Chicago Radiological Error Lawyer

Over the last several decades medical technology has been developing very rapidly, with advancements in medicine and surgical procedures occurring all the time, with digital imaging and the use of robotics bringing about huge improvements in the success rates of surgical procedures. Among the areas of medical technology that have undergone the greatest change has been the transition from film x-rays to digital imaging. Prior to the development of the more modern digital imaging, x-ray films were developed much like photographic film: using a series of chemical baths in a darkroom, and mistakes in their processing would often result in the films being developed improperly. The proliferation of modern digital imaging has resulted in more accurate images at a reduced cost. The key factor in both these technologies, however, has remained the same: a doctor or radiologist is still needed to read and interpret the results of the imaging. Risks of human error are still present, and misinterpreted x-rays can still lead to serious injury or misdiagnosis of a patient.

The purpose of any of these sorts of radiological procedures is to help physicians get a better understanding of what sort of injury or illness is present inside of a patient’s body without resorting to exploratory surgical procedures. The use of x-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRI procedures provide a wealth of information that would not otherwise be available to a medical professional attempting to treat a patient with only their naked eye and external physical examinations. Imaging procedures can reveal a variety of different conditions, like tumors, broken bones, and internal bleeding with a level of detail that would amaze a layperson. X-rays, MRIs, mammograms, ultrasounds, and other common radiological procedures are only tools however: in order for them to be effective in the diagnosis and treatment of patients the results of these tests must be properly interpreted to result in a correct diagnosis that will allow proper treatment of a patient. And when they are misinterpreted it has the potential to cause a number of issues from delayed diagnoses, to misdiagnoses, that can result in the patient’s condition getting worse, or even in some cases causing additional injuries. In these cases a patient can often be able to bring a medical malpractice lawsuit to recover for any injuries that they may have sustained.