Radiology Malpractice

A radiologist is a doctor who specializes in the study, diagnosis and treatment of disease through medical imaging, such as:

• x-rays;
• computed tomography (CT) scans;
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI);
• and ultrasounds.  

Radiologists provide care in several ways, including assisting doctors with decisions about which studies to order and interpreting the studies after they have been ordered and performed.  Some radiologists have secured additional training and are known as interventional radiologists.  In addition to ordering and interpreting studies, an interventional radiologist may also treat a condition order disease with radiation or minimally-invasive image guided surgery. 

There are approximately 30,000 active radiologists in the United States.  After medical school, each must complete a 4 year residency in radiology.  According to a recent report prepared by the American Medical Group Association, the median salary for the specialty is just over $438,000.00 per year. 

Radiologists play an important role in a patient's medical care because they are a key conduit for information about a patient that cannot be seen with the naked eye.  Through medical imaging, radiologists are called upon to identify a constellation of problems, including whether a bone is broken, whether an organ contains a tumor, whether the brain is bleeding, or whether screws placed into the spine are in the correct location.  Where a radiologist fails to order the appropriate test (such as a CT or MRI) or fails to properly interpret a study ordered, he or she may be liable for medical malpractice. 

The most common radiologist mistakes include:

• interpreting an abnormal study as normal;
  
• interpreting a normal study as abnormal;
• failure to diagnose cancer;
• failure to diagnose a bone fracture; and
  
• failure to diagnose an aneurysm.
  

The trial lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict medical malpractice cases due to or arising out of radiology malpractice.  If you or a loved on had/have a problem that was not appropriately identified through medical imaging, you and your family may be entitled to compensation for lifelong health care, medical expenses, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.

To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced Central New York medical malpractice and birth injury attorney, contact us now at (315) 422-3466, (800) 336-LAWS, or by e-mail at info@bottarleone.com.