Zayed Law Offices is proud to serve Chicago and communities across Illinois with experienced personal injury representation, including cases involving radiological errors. X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds play a critical role in diagnosing serious medical conditions, and physicians throughout Cook County rely heavily on radiologists to accurately interpret these images. When a radiologist misses a visible abnormality, misinterprets a scan, or fails to communicate urgent findings, patients can suffer serious harm from a diagnosis that never should have been missed.
Radiological errors are often difficult for patients to detect on their own, since the mistake happens behind the scenes during image interpretation rather than during a direct examination. Zayed Law Offices works with experienced radiology experts to investigate these cases and hold negligent providers accountable for imaging errors that cause preventable harm.
Harmed by a radiology error in Chicago? Contact Zayed Law Offices for the representation you deserve — no fee unless we win.
Common Types of Radiological Errors
Radiological errors can occur at several points in the imaging process, from the initial scan through the final reported diagnosis. Zayed Law Offices investigates claims involving:
- Failure to identify a visible tumor, fracture, or other abnormality on an image
- Misinterpreting an imaging study, leading to an incorrect diagnosis
- Failure to compare current images with prior studies to identify changes over time
- Failure to order additional imaging when initial results are inconclusive
- Mislabeling images or attributing results to the wrong patient
- Poor image quality due to improper positioning or technique
- Failure to communicate urgent or critical findings to the ordering physician in a timely manner
- Incomplete or inaccurate radiology reports
- Failure to recognize subtle signs of a serious condition
Because radiologists often interpret large volumes of images under significant time pressure, thorough review and clear communication with the ordering physician are essential to preventing serious diagnostic errors.
Conditions Frequently Affected by Radiological Errors
Certain conditions are particularly dependent on accurate imaging interpretation for timely diagnosis and treatment. Zayed Law Offices investigates radiological error claims involving:
- Cancer, including tumors visible on mammograms, CT scans, or MRIs
- Fractures, particularly subtle or hairline fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ injuries following trauma
- Blood clots and pulmonary embolisms
- Aortic aneurysms and vascular abnormalities
- Strokes visible on brain imaging
- Spinal injuries and abnormalities
- Appendicitis and other conditions identifiable on abdominal imaging
Because these conditions often require prompt treatment once identified, a missed or delayed radiological finding can significantly worsen a patient’s ultimate outcome.
Consequences of Radiological Errors
The harm caused by a radiological error often stems from the resulting delay in treatment for a condition that was, in fact, visible on imaging all along. Zayed Law Offices regularly assists clients and families dealing with:
- Progression of an otherwise treatable condition to a more advanced stage
- Need for more extensive or invasive treatment than would have otherwise been necessary
- Reduced chances of full recovery or survival
- Additional medical expenses resulting from delayed treatment
- Extended pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Wrongful death
Because the underlying finding was often already present on the image, these cases can be especially frustrating for patients and families who later learn that an accurate diagnosis was possible from the start.
Proving a Radiological Error Claim Under Illinois Law
Illinois law requires a patient alleging a radiological error to show that a radiologist or imaging technician deviated from the accepted standard of care and that this deviation caused harm that would not have occurred with an accurate interpretation. These cases typically involve a detailed review of the imaging studies themselves, along with testimony from qualified radiology experts to establish whether a reasonably careful radiologist would have identified the abnormality.
Illinois law also requires that a medical malpractice lawsuit be supported by an affidavit of merit from a qualified healthcare professional before the case can proceed. Zayed Law Offices works with experienced radiology experts to closely review your imaging studies and reports to determine whether a missed or misinterpreted finding caused your injury.
Illinois’ Statute of Limitations for Radiological Error Claims
Illinois generally requires medical malpractice claims to be filed within two years of the date the injury was discovered, or reasonably should have been discovered, but no later than four years from the date of the negligent act itself. Because radiological errors are often not identified until a later scan reveals a missed finding, the discovery rule can play an important role in determining when the filing period begins. Consulting an attorney promptly helps ensure important deadlines are not missed.
Illinois’ Modified Comparative Fault Rule
Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning an injured patient can recover compensation as long as they are found less than 51 percent at fault for their own harm. In radiological error cases, defense teams sometimes argue that a finding was subtle or ambiguous, or that the patient failed to seek follow-up care after receiving results. Thorough expert review of the actual images is essential to countering these defenses.
What to Do If You Suspect a Radiological Error
If you or a loved one experienced harm that may be linked to a missed or misinterpreted imaging study, taking the right steps can help protect both your health and your legal rights.
- Request complete copies of your imaging studies and radiology reports
- Seek a second opinion, including an independent review of the original images
- Keep a written timeline of your symptoms, imaging studies, and subsequent diagnoses
- Document any delays between your imaging study and when a diagnosis was ultimately made
- Avoid signing any statements provided by a hospital or its insurer before speaking with an attorney
The sooner Zayed Law Offices becomes involved, the sooner we can begin reviewing your imaging studies and consulting with qualified radiology experts.
Why Chicago Patients Trust Zayed Law Offices
Zayed Law Offices is a nationally recognized personal injury firm known for taking on complex medical malpractice claims that require detailed medical knowledge and access to qualified experts. Led by attorney Adam Zayed, the firm has represented patients and families throughout Cook County, including matters brought before the Cook County Circuit Court at the Richard J. Daley Center, and understands the procedural requirements unique to Illinois radiological error claims.
These cases require careful, independent review of the actual imaging studies by qualified radiology experts. Our team works to build the strongest possible case, allowing clients and their families to focus on treatment and recovery. Consultations are always free, and there is no fee unless we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Radiological Error Claims
How do I know if my imaging study was misread?
Determining whether a radiological error occurred typically requires an independent review of the actual images by a qualified radiology expert, who can compare what was visible on the scan with what was ultimately reported.
Why does Illinois require an affidavit of merit for these claims?
Illinois law requires a qualified healthcare professional to confirm a reasonable basis for the malpractice claim before a lawsuit can proceed, helping ensure claims are supported by credible medical review.
How long do I have to file a radiological error claim in Illinois?
Claims generally must be filed within two years of discovering the injury, but no later than four years from the date of the negligent act, with the discovery rule often applying since these errors are frequently identified later.
What if my finding was described as subtle or difficult to see?
Even subtle findings may still fall below the accepted standard of care if a reasonably careful radiologist would have identified them. Expert review of the images can help determine whether the standard was met.
Can I file a claim if a loved one died due to a missed radiology finding?
Yes. Illinois law allows family members to bring a wrongful death claim when a radiological error contributes to a loved one’s death.
What does it cost to hire Zayed Law Offices?
Nothing upfront. Zayed Law Offices handles radiological error cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no cost unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact Zayed Law Offices Today
Patients and families across Chicago have trusted Zayed Law Offices when they needed a powerful advocate after a missed or misread imaging study. Don’t wait — important filing deadlines could limit your right to recover. Contact Zayed Law Offices today for your free consultation.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Chicago, IL
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys
Address:
10 S La Salle St STE 1230
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone:
(312) 726-1616
Business Hours:
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