Pittsburgh Radiology Errors Attorney

Legal Help After a Serious Radiology Error

When an X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or other imaging study is read incorrectly, the result can be a missed diagnosis, a dangerous delay in treatment, or the wrong procedure altogether. If you believe a radiology error contributed to a serious change in your health or a loved one’s outcome, you may be wondering whether you have any legal options and where to turn for answers.

At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., we help patients and families understand what happened and whether a radiology mistake is grounds for a medical malpractice claim. From our office in Pittsburgh, we have spent decades representing people whose lives were disrupted by preventable injuries and medical negligence. We know that you may be facing frightening medical news, financial strain, and a lot of uncertainty about the future.

For more than 40 years, our attorneys have pursued meaningful recoveries for clients across Pennsylvania, and we offer free initial consultations and contingency-based fees. You can talk with a radiology errors lawyer in Pittsburgh without paying anything upfront, so you can focus on getting clear, honest guidance about your situation.

Contact us today at (844) 383-0565 to schedule a free consultation.

Understanding Radiology Errors and Medical Malpractice

Radiology errors occur when a medical imaging study is improperly performed, interpreted incorrectly, or not communicated to the treating physician in a timely manner. These errors may violate the accepted standard of care expected of reasonably competent radiologists under similar circumstances. When a radiology error directly causes patient harm, it may form the basis of a medical malpractice claim under Pennsylvania law.

Because radiology often influences critical treatment decisions, even a single mistake can have lasting consequences. Our Pittsburgh radiology error lawyers work with medical experts to review imaging records, radiology reports, and hospital protocols to determine whether negligence occurred.

Common Types of Radiology Errors

Radiology errors can happen at many stages of the imaging process. Some of the most common types include:

• Misinterpretation of Imaging Results: A radiologist may overlook tumors, fractures, internal bleeding, or other abnormalities visible on scans.
• Failure to Diagnose: Imaging may clearly show signs of cancer, stroke, or infection, but the radiologist fails to identify or report them.
• Delayed Diagnosis: A condition is eventually identified, but the delay allows the disease or injury to worsen.
• Incorrect Diagnosis: The radiologist identifies the wrong condition, leading to unnecessary or harmful treatment.
• Failure to Communicate Results: Critical or abnormal findings are not promptly communicated to the treating physician.
• Poor Image Quality: Improper imaging techniques or equipment errors result in unclear or unusable images.
• Failure to Order Appropriate Imaging: A healthcare provider fails to order necessary imaging studies that would have revealed the correct diagnosis.

Any of these errors can place a patient’s health and life at risk.

Common Causes of Radiology Errors

Radiology errors are often preventable and may stem from systemic problems within healthcare facilities. Common causes include:

• Heavy Workloads and Fatigue: Overworked radiologists may be expected to interpret hundreds of images per day.
• Inadequate Training or Experience: Lack of specialization or insufficient training can lead to missed findings.
• Communication Breakdowns: Poor communication between radiologists, technicians, and physicians can delay care.
• Outdated or Faulty Equipment: Aging imaging machines may produce lower-quality images.
• Time Pressure: Emergency settings often require rapid decisions, increasing the risk of mistakes.
• Failure to Review Patient History: Ignoring prior imaging or clinical history can lead to inaccurate conclusions.

When healthcare providers prioritize speed or cost over patient safety, serious errors can occur.

The Impact of Radiology Errors

The consequences of a radiology error can be life-altering. Patients may suffer both physically and emotionally due to delayed or improper treatment. The impact may include:

• Progression of cancer or other serious illnesses
• Reduced treatment options due to late diagnosis
• Permanent disability or loss of bodily function
• Unnecessary surgeries or invasive procedures
• Increased medical expenses and long-term care needs
• Emotional distress, anxiety, and loss of quality of life
• Wrongful death in the most severe cases

Our Pittsburgh radiology error lawyer can help calculate the full scope of damages and fight for compensation that reflects both current and future losses.

Recovering Compensation for Radiology Errors in Pennsylvania

Under Pennsylvania medical malpractice law, injured patients may be entitled to recover compensation if negligence can be proven. Potential damages may include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Costs of rehabilitation or long-term care
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Medical malpractice cases in Pennsylvania are subject to strict procedural requirements and filing deadlines. Working with an experienced Pittsburgh radiology error lawyer is essential to protect your rights and build a strong case.

Radiology Error FAQs

What is considered a radiology error?

A radiology error occurs when an imaging study is incorrectly performed, interpreted, or communicated, resulting in patient harm.

Do all radiology mistakes qualify as malpractice?

No. To qualify as malpractice, the error must fall below the accepted standard of care and directly cause injury or worsened health outcomes.

How long do I have to file a radiology error claim in Pennsylvania?

Medical malpractice claims are subject to strict statutes of limitations. In most cases, you must file within a limited time after discovering the injury.

Who can be held responsible for a radiology error?

Liable parties may include radiologists, hospitals, imaging centers, technicians, or other healthcare providers.

Do I need a Pittsburgh radiology error lawyer to file a claim?

Medical malpractice cases are highly complex. An experienced Pittsburgh radiology error lawyer can navigate legal requirements, gather expert testimony, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.

Why Patients Trust Our Pittsburgh Radiology Error Lawyers

If you are dealing with the consequences of a possible imaging mistake, you need a legal team with the experience and resources to handle complex medical questions. Our firm has represented injured individuals and families for more than four decades in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Over that time, we have handled tens of thousands of cases involving serious harm, including many that required careful analysis of medical records and diagnostic decisions.

Our track record includes numerous multimillion-dollar recoveries in high-stakes cases. One representative result is a $3.5 million recovery for a client whose spinal injury was misdiagnosed. That case involved a delayed understanding of a serious condition, which is very similar to what often happens when a radiology error prevents timely treatment. We also secured $7.5 million in an industrial accident case and $6 million for oil and gas workers injured on the job. These results show that we are prepared to pursue significant compensation when negligence causes life-changing harm.

Members of our team have been recognized by organizations such as Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Lawyers of Distinction, and National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Robert N. Peirce, Jr. is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and multiple federal courts, which reflects many years of serious litigation work. Just as important, we are known for clear communication and personal attention. With more than 200 online reviews averaging about 4.3 stars, our firm has built a reputation for treating clients with dignity and respect while fighting for their interests.

To discuss your situation with a radiology errors attorney in Pittsburgh, call (844) 383-0565 or contact us online today.