Radiologists are responsible for detecting physical abnormalities using a host of imaging technology and tests. Physicians and surgeons rely on them to find these abnormalities so they can prescribe the correct course of treatment.

However, what happens when a radiologist fails to detect a potential health problem? Many patients have suffered a misdiagnosis or delayed treatment due to their radiologist’s error. If this has happened to you, call a Hudson Valley radiology error lawyer.

A lawyer could help you file a medical malpractice claim for the harm you suffered. You could be entitled to compensation for your medical costs, financial losses, and pain and suffering. A dedicated attorney can give you more information about filing a claim.

Radiology Error Rates

With the rapid evolution of modern medicine, diagnostic technology has become a vital part of patient care. Doctors no longer have to guess what is ailing their patients. They now use imaging and test results from state-of-the-art medical equipment to inform their diagnoses and treatment plans.

Radiologists are responsible for conducting imaging tests that reveal physical damage or abnormalities. These medical professionals play an important part in diagnosing a patient by conducting x-rays, CT scans, PET scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic imaging tools to diagnose and treat illness and injuries.

How Often Does the Typical Radiologist Make an Error?

In February 2017, the National Center for Biotechnology Information (a part of the National Institutes of Health) published a study about radiologist error rates. This study included some disturbing statistic, including a report that three to five percent of radiology studies each day result in some kind of error. In other words, the average radiologist makes an error in at least three percent of their cases every single day.

These daily errors can seriously harm the affected patients. According to this study, the majority of these errors are attributed to the radiologist’s failure to identify a visible abnormality that they should have otherwise seen. Many other errors are the result of the radiologist simply failing to interpret the diagnostic image correctly. For more information, contact a Hudson Valley radiology error lawyer.

The Harm of Misdiagnosis in Hudson Valley

When a radiologist misinterprets a diagnostic image or makes another preventable error, their patient will likely suffer the consequences. Detecting an illness early is crucial to protecting a patient’s health and wellbeing.

Most commonly, a radiology error will lead to a misdiagnosis. For example, a radiologist may misread a breast ultrasound and not detect their patient’s cancer. This can lead to a misdiagnosis and delayed treatment for that patient.

When a radiology error causes a patient undue pain and suffering, the victim should seek the help of a lawyer. An experienced Hudson Valley radiology error lawyer can help the victim seek compensation for their pain and suffering, their medical costs, and other related damages.

What Are False-Positive Readings?

In some cases, a radiology error results in a false-positive reading where the patient is incorrectly diagnosed with an illness they do not have. When that happens, the patient may undergo expensive, painful, and unnecessary medical treatment.

False-positive diagnostic test results can also be emotionally traumatizing in addition to financially harmful. As with other radiology errors, radiologists can be held liable for false-positive tests when the patient suffers physical or financial harm.

Reach Out to a Hudson Valley Radiology Error Attorney

Whether a radiologist provides a misdiagnosis or a false positive diagnosis, you can suffer serious injuries. If you received unnecessary treatment or failed to receive the treatment you need, you could hold the responsible radiologist liable for their actions.

To learn more about recovering compensation for the injuries you or a loved one suffered due to a radiologist’s negligence, contact a skilled Hudson Valley radiology error lawyer. Reach out today to get started on your claim.