Physicians in Las Cruces, NM, rely on radiology studies such as CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, and ultrasounds to diagnose serious medical conditions. However, providers can — and do — misinterpret results and miss abnormalities, often leading to serious complications for patients.
If you believe a radiology mistake caused your medical condition to worsen, you may have the right to pursue compensation from those who should have identified your illness. Coates & Johnson can help you take legal action with a Las Cruces medical malpractice lawyer. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.
Why Patients in Las Cruces Trust Coates & Johnson With Radiology Malpractice Claims
Radiology malpractice cases require attorneys who understand medical imaging and medical negligence. Coates & Johnson fit the bill. We have decades of experience handling complex radiology error claims.
Injured patients in Las Cruces, New Mexico, seek us out because:
- We have investigated thousands of cases involving negligent medical care
- We provide personalized attention and client service, and our partners work on every client’s case
- Our team includes a physician (who is also a lawyer), which helps us understand the process for and common errors in diagnostic decision-making
- We know the requirements to initiate medical malpractice lawsuits and help clients navigate their claims from start to finish
Call us today to schedule a free case review with a top-rated Las Cruces radiology errors lawyer who can help you.
Why Hire an Attorney for a Radiology Error Case In Las Cruces?
Radiology error claims often involve highly technical medical evidence. Healthcare providers frequently argue that the abnormality on the imaging study was subtle or that the finding could reasonably have been overlooked. That’s why radiology malpractice cases often turn on expert review of the imaging itself.
A trusted Las Cruces radiology errors attorney can help determine whether the radiologist’s interpretation fell below accepted professional standards and contributed to the aggravation or worsening of your illness.
An attorney may assist with a radiology malpractice claim by:
- Examining the imaging studies and radiology reports to identify abnormalities that should have been detected
- Working with experienced radiologists who can independently evaluate the scans and determine whether the interpretation meets accepted standards
- Analyzing whether incomplete patient information or breakdowns in communication contributed to the diagnostic mistake
- Assessing how the missed finding delayed treatment or allowed the condition to worsen
- Documenting the damages resulting from the diagnostic failure
- Pursuing compensation from responsible healthcare providers through settlement negotiations or trial, if necessary
An experienced radiology errors attorney in Las Cruces will coordinate the appropriate specialists, develop the medical evidence, and present a clear explanation of how the radiology error caused preventable harm.
What Is Radiology Malpractice?
Radiology malpractice occurs when a radiologist or other healthcare provider fails to properly interpret medical imaging or fails to communicate important findings to the treating physician.
Radiologists are responsible for reviewing imaging studies and identifying abnormalities that may indicate disease or injury. These findings are documented in a radiology report, which is used by the treating physician to guide patient care.
At Coates & Johnson, we regularly see four general categories of radiology errors:
Failure to Detect Abnormalities
The most common type of radiology malpractice involves failing to identify an abnormal condition visible on a medical image. Examples of missed findings may include:
- Tumors or cancerous lesions
- Brain ischemia or stroke
- Bone fractures
- Blood clots in the circulatory system
- Signs of internal bleeding
- Gallbladder or biliary tract disease
- Free air in the abdomen indicates bowel perforation
In each of these cases, delayed diagnoses will likely cause the condition to worsen.
Teleradiology Communication Failures
More and more, radiologists are performing “teleradiology,” where they interpret imaging studies remotely rather than working inside the hospital where the scan was performed.
This system can cause communication problems as teleradiologists may not receive complete clinical information about a patient’s symptoms or medical history. In some cases, these radiologists may fail to report urgent findings to the treating physician, even though professional guidelines require immediate notification of life-threatening abnormalities.
Reporting and Follow-Up Errors
Radiologists often include recommendations in their reports regarding additional imaging, follow-up testing, or further evaluation.
Problems can arise when these recommendations are unclear or never communicated to the treating physician or patient. Without adequate follow-up, a patient’s illness may remain undiagnosed for months or even years.
Interventional Radiology Injuries
Some radiologists perform image-guided procedures involving needles or catheters used to biopsy tissue, drain infections, or treat certain medical conditions.
Although these procedures can prevent the need for open surgery, they do carry risks. Interventional radiology procedures can cause injuries to nearby blood vessels, organs, or nerves.
Long-Term Consequences and Conditions Associated With Radiology Errors
Radiology mistakes are not simply imaging errors; they can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment that worsen a patient’s condition when it could have been mitigated with early intervention.
Medical conditions that form the foundation of a radiology error claim include:
- Cancer that progresses due to delayed diagnosis
- Stroke or brain injuries that were not recognized on imaging
- Missed fractures that lead to chronic pain or improper fusing/healing
- Blood clots that go on to cause pulmonary embolism
- Internal bleeding and related complications
- Infections that spread due to deficient imaging findings
When these conditions are not identified promptly, patients may require more invasive treatment or long-term medical care. In the most serious cases, diagnostic failures involving radiology can lead to wrongful death.
Get Started By Contacting a Las Cruces Radiology Malpractice Lawyer Today
Radiology errors can put patients on the back foot at a time when they need care to prevent future complications. If you believe a radiology error caused your medical condition to worsen, Coates & Johnson can help you step up and take legal action against those responsible.
We have 20+ years of experience handling these claims, and we’re ready to use that experience to get you justice — just like we have with thousands of clients across New Mexico. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an esteemed Las Cruces radiology malpractice lawyer for help.