When you visit a Michigan hospital or clinic, you trust that medical imaging such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans will be read correctly. These tests play a pivotal role in diagnosing injuries, illnesses, or underlying medical emergencies. However, misreading an X-ray or scan can lead to devastating consequences. If a healthcare provider fails to interpret your imaging correctly, resulting in harm, you may have grounds for a Michigan medical malpractice claim. In this article, we’ll explain what constitutes radiology errors, how they happen, the impact on patients, your legal rights, and how an experienced Michigan medical malpractice lawyer can help.

Understanding Radiology Errors in Michigan Medical Malpractice

Radiology errors occur when a healthcare provider misinterprets, overlooks, or fails to report critical findings on medical imaging. This misreading can delay an accurate diagnosis or lead to improper treatment. In Michigan, medical malpractice claims for misreading X-rays or scans often involve situations where a radiologist, emergency room doctor, or specialist fails to identify a broken bone, tumor, blood clot, stroke, or another serious condition.

For example, a radiologist might miss a lung mass on a chest X-ray, delaying a cancer diagnosis until the disease is far advanced. Another scenario could involve a brain bleed that goes undetected on a CT scan, resulting in a patient’s death or irreversible disability. These are not just unfortunate mistakes—they can amount to professional negligence when the provider’s conduct falls below the standard expected of similarly trained professionals.

Michigan law recognizes that timely and accurate interpretation of diagnostic images is essential. If a misreading of your scans contributed to your injury, you have the right to consult a top-rated medical malpractice lawyer to review your case and protect your interests.

How Do Radiology Misreads Happen?

Radiology is a complex field, and even skilled practitioners can make mistakes. Misreads may result from a variety of factors, including:

• Workload and Fatigue: Overworked radiologists may rush through scans, increasing the risk of missing subtle signs of disease.
• Communication Breakdowns: Critical findings might not be quickly or clearly relayed to the treating physician, delaying necessary care.
• Inadequate Experience or Training: Some providers may not have experience with rare conditions or complex cases, leading to misinterpretation.
• Outdated Technology: Poor image quality or malfunctioning equipment can make it harder to see abnormalities.
• Failure to Compare Prior Scans: Not reviewing previous images can cause a radiologist to miss changes in a patient’s health over time.

These errors happen far more often than most people realize. In fact, diagnostic mistakes—including misreading X-rays or scans—are among the leading causes of medical malpractice claims nationwide. When providers overlook signs of a stroke, cancer, fracture, or infection, the patient may suffer severe harm that could have been prevented with proper attention.

Consequences of Misread X-rays and Scans

The consequences of a misread X-ray or scan can be life-altering. A delayed or missed diagnosis can allow a disease to progress, resulting in unnecessary pain, prolonged treatment, or even death. For instance, failing to diagnose a stroke on a CT scan can result in permanent brain damage or loss of independence. Similarly, missing a tumor may mean that cancer is not discovered until it is no longer curable.

Medical malpractice victims often face additional surgeries, more aggressive therapies, prolonged hospitalizations, and emotional trauma. In Michigan, families affected by such errors may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses for additional treatments
• Lost wages and diminished future earning potential
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and anxiety
• Long-term disability or loss of quality of life

A medical malpractice lawyer can help you document these damages and fight for the full monetary compensation you deserve.

Proving a Michigan Medical Malpractice Case for Radiology Errors

To succeed in a Michigan medical malpractice claim, you must prove several essential elements:

1. Doctor-Patient Relationship: You must show the provider agreed to treat you or interpret your scan.
2. Breach of Standard of Care: The provider failed to act as a reasonable medical professional would have under similar circumstances.
3. Causation: The provider’s error directly caused your injury or worsened your condition.
4. Damages: You suffered legally recognized harm such as additional medical bills, pain, or lost income.

For radiology errors, this often requires expert testimony from another radiologist or physician in the same specialty. They review your scans and medical records to determine whether the misread was something a competent professional should have avoided. In Michigan, this expert affidavit is required to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.

If you suspect you or a loved one has been harmed due to a misread X-ray or scan, acting quickly is critical. Michigan has strict deadlines—known as statutes of limitation—for filing a medical malpractice claim. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from recovering any compensation, regardless of the severity of the provider’s error.

Why You Need a Michigan Medical Malpractice Attorney

Navigating a medical malpractice case is complex and challenging, especially when it involves technical medical evidence and expert witnesses. Insurance companies and hospital lawyers often fight hard to avoid paying out claims. That’s why having an experienced Michigan medical malpractice lawyer on your side is essential.

A skilled attorney can:

• Investigate your case and obtain crucial medical records
• Consult with qualified medical experts to support your claim
• Handle all communications and negotiations with insurers or hospital representatives
• Advocate for your rights in court, if necessary
• Pursue full and fair compensation for all your losses

The team at Sommers Schwartz, P.C. has a proven track record of successfully representing Michigan families in radiology malpractice cases. If you believe your injuries were caused by a misread scan or X-ray, reach out for a free consultation with a medical malpractice attorney to explore your options and protect your future.

FAQs About Michigan Medical Malpractice for Misreading X-rays or Scans

What if more than one doctor misread my scan? 

You can bring a claim against any and all providers whose negligence contributed to your harm. In some cases, both the radiologist and the treating physician may be held responsible if each failed to recognize or act on the findings. A medical malpractice lawyer can help identify all liable parties.

How long do I have to file a medical malpractice claim in Michigan? 

Michigan law generally gives you two years from the date of the negligent act or six months from the date you discovered the malpractice (but not more than six years from the incident) to file a claim. There can be exceptions, so contact an attorney right away to avoid losing your rights.

Will I need to go to court to win compensation? 

Many Michigan medical malpractice cases settle out of court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Can I afford to hire a medical malpractice attorney?

At Sommers Schwartz, P.C., medical malpractice lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only owe legal fees if your case is successful.

Other Resources About Emergency Room Errors

• Premature Discharge of Critical Patients Michigan Medical Malpractice Cases
• Incorrect Medication or Treatment Under Pressure Michigan Medical Malpractice Cases
• Misreading X-rays or Scans Michigan Medical Malpractice Claims
• Failure to Triage Properly in Michigan Medical Malpractice Claims