Understanding Radiology Errors and How to Fight for Compensation

A radiology error medical malpractice lawsuit in Michigan may be possible when a medical professional's failure to meet the accepted standard of care directly causes harm to a patient.

While not every mistake is grounds for a lawsuit, a medical malpractice lawyer can help determine if a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis resulted from negligence.

Legal insights obtained during a free case evaluation with Goodman Acker, P.C., can help clarify your rights and the potential for pursuing compensation for the harm caused by a failure to correctly interpret medical imaging.

Key Takeaways About Why Legal Representation Matters in Radiology Error Medical Malpractice Lawsuits in Michigan

• Proving negligence requires legal and medical insight. A lawyer can coordinate with qualified experts to show how the care provided fell short of what a reasonably skilled radiologist would have done in similar circumstances.


• Strict deadlines make timely action critical. Michigan law generally allows two years from the date of the negligent act to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Legal professionals can help determine the correct timeline for your case and take action before deadlines pass.


• An affidavit of merit is a legal requirement. Filing a radiology error lawsuit in Michigan requires an affidavit of merit supporting the validity of the claim. Lawyers handle this step to ensure the case meets legal standards and moves forward.


• Damages reflect the full impact of the error. Compensation in radiology malpractice cases can address both financial losses, such as medical bills and lost income, as well as personal losses, including pain and suffering. Legal professionals can calculate these damages to reflect the true cost of the error while navigating Michigan’s caps on non-economic damages.


• Communication failures can be a key factor in liability. Lawyers can investigate whether a communication breakdown contributed to the injury and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

How To Prove Negligence in a Michigan Radiology Malpractice Case

The catastrophic events following a radiology error can make it challenging to handle basic routine tasks, let alone build a strong case demonstrating negligence and the right to seek compensation.

For those suffering from medical malpractice injuries, proving liability may be more effectively done with the help of a legal professional from Goodman Acker, P.C., who can work to demonstrate:

• The radiologist had a responsibility to provide accurate care. When a doctor orders a scan, the radiologist interpreting it takes on a duty to provide accurate and thorough results. This responsibility exists even if the patient never meets the radiologist in person.


• The radiologist failed to meet professional standards. These medical professionals are expected to interpret scans with a specific standard of care and diligence.If a critical finding was missed or misinterpreted, it may indicate that the care provided fell short of these standards.


• The mistake caused harm that could have been avoided. A delayed or incorrect diagnosis can lead to more invasive treatments, a poorer prognosis, or other complications. For example, failing to identify a tumor on a scan may allow the condition to worsen, requiring more aggressive care.


• The harm resulted in significant losses. These losses can include medical expenses, lost income, and the emotional toll of living with a worsened condition. A lawyer can help document these impacts to build a case for compensation.

Proving negligence in a radiology malpractice case often requires gathering detailed medical records, consulting with experts, and presenting evidence in a way that clearly connects the radiologist’s actions to the harm caused.

Legal professionals can handle these complexities, allowing patients to focus on their recovery while pursuing the compensation they may be entitled to under the law.

Common Scenarios That Can Lead to a Radiology Misdiagnosis Claim in Michigan

Radiology errors can happen in any medical setting, from a large hospital in Detroit to a local clinic in Grand Rapids. Certain scenarios appear more frequently in malpractice claims.

A Sterling Heights medical malpractice lawyer for radiology mistakes can help investigate the circumstances of your case to see if negligence played a role.

Common claim types a lawyer may be able to assist with include:

• Misdiagnosis of cancer: A missed tumor on a mammogram, CT scan, or MRI can rob a patient of the chance for early, less invasive treatment. When cancer is allowed to grow and spread, the prognosis can become much worse.


• Failure to identify a stroke or an aneurysm: A failure to identify these critical findings can be fatal or lead to permanent brain damage. Quick action is needed in these cases, and a misread scan can eliminate that window of opportunity.


• Misdiagnosis of fractures: An X-ray misdiagnosis of a fracture in Michigan can lead to improper healing, chronic pain, and the need for corrective surgery. This is particularly common in emergency rooms where staff are busy and may not give an X-ray the detailed attention it requires.


• Errors in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans: These scans are often used to see if cancer has spread. An error in reading a PET scan could lead to a patient receiving unnecessary, harsh chemotherapy or, conversely, not receiving treatment that is desperately needed.

In each of these scenarios, the key is determining whether the error was a reasonable mistake or a failure to uphold the professional standard of care.

Gathering all the relevant medical records and radiology reports for a malpractice claim is a critical first step that a legal professional can assist with.

Understanding Deadlines for Filing a Michigan Radiology Error Lawsuit

If you believe you have been harmed by a radiology error, acting promptly is necessary to keep your claim on track to recover the maximum compensation you may be eligible for under the law.

Michigan’s medical malpractice lawsuits are governed by specific statutes, including MCL 600.5805, which outlines the time limits for filing claims.

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from seeking compensation:

• You generally have two years to file a claim. Michigan law allows two years from the date of the negligent act to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. This is the primary statute of limitations for these cases.


• The six-month discovery rule may extend your deadline. If the error wasn’t immediately apparent, Michigan law provides six months from the date you discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, the malpractice to file your claim.


• The six-year statute of repose sets a final cut-off. With very few exceptions, Michigan law prohibits filing a medical malpractice lawsuit more than six years after the negligent act, regardless of when the injury was discovered.

These deadlines can be complex, and certain factors may alter them. A Southfield radiology error attorney can analyze the specifics of your case, determine the correct filing deadline, and work to protect your legal rights.

It’s easy to miss the fact that a radiology error may have led to your injuries. But don’t delay seeking legal support to understand your rights in pursuing compensation.

Contact Goodman Acker PC online or at (248) 831-1507 to schedule a free case evaluation exploring your legal rights and options.

What Kind of Compensation Is Available in a Radiology Error Lawsuit?

Compensation in a radiology error lawsuit addresses the harm caused by negligence, helping victims recover from the financial and personal toll of their injuries.

A legal professional can help identify the full range of damages you may be eligible to pursue, including:

• Medical expenses related to the error. This includes costs for surgeries, hospital stays, medications, rehabilitation, and any future care needed due to the misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis.


• Lost income and reduced earning potential. Compensation may cover wages lost during recovery and account for long-term impacts on your ability to work if the injury results in a permanent disability.


• Pain and suffering from the injury. This reflects the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the radiology error and its consequences.


• Loss of enjoyment of life. If the injury prevents you from participating in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed, this loss may be included in your claim.


• Wrongful death damages for families. If a radiology error leads to a patient’s death, their family may seek compensation for loss of companionship, financial support, and other related damages.

Calculating damages in a radiology malpractice case requires a thorough understanding of Michigan’s medical malpractice laws, including caps on non-economic damages.

A lawyer can collaborate with financial and medical professionals to construct a case that accurately reflects the full impact of the error, enabling victims and their families to pursue the compensation they may be entitled to under the law.

Radiology Error Medical Malpractice Claim FAQs

What does a lawyer do to investigate a radiology error claim?

A lawyer gathers medical records, consults with medical professionals, and evaluates whether the radiologist failed to meet the standard of care. This process helps build a strong foundation for your case.

What paperwork is required to file a radiology malpractice lawsuit?

Filing a lawsuit involves submitting a Notice of Intent to sue and obtaining an Affidavit of Merit from a qualified medical professional. A lawyer handles these steps to ensure your case meets Michigan’s legal requirements.

How can a lawyer deal with insurance companies?

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A lawyer negotiates on your behalf, handling all communications and working to secure a fair settlement that reflects the full impact of the radiology error.

What happens if a settlement can’t be reached?

If negotiations fail, a lawyer can represent you in court, presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and advocating for your right to compensation.

Why is having a lawyer important in a radiology malpractice case?

A lawyer manages the legal complexities, allowing you to focus on your recovery. They work to identify all liable parties, navigate Michigan’s legal system, and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to under the law.

Speak with a Michigan Malpractice Lawyer From Goodman Acker P.C. for a Free Consultation Understanding Radiology Errors

If you believe a mistake on a medical scan has impacted your health, it’s time to explore your legal options. Radiology errors can lead to serious consequences, but you don’t have to face them alone.

The legal team at Goodman Acker PC is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to under Michigan law.

Contact Goodman Acker, P.C., for a free consultation. Call our Southfield office at (248) 831-1507 or reach out online to discuss your case and take the first step toward justice.