Types of radiological tests in Washington D.C. and Baltimore
Radiologists use intricate, precise machinery to scan and help diagnosis a patient. Common radiological tests include:
- X-ray
- Computed tomography (CT) scans
- Magnetic resonance imagine (MRIs)
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
- Computed axial tomography (CAT) scans
- Sonograms
- Ultrasounds
- Mammograms
- Angiograms
When a physician examines a patient, he or she reviews present symptoms. Based on those symptoms, the physician may order one of the above studies to make or confirm a diagnosis. A scan allows the radiologist to find broken bones, strange masses, and other internal issues that a doctor may not be able to see with the plain eye.
How radiological and x-ray errors happen
Typically, a radiology mistake occurs when a medical professional misses an abnormality in test results or mistakenly reads a film as normal. Under these circumstances, a health care provider could miss a fracture, a cyst, a bowel perforation, or even something as serious as a cancerous tumor. A radiologist missing a physical abnormality accounts for approximately 70 percent of radiology errors.
Additionally, a radiologist could perform the scan incorrectly or a medical facility could neglect to inform a patient of his or her test results. Hospitals and outpatient facilitates are busy places that see many patients each day. If a technician is being rushed or the support staff is overworked, careless hospital errors can occur and patients’ needs may be overlooked. Emergency room errors are especially prevalent in such a high-pressure atmosphere.
How we can help
The law firm of Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. has vast experience handling medical malpractice cases involving radiological and other types of medical errors. We take a personal interest in ensuring your best interests are represented while helping to maximize compensation.
In one particular example of doctor negligence, our attorneys helped a radiology error victim obtain a $4 million recovery. After waking up one morning unable to lift his foot, the Plaintiff went to see his doctor. An MRI of the brain was performed the same day. The Defendant Radiologist read the MRI as showing a “small meningioma,” which is a small, benign (nonmalignant) lesion. In reality, however, the MRI demonstrated a vascular malformation of the brain which was responsible for the foot drop. The Plaintiff was not treated for the vascular malformation, despite protesting to the Defendant, and eventually the Plaintiff suffered a massive stroke and irreversible brain injury resulting in permanent paraplegia as well as speech deficits as a result of the failure to diagnose.
Skilled attorneys helping radiology error victims across Washington D.C. and Maryland
Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. the premier medical malpractice law firm in Washington D.C. and Baltimore. Our attorneys provide comprehensive representation to victims of radiology errors, surgical errors, and other medical mistakes. To learn more, please contact our firm today at 410-234-1000.
