Radiology Malpractice in Georgia: What You Need to Know

By Jess Davis September 23, 2023 Radiology

Radiologists are medical professionals who specialize in imaging technology to diagnose and treat diseases. While radiologists play a vital role in healthcare, they sometimes make serious mistakes that cause significant harm to their patients. 

Radiology malpractice can occur in several ways. For example, a radiologist may misinterpret the results of an imaging test, leading to a delayed diagnosis or a misdiagnosis. A radiologist may also fail to identify a serious medical condition altogether. In some cases, radiologists may even make errors in the performance of imaging tests, which can lead to injury or complications.

If you believe you have been harmed by radiology malpractice, speaking to an experienced medical malpractice attorney is important. A lawyer can help you to assess your case and determine if you have a valid claim. If you have a claim, your lawyer can help you pursue legal action against the radiologist and other responsible parties.

Common Types of Radiology Malpractice

Some of the most common types of radiology malpractice include:

Misinterpreting the results of imaging tests: This is the most common type of radiology malpractice. When a radiologist misinterprets the results of an imaging test, it can lead to a delayed diagnosis or a misdiagnosis. This can have serious consequences for patients, as it may delay the treatment they need or lead them to receive inappropriate treatment.

Failing to identify a serious medical condition: Radiologists are responsible for identifying serious medical conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke. A radiologist’s failure to identify a serious medical condition can lead to a delayed diagnosis or a misdiagnosis. This can have devastating consequences for patients.

Making errors in imaging tests: Radiologists are also responsible for performing imaging tests correctly. If a radiologist makes an error in the performance of an imaging test, it can lead to injuries or complications. For example, a radiologist may inject the wrong contrast material during a CT scan or position the patient incorrectly during an MRI scan.

What to Do If You Suspect Radiology Malpractice

If you suspect that you have been harmed by radiology malpractice, it is important to take the following steps:

See a doctor immediately: If you are experiencing any symptoms of a medical condition, it is important to see a doctor immediately. This will help to ensure that you receive the proper diagnosis and treatment.

Get copies of your medical records: You have the right to obtain copies of your medical records. This will help you understand the care you received and identify potential errors.

Speak to an experienced medical malpractice attorney: A medical malpractice attorney can help you assess your case and determine if you have a valid claim. If you have a claim, your lawyer can help you pursue legal action against the radiologist and other responsible parties.

Georgia Medical Malpractice Laws

Georgia has several laws in place that protect patients from medical malpractice. For example, Georgia law requires all healthcare providers to meet a minimum standard of care. If a healthcare provider breaches this standard of care and causes harm to a patient, the patient may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Under Georgia law, patients who are injured by medical malpractice may be able to recover a variety of damages, including:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Wrongful death

Contact an Experienced Georgia Medical Malpractice Attorney

If you believe that you have been harmed by radiology malpractice, it is important to contact an experienced Georgia medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. The lawyers at Davis Adams can help you assess your case and determine if you have a valid claim. If you have a claim, your lawyer can help you pursue legal action against the radiologist and other responsible parties.