Radiologists perform the difficult task of evaluating diagnostic images to determine if a patient is suffering from an illness or condition or if there are other grounds for concern. If a radiologist fails to interpret a study properly, it can lead to an inaccurate or missed diagnosis and treatment delays. In many cases, such errors constitute malpractice and are grounds for awarding damages in a radiologist malpractice lawsuit. If you were harmed by the negligence of a radiologist, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages, and you should speak to an attorney promptly. The skilled Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers of Arfaa Law Group are dedicated to helping patients injured by medical negligence pursue seek for their losses, and if you hire us, we will help you pursue the results you deserve.
Examples of Radiologist MalpracticeThe most common example of radiologist malpractice is the failure to interpret an imaging study correctly. In other words, a radiologist that possesses the requisite skill and training simply fails to offer a correct diagnosis based on their interpretation of an image. Another example of radiologist malpractice is the failure to adequately communicate the implications of an imaging study, either to the patient or another care provider. For example, if a radiologist determines a patient’s imaging study shows that they have an increased risk for developing cancer and require additional imaging, but does advise the patient or their primary care physician of their assessment, it can have devastating consequences. In some instances, a radiologist will merely lack the knowledge needed to provide an accurate diagnosis.
Elements of a Radiologist Malpractice LawsuitPeople harmed by negligent medical care will often seek to hold their treatment providers accountable via medical malpractice lawsuits. Typically, to recover damages for losses caused by medical malpractice, a plaintiff must show that the defendant was negligent.
In Maryland, proving negligence requires a plaintiff to establish that the defendant owed them a duty to comply with the applicable standard of care, which dictates what treatment a reasonable and competent professional that works in the same practice area as the defendant would offer in a similar situation.
The plaintiff then has to prove that the defendant deviated from the standard of care. Finally, the plaintiff must establish causation and damages. In other words, they must show that the defendant’s departure from the standard of care caused them to suffer actual harm. While the defendant’s acts or omissions do not have to be the only cause of the plaintiff’s injuries, they must be a substantial factor in bringing them about.
Expert Testimony in Medical Malpractice CasesMost medical malpractice cases hinge on the strength of each party’s expert testimony; as such, it is a critical component of a plaintiff’s case. Generally, as the duties imposed on a radiologist are beyond the understanding of the average juror or judge, a plaintiff in a radiologist malpractice case will need to retain a medical expert to explain the standard of care. Demonstrating that the defendant failed to uphold the standard of care typically requires medical expert testimony as well. Lastly, expert testimony is usually needed to link the defendant’s behavior to the plaintiff’s harm.
Talk to a Capable Baltimore Attorney About Your Potential ClaimsPatients rely on radiologists to provide accurate and timely diagnoses, and radiologists who neglect to provide patients with competent care should be held accountable. If you suffered losses because of radiologist malpractice, it is in your best interest to talk to an attorney regarding your possible claims. The capable Baltimore lawyers of Arfaa Law Group are proficient at demonstrating fault in medical malpractice cases, and if you hire us, we will set forth persuasive arguments in favor of your recovery of compensation. We frequently represent injured parties in medical malpractice cases in Baltimore, where our office is located. You can reach us by calling us at (410) 889-1850 or by using our form online to set up a confidential meeting.