Bernstein & Maryanoff

Florida Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Explaining the Risks of Failure to Read X-Rays

Despite medical advances in general that have made X-rays less prevalent in terms of medical tests than in the past, these X-rays remain an integral part of many diagnoses.  When an X-ray is taken, it’s meant to provide a close and accurate look at what’s happening inside the body of a patient.

Generally, X-rays are supposed to be closely examined so that doctors can formulate an accurate diagnosis.  When this does not occur, it can lead to disaster, and anyone who has suffered because of this mistake needs to secure the help of experienced Florida medical malpractice lawyers as soon as possible.  Below is an overview of this cause of action.

Reasons X-Rays are Ordered

Most people understand that X-rays are used to determine of bones have been broken, as this would be defined as the ‘classic’ use of this technology.  However, X-rays can also be used to detect the presence of foreign bodies inside of a person.  The most harmful foreign body that can be identified with the use of an X-ray test is a tumor, which would indicate the possibility that a patient has contracted cancer.

How X-Rays Should be Reviewed

Everyone who has spent any time in a hospital or clinic is familiar with the light screen that’s used to view X-rays.  Doctors are generally expected to place the film that’s generated on these screens in order to perform an in-depth analysis.  Unfortunately, many doctors are burdened with extreme workloads, and there are times when a doctor will simply hold the X-ray film up to the nearest light to quickly review the results.  Mistakes like this are what can lead to additional suffering in patients.

Consequences of Failing to Properly Read an X-Ray

The consequences of failing to properly read an X-ray result can be disastrous.  In the case of a broken bone, small fractures and other potential problems can be missed, and failing to diagnose these injuries can lead to the need for additional surgery and a failure to recover from those injuries as expected.

When someone fails to recognize the presence of a small tumor that could be cancerous, that could allow time for that tumor to grow and for cancer cells to spread when a timely identification of this problem could have made the challenge of fighting this cancer much more manageable.

Therefore, anyone who fails to properly read an X-ray test result is unnecessarily putting a patient’s health at risk.  If this has happened to you and you’ve suffered as a result, you need to seek the help of Florida medical malpractice lawyers who have made it their practice to hold those responsible for these mistakes accountable.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.