Failure to Read X-Rays Lawyer in Massachusetts

X-Ray and Imaging Interpretation Errors

X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs generate images that must be accurately interpreted to guide appropriate diagnosis and treatment. A radiologist who misses a visible fracture, a lung mass, a spinal abnormality, or another significant finding on an imaging study has committed an interpretation error that may constitute medical malpractice. An ordering physician who fails to review the radiology report or who misses a critical finding in the report has similarly failed to act on available diagnostic information. Both types of failure can allow serious conditions to go undetected and untreated. Attorney Jeffrey C. Lavey represents imaging interpretation error victims throughout Massachusetts.

Common Missed Imaging Findings

• Pulmonary nodules on chest X-ray or CT that represent early-stage lung cancer
• Fractures on X-ray: particularly small or non-displaced fractures that require close inspection
• Vertebral fractures and disc herniations on spinal imaging
• Brain abnormalities on CT or MRI including infarcts, masses, and hemorrhages
• Aortic abnormalities including aneurysm and dissection on chest imaging
• Abdominal abnormalities including bowel obstruction and organ pathology
• Breast lesions on mammogram that meet criteria for workup or biopsy

The Radiology Expert Review Process

When a patient claims that a radiology finding was missed, the critical evidence is the original imaging study itself, not just the radiology report. An expert radiologist reviews the actual images to determine whether the finding was visible on the study and whether a competent radiologist reviewing those images should have identified it. If the finding was visible and should have been identified, the expert provides an opinion that the original radiologist’s failure to identify it departed from the standard of care. Attorney Lavey arranges this expert review in every imaging interpretation error case.

When the Treating Physician Fails to Act on a Radiology Report

Even when a radiologist correctly identifies a finding and documents it in the report, harm can result if the ordering physician fails to review the report, fails to discuss the finding with the patient, or fails to act on the recommendation for follow-up. An ordering physician who receives a radiology report containing a recommendation for biopsy or follow-up imaging and fails to communicate that recommendation to the patient may be independently liable for any harm from the delayed workup. Attorney Lavey evaluates the treating physician’s response to radiology reports in every imaging error case.

Compensation for Imaging Interpretation Error Victims

Compensation in imaging interpretation error cases covers all additional treatment costs caused by the progression of the undetected condition during the interval of misdiagnosis, all lost wages during extended treatment, pain and suffering from the worsened condition, and future costs for more advanced treatment that would not have been needed with earlier detection. Attorney Lavey pursues every element of these damages in every imaging interpretation error case.

Frequently Asked Questions