CT Scan Misread? How One $8.2M Case Highlights the Dangers of Imaging Errors
When you walk into an emergency room with a serious medical concern, you trust that the tests ordered, especially critical imaging like CT scans, will be read accurately and acted upon swiftly. But what happens when that trust is broken?
A single mistake in reading a scan can lead to life-altering consequences. The legal team at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. has seen firsthand how devastating such errors can be. In one of our recent victories, a jury awarded $8.2 million to a woman whose brain aneurysm was misdiagnosed. This highlights just how dangerous radiological negligence can be.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a CT scan medical error, it’s important to understand what happened and how it could relate to your situation.
A Tragic Example of a Radiology Error
Our client was a woman in her 50s. She arrived at the ER with classic symptoms of a brain aneurysm: a sudden and severe headache accompanied by intense neck pain.
The emergency room staff ordered a CT scan, which should have identified the life-threatening condition immediately. But due to a radiology error, the scan was misread. No follow-up tests were ordered, and our client was discharged.
Days later, the untreated aneurysm ruptured, causing a massive brain bleed. Our client survived, but unfortunately, suffered permanent neurological damage. Her injuries resulted in the need for lifelong medical treatment and in-home care.
The jury recognized this for what it was: clear imaging malpractice. Our client was awarded $8.2 million to cover medical expenses, lost income, and the profound impact on her quality of life.
How Do CT Scan Misinterpretation Malpractice Cases Happen?
CT scans are powerful diagnostic tools, but they’re only as effective as the professionals interpreting them.
Radiologists, ER doctors, and other medical providers must carefully review imaging for signs of dangerous conditions like:
- Brain aneurysms
- Strokes
- Brain bleeds
- Tumors
- Fractures or internal injuries
Sadly, in too many cases, these critical signs are missed due to:
- Rushed reviews
- Inadequate communication between radiologists and emergency physicians
- Lack of proper follow-up on inconclusive or abnormal findings
- Failure to compare current scans with previous imaging
The Dangers of a Missed Brain Aneurysm or Undiagnosed Brain Bleed
A brain aneurysm misdiagnosis is among the most dangerous outcomes of a CT scan medical error. Aneurysms often present with subtle warning signs before rupture, giving doctors a critical window to intervene. When radiologists or ER doctors fail to identify these signs, patients lose that chance.
An undiagnosed brain bleed can progress rapidly, leading to:
- Stroke
- Seizures
- Cognitive impairment
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Death
Radiology Errors Could Be Grounds for Legal Action
Radiology malpractice occurs when a radiologist, physician, or some other health professional fails to meet the standard of care by overlooking clear signs on a scan or failing to communicate critical findings to the right person.
For you to prove CT scan misinterpretation malpractice, you must establish:
- A duty of care: The medical professionals involved had an obligation to provide competent diagnostic services.
- Breach of standard of care: The radiologist or doctor failed to interpret the imaging as a reasonably careful professional would have.
- Causation: This failure led to harm that could have been avoided with proper diagnosis.
- Damages: The patient suffered significant physical, financial, or emotional harm due to the delay or error.
At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we partner with leading medical experts to thoroughly review imaging records and pinpoint exactly where negligence occurred.
When the ER Fails
Even when abnormalities are spotted on a scan, patients can still fall victim to ER failure. Communication breakdowns between radiologists and ER staff, or failure to order further testing, often leave patients discharged without understanding the severity of their condition.
If you were sent home after a CT scan and later discovered a serious diagnosis that should have been caught earlier, you may be a victim of imaging malpractice.
The True Costs of CT Scan Medical Errors
The consequences of a radiology error in Colorado extend far beyond immediate medical complications. Victims could face:
- Extensive medical treatment: Surgeries, rehabilitation, and lifelong care.
- Lost wages: Time away from work or permanent inability to work.
- Emotional trauma: Coping with disability, reduced quality of life, and psychological distress.
- Family burden: Loved ones may need to provide ongoing care or suffer the financial impact of your condition.
Why Choose Leventhal Puga Braley P.C.?
Our firm has a proven track record of success in high-stakes medical malpractice cases, including those involving CT scan misinterpretation, brain aneurysm misdiagnosis, and undetected brain injuries.
We offer:
- Comprehensive Case Investigations
- Access to Top Radiology and Neurology Experts
- Aggressive Litigation Strategies
- Personalized Client Care
The $8.2 million verdict we secured for our client isn’t just a number. It represents our commitment to holding negligent medical providers accountable and ensuring our clients receive the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
What to Do If You Suspect a CT Scan Medical Error
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a CT scan misread, take these steps:
- Request all medical records and imaging reports. You have a right to review your diagnostic history.
- Seek a second opinion. If you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms after being cleared by a scan, consult another physician.
- Contact an experienced attorney. The sooner you act, the better your chances of securing justice.
Speak with an Experienced Colorado Imaging Error Malpractice Attorney
If you believe you’ve been harmed by a radiology error in Colorado, don’t wait. A single imaging error can change a life forever, but you can hold negligent providers accountable and protect your future with the right legal team on your side.
At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we have the necessary resources and experience to stand up to hospitals, radiologists, and their insurance companies. Our Denver medical malpractice attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers based on peer reviews and independent research. Call us today at (303) 759-9945 for a no-charge initial consultation.