Since the first x-ray was accomplished, the field of radiology has made great strides in the ability to view the internal components of the human body. Not only are views made in two-dimensions but also the organs can now be shown in three-dimensions. Even though radiology has greatly help doctors in terms of diagnosis, it has also increased the amount of radiology malpractice cases. These malpractice cases can be anything from being injured by the equipment to having an adverse reaction to the radiology dye used for imaging.
Unsafe Equipment
One of the biggest areas in which radiology malpractice can occur is in the use of unsafe equipment. This can be anything for faulty x-ray machines, to scanners or probes that are not safe. The typical injuries in this case can include trauma, electrocution, or fractures. This is due to many hospitals using equipment that has not been serviced in a long time, or using old equipment or parts because the hospital is unable to afford a new machine. In the end, patients who are injured suffer and the money that the hospital was trying to save by not buying new equipment is given out for a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Wrong Diagnosis
The amount of radiology malpractice arising from incorrect diagnosis in the radiology department or by the radiologist is staggering. It is estimated this type of malpractice is three times more likely to cause injury to the patient than medication errors. An example of this would be the radiologist failing to see a tumor in the lung of abdomen of a patient. These type of incorrect diagnosis not only cause incorrect treatment medication to be administered, and this further increases the chance of someone having an adverse reaction. Radiology is quite instrumental in the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions, but it can also be one of the causes of medical malpractice.
Dyes
Other than unsafe equipment or incorrect diagnosis, someone undergoing a radiology procedure can also have an adverse reaction to the dyes used. This dye may cause damage to the kidneys if used improperly. The person can also have a reaction to the dye that can cause them to go into anaphylactic shock.
If Legal Help Is Needed
The information above is just a guideline to the types of radiology malpractice that can happen. If you or someone you know has suffered radiology malpractice, it is recommended that you seek the help of an attorney immediately.
