Implications of Radiological Oversight: How a Missed Diagnosis Led to a $3.38 Million Verdict
Radiologists play a vital role in the healthcare system. These professionals interpret imaging studies to detect serious medical conditions, from fractures to life-threatening cancers. So, when radiologists make mistakes, such as failing to diagnose a medical condition, the implications can be devastating. Some mistakes are unavoidable, but sometimes, these professionals commit errors that could have been avoided. In such cases, they can be held liable and made to pay damages in a medical malpractice claim.
One recent Maryland case underscores the severity of radiological oversight. A jury awarded $3.38 million to a patient whose cancer was undetected due to a radiologist error. The mistake caused the patient’s cancer to progress from Stage I, a treatable stage, to Stage IV, an untreatable stage.
About the Case
The patient first noticed a small lump near her right ear in March 2021. Her primary doctor referred her to Peninsula Radiology Associates for a CT scan. Upon interpreting the scan, one of the doctors noticed an eight-millimeter thickening in her salivary gland. However, the doctor brushed it off as a ‘normal variant’ and failed to suggest further investigation or follow-up.
In March of the same year, the patient went to a specialist after noticing the growth had increased. In January 2022, she underwent surgery to remove the mass. During surgery, doctors realized that the mass had wrapped around her facial nerve. Sadly, it was too late, and she was informed that she had Stage IV cancer, which was spreading to her liver and bones. The misreading of her scan and the lack of follow-up turned what could have been an early, treatable cancer into a terminal diagnosis.
The patient’s family filed a lawsuit alleging that the radiologist violated standards of care by failing to properly assess and report their loved one’s condition. The family sought to obtain economic and non-economic damages, including loss of consortium. The jury sided with the family and awarded $3.38 million in damages, including $1.2 million in non-economic damages and over $2.1 million in economic damages. While Maryland law capped the non-economic damages, the amount the family took home was still substantial.
Understanding Radiology Malpractice
Radiology malpractice can take many forms, and it is not always obvious. Common examples of radiology malpractice include;
- Misreading scans
- Failure to report suspicious findings
- Waiting too long to report critical findings, allowing conditions to worsen
- Failing to record observations that could prompt further action
How to Bring a Successful Claim
Like with other medical malpractice cases, to bring a successful radiology malpractice claim, you must establish the following elements;
- A doctor-patient relationship
- A breach of the standard of care
- The breach caused harm
- The harm resulted in damages
It is best to seek the help of a qualified medical malpractice attorney when dealing with radiology malpractice. These cases can be complex, usually requiring detailed medical records, expert testimony, and a thorough understanding of imaging standards. A skilled attorney can guide you through the complex legal process, help collect evidence, and advocate for the compensation you deserve. Prompt action is crucial as there are strict dealings for filing medical malpractice claims in Maryland.
A Towson Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help
If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a radiologist oversight in Towson or Baltimore County, contact our experienced Towson medical malpractice lawyer at Hardball Law for legal help.
Source:
mdlinx.com/article/3-3-million-verdict-awarded-in-maryland-after-radiology-practice-fails-to-detect-stage-i-cancer/2UWxRhqI5s576YDdUUVT8G
