Accurate imaging is the foundation of modern medicine, playing a pivotal role in diagnosing everything from broken bones to cancer. In Michigan, as in the rest of the country, patients rely on radiologists and other healthcare professionals to correctly interpret MRI, CT, and X-ray scans. When these scans are misread or results are missed, the consequences can be devastating. At Sommers Schwartz, P.C., we see firsthand how the misinterpretation of scans can lead to severe injury, delayed treatment, and even wrongful death. Let’s explore how these errors occur, what victims can do, and how a Michigan medical malpractice lawyer can help protect your rights.

Understanding How Scan Misinterpretation Happens

Diagnostic imaging involves a complex process that requires both advanced technology and the experience of trained professionals. However, errors occur more often than many realize. Misinterpretation can result from a variety of causes, such as poorly taken images, rushed readings due to understaffing, outdated equipment, or simple human error. In Michigan hospitals and clinics, radiologists sometimes overlook subtle signs of conditions like cancer, strokes, or internal bleeding. For example, failing to recognize a growing mass on a CT scan or misreading an MRI after a stroke may result in a missed diagnosis or improper treatment plan.

These mistakes can drastically alter a patient’s future. A missed tumor might grow until it’s untreatable, or an undiagnosed brain bleed could lead to permanent disability. If you or a loved one experienced a life-changing outcome after a scan was misread, you could have a valid claim for medical malpractice.

The Real-World Impact of Misread Imaging in Michigan

The effects of a misinterpreted MRI, CT, or X-ray go far beyond delayed treatment. In many Michigan malpractice lawsuits, the harm includes not just prolonged illness, but also additional surgeries, pain, significant emotional distress, and the financial fallout of lost wages and ongoing care. Cases handled by our firm illustrate the seriousness of these errors. For instance, we have represented patients who underwent unnecessary surgeries due to false cancer diagnoses and families mourning the loss of a loved one after a critical brain hemorrhage was missed on a delayed CT scan report.

Consider this: One Michigan patient went to the ER with severe headaches and was sent home because her CT scan was incorrectly read as normal. Days later, she suffered a catastrophic stroke, leaving her permanently disabled. In another heartbreaking case, a delayed or missed diagnosis of cancer on imaging meant that by the time the error was caught, the cancer was too advanced for successful treatment. These stories are not isolated. They highlight why patients and families must hold healthcare providers accountable when imaging mistakes occur.

Legal Standards and Proving Malpractice in Michigan Scan Misinterpretation Cases

Bringing a claim for misinterpretation of radiology scans involves navigating complex legal and medical standards. First, you must show that a doctor-patient relationship existed, and that the radiologist or provider owed you a duty of care. The core of a Michigan medical malpractice attorney case is proving that the healthcare professional failed to act as a reasonably careful provider would have under similar circumstances. This often requires testimony from another radiologist or medical professional explaining how the scan should have been properly read and why the mistake represents a breach of the standard of care.

The next step is establishing causation, which means connecting the misreading directly to your injuries. For example, if a radiologist overlooked a mass on an X-ray, you must prove that this oversight led to worsened health outcomes or required more invasive treatment than would have been necessary if the problem had been caught promptly. In Michigan, it’s crucial to act quickly, as strict statutes of limitation apply to all medical malpractice lawsuits. Evidence, including medical records, radiology reports, and expert opinions, must be gathered and analyzed as soon as possible.

Compensation for Victims of Radiology Errors in Michigan

Victims of misinterpreted scans may be eligible for a wide range of damages under Michigan law. Compensation can include coverage for past and future medical bills, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and, in tragic cases, wrongful death. When a misinterpretation leads to permanent disability, victims may also receive damages for loss of enjoyment of life, ongoing therapy, and necessary modifications to the home or lifestyle.

Family members can also seek compensation for the loss of companionship or services of a loved one. The financial and personal burdens of a radiology error can be overwhelming, but a top-rated medical malpractice lawyer can fight for the full recovery you deserve. Our legal team works with respected medical experts and uses cutting-edge technology to analyze evidence, making a compelling case for fair compensation.

Your Next Steps: What to Do If You Suspect a Scan Was Misread

If you believe a misreading of an MRI, CT, or X-ray played a role in your health problems, it’s important to act decisively. Start by requesting copies of all your medical records and imaging studies. Many Michigan patients are surprised to learn that their original radiology reports often differ from subsequent opinions after the fact. Seek a second medical opinion as soon as possible, especially if your treatment or diagnosis has changed based on a new review of earlier scans.

Contact a medical malpractice lawyer familiar with Michigan law to evaluate your case. Attorneys at Sommers Schwartz, P.C. offer free consultations and will listen carefully to your story. We can help determine whether your situation meets the criteria for legal action and guide you through every step, from collecting records to filing a formal Notice of Intent and ultimately pursuing your claim in court if needed.

FAQs About Misinterpretation of Scans and Michigan Medical Malpractice Cases

What qualifies as medical malpractice when it comes to misread scans?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, and this failure leads to harm. In the context of MRI, CT, or X-ray interpretation, it means the provider overlooked important findings, misdiagnosed a condition, or delayed reporting critical results, resulting in a worse outcome for the patient.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit for a misread scan in Michigan?

Michigan law generally gives patients two years from the date of the negligent act or omission to file a medical malpractice claim. In certain situations, if the misinterpretation was discovered later, you may have six months from the date of discovery. However, no claim can be filed more than six years after the incident, except in rare cases involving fraud or concealment.

Can I sue if my diagnosis was delayed because of a radiology error?

Yes, a delayed diagnosis from a misread scan can form the basis of a medical malpractice claim if you can prove that the delay caused a significant worsening of your condition or required more extensive treatment than would have been necessary with a timely diagnosis.

What evidence will I need to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit for a scan error?

You will need your complete medical records, the original and any subsequent radiology reports, and expert medical testimony from a professional in the same field. Your Michigan medical malpractice lawyer will help gather and analyze this evidence to build your case.

Other Resources About Radiology and Imaging Malpractice

• Performing Unnecessary Imaging Procedures and Michigan Medical Malpractice Claims
• Delayed Reporting of Findings and Michigan Medical Malpractice Cases
• Failure to Identify Tumors or Fractures and Medical Malpractice Claims in Michigan
• Misinterpretation of Scans and Michigan Medical Malpractice Cases