpractice attorney in Portland at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC is our knowledge of and ability to work with expert witnesses who provide vital testimony in medical malpractice claims. Learn more about how expert witness testimony factors into medical malpractice claims.
“Most cases settle, but each of our cases is prepared as if it’s going to trial. The insurance companies know it and so do the defense lawyers defending them. That’s why we get such great results for our clients.”
How Much Does an Oregon Medical Malpractice Attorney Cost?
We strive to ensure that patients suffering severe radiology error damages receive the best representation possible. Our services are provided at no out-of-pocket costs to you. This billing schedule only allows us to be compensated only if we secure compensation in your case.
We only take cases in which we feel confident. Additionally, your initial consultation is free, allowing us to assess the strength of your claim. Because we value the ability to focus on each case, we keep a small caseload to ensure quality representation. Contact a medical malpractice lawyer at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC to discuss a radiology error immediately.