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Radiology Medical Malpractice Lawsuits: When Can Victims Take Legal Action?
Posted on behalf of Peter T. Nicholl in Medical Malpractice Published on April 10, 2024 and updated on April 27, 2026.
One of the first steps in treating an illness is accurately diagnosing it. This is where radiology comes in, as doctors often use medical imaging technology (X-ray, MRI, CT scan) to better understand a patient’s medical condition.
Yes. Radiology errors may be considered medical malpractice if a healthcare provider misinterprets imaging results, fails to communicate critical findings, or does not follow accepted diagnostic standards. To pursue a claim, it must be shown that the error led to a misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or improper treatment that caused harm.
Unfortunately, sometimes things go wrong with tests, such as misinterpreting results or miscommunication between the technician and the treating physician. These issues may rise to the level of medical malpractice.
Below, we discuss radiology medical malpractice, including why it is dangerous, some common examples and when victims may have a case.
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The Role of Radiology in Medical Treatment
Radiology testing is a critical step in the treatment of injuries and medical conditions, ranging from internal bleeding and broken bones to cancer. Doctors often rely on medical imaging, like X-rays, MRIs, CT scans or ultrasounds to:
- Diagnose an illness like cancer or another chronic illness
- Determine how to proceed with medical care
- Track the progression of a disease
- Evaluate how the patient is responding to treatment
Imaging Tests May Guide Patient Decisions
Patients are often so relieved when an MRI or ultrasound comes back negative, they do not ask additional questions. Their doctor could decide to discontinue treatment and the patient will feel a high degree of confidence in this decision. Even if the doctor wants to continue treatment, the patient may assume there is nothing seriously wrong because of the results of the imaging test.
Given the role radiology plays in a patient’s diagnosis, it is more important than ever that medical professionals do these tests properly and accurately interpret the results. An accurate diagnosis is particularly important when there is a possibility of a life-threatening illness, like cancer.
The Dangers of Radiology Malpractice
Mistakes or malpractice can lead to devastating outcomes for patients:
- Progression of cancer: Misdiagnosis of cancer could allow tumors to grow and spread to other parts of the body, making the cancer more difficult to treat. The treatment options that remain could expose victims to a wide variety of severe side effects.
- Prolonged treatment or recovery: Even if a patient’s medical condition is not life-threatening, a delay in treatment could prolong recovery. Delays may also increase the risk of long-term medical problems developing. This can greatly affect the patient’s quality of life, ability to work and relationships with loved ones.
- Invasive and unnecessary medical treatment: An incorrect diagnosis could cause patients to unnecessarily undergo invasive surgery, exposing them to a risk of infection, excessive bleeding or other complications. This prolongs treatment, which can lead to prolonged pain and suffering.
- Adverse reactions to drugs: Some patients may be prone to an allergic reaction to contrast, which is used during an MRI. If a patient was not asked about other medications they are taking, a test like this could result in harmful interactions.
Common Forms of Medical Malpractice in Radiology
It is important to distinguish between medical malpractice and an error. You cannot file a Maryland medical malpractice lawsuit simply because a doctor or technician made a mistake.
Your lawyer must provide evidence that what happened was a breach of the standard of care for the situation. Some common examples of possible breaches of the standard of care may include:
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
These serious outcomes are often errors of perception. In other words, the medical imaging shows something abnormal, but the radiologist misses it. Sometimes this error is referred to as misinterpreting test results, causing the radiologist to miss signs of your true illness. They could diagnose you with a condition that is not there, or diagnose you as healthy, even though you are suffering from an illness.
Sometimes misdiagnosis/delayed diagnosis is caused by failing to conduct more tests. Doctors may have been more likely to spot signs of the illness on subsequent X-rays, CT scans or MRIs.
Lack of Proper Training or Medical Knowledge
If a radiologist does not know how to spot a particular medical condition, it may be more likely to go undiagnosed. This could be because of the radiologist’s own incompetence or a failure during training.
Medication Errors
Medication errors refer to giving a patient the wrong drug, the wrong dose or administering the drug in an incorrect way. This error often happens when patients are transferred from one part of the hospital to the radiology department. Those in radiology may not have an accurate medical history or medication list for the patient. This could result in administering a dye, blood thinner or sedative that could cause an allergic reaction.
Failure To Communicate
Sometimes radiologists fail to communicate critical findings to your referring doctor. In this situation, adverse outcomes may be the fault of the radiologist and not your treating doctor.
Communication is not just about the information that is conveyed, but timeliness. A delay in communication could result in significant harm to the patient, as doctors may act on incomplete or incorrect information.
Technical Errors
Radiologists may have positioned the patient incorrectly or calibrated equipment the wrong way. This can result in inadequate or misleading images, making it harder to accurately diagnose a medical condition.
Failing To Follow-up on Abnormal Findings
When radiologists fail to recommend further imaging or specialist consultations after abnormal findings, patients could be put in harm’s way.
If you suspect that your loved one’s adverse medical outcome was due to radiology malpractice, it is critical to consult with a knowledgeable attorney who can evaluate the specifics of your case.
At The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl, we understand the intricacies of medical malpractice claims, including those involving radiology errors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Radiology Malpractice Lawsuits
Can I file a medical malpractice claim for a radiology error?
Yes, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim if a radiology error caused delayed diagnosis, incorrect treatment, or worsened harm. The claim must show that the radiologist or provider failed to meet accepted medical standards and that the failure caused injury. The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl can review whether the imaging records support negligence.
What types of radiology mistakes may lead to malpractice?
Radiology mistakes may include misread X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, mammograms, or failure to report abnormal findings. A claim may also involve delayed communication of results or failure to recommend follow-up testing. The legal issue is whether the missed or misread finding caused avoidable harm to the patient.
Is a missed diagnosis on imaging always malpractice?
No, a missed diagnosis on imaging is not always malpractice. The key question is whether a reasonably careful radiologist would have identified the abnormality under the circumstances. The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl can evaluate whether the imaging findings, report, and follow-up care suggest a preventable diagnostic failure.
What evidence helps prove radiology malpractice?
Helpful evidence may include the original imaging study, radiology report, ordering provider notes, follow-up records, later imaging, biopsy results, treatment records, and expert review. This evidence can show what was visible, what was reported, and whether the delay changed the patient’s outcome. Strong documentation is critical in diagnostic malpractice claims.
Can delayed reporting of radiology results support a malpractice claim?
Yes, delayed reporting of radiology results may support a malpractice claim if the delay caused missed treatment, disease progression, or additional harm. Radiology providers and healthcare systems may have responsibilities for timely communication of significant findings. The claim depends on whether the delay affected diagnosis, treatment decisions, or prognosis.
Can radiology malpractice involve more than the radiologist?
Yes, radiology malpractice may involve the radiologist, ordering physician, hospital, imaging center, or other providers depending on how the error occurred. Liability may involve misinterpretation, poor communication, failure to follow up, or system breakdowns. The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl can assess which providers may have contributed to the harm.
What damages may be available in a radiology malpractice case?
Damages may include additional medical treatment, delayed cancer care, surgery, lost wages, pain and suffering, reduced prognosis, disability, or future care needs. These losses must be connected to the radiology error and supported by medical evidence. Expert analysis may be needed to show how earlier diagnosis could have changed the outcome.
When should I contact a lawyer about a radiology error in Maryland?
You should contact a lawyer if a missed, delayed, or misread imaging result caused delayed treatment, worsening symptoms, or a more serious diagnosis. Early review can help preserve imaging studies, reports, and communications between providers. The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl can evaluate whether the facts support a Maryland radiology malpractice claim.
Injured by Medical Malpractice? Contact The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl Today
You need to understand your rights and the steps to take if you believe you are the victim of medical malpractice. The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl is dedicated to guiding victims through the legal process, aggressively seeking full compensation.
If you suspect radiology malpractice has occurred, do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced law firm. We have a history of results in medical malpractice cases and do not charge upfront fees.
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