CT Scan Radiation Burns: Seeking Legal Recourse for Excessive Exposure

Each year, millions of Americans undergo CT scans, a powerful diagnostic tool that uses X-rays to create detailed images of the body. While generally safe, CT scans involve radiation exposure, and in rare cases, excessive exposure can lead to radiation burns. If you or a loved one has suffered radiation burns following a CT scan, understanding your legal rights and options is crucial.

Understanding CT Scans and Radiation Exposure

A Computerized Tomography (CT) scan, also known as a CAT scan, combines multiple X-ray images taken from different angles to create cross-sectional views of bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues inside your body. CT scans are valuable for diagnosing a wide range of conditions, from bone fractures to tumors.

However, CT scans use ionizing radiation, which, at high doses, can damage cells and tissues. While the radiation dose from a single CT scan is generally considered low, the cumulative effect of multiple scans can increase the risk of adverse effects. According to the FDA, it is important that health care professionals always assess whether patients have been overexposed.

What are Radiation Burns from CT Scans?

Radiation burns, also known as radiation dermatitis, occur when the skin and underlying tissues are damaged by excessive exposure to ionizing radiation. These burns can range from mild redness and skin irritation to severe blistering and tissue damage.

Symptoms of radiation burns may include:

Reddening of the skin (erythema)
Dryness
Itching
Peeling
Blisters
Swelling
Hair loss
Flaking of the scalp
Pain

In some cases, radiation overexposure from CT scans can also lead to long-term health complications, such as an increased risk of cancer.

Causes of CT Scan Radiation Burns

Radiation burns from CT scans are rare but can occur due to several factors, including:

Equipment Malfunction: Faulty CT scan machines or improper calibration can result in excessive radiation output. Regular calibration of CT scan machines is important to ensure they are operating with the correct radiation output.
Human Error: Technologist errors, such as using incorrect settings or failing to adjust the radiation dose based on patient size and age, can lead to overexposure. Lack of proper training for radiology technicians can also contribute to this issue.
Unnecessary Scans: Undergoing multiple CT scans, especially when not medically necessary, increases cumulative radiation exposure. The FDA states that radiation overexposure from CT scans can occur during unnecessary follow-up tests.
Defective Equipment Design: In some instances, the design of the CT scanner itself may contribute to the risk of overexposure.

Legal Recourse for CT Scan Radiation Burns: Medical Malpractice

If you have suffered radiation burns due to a CT scan, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional’s negligence results in injury to a patient.

To pursue a successful medical malpractice claim for CT scan radiation burns, you typically need to demonstrate the following:

Duty of Care: The healthcare provider (e.g., radiologist, technician, or hospital) had a duty to provide you with a certain standard of care.
Breach of Duty: The healthcare provider breached this duty of care by acting negligently. This could involve using excessive radiation, failing to properly calibrate equipment, or ordering unnecessary scans.
Causation: The healthcare provider’s negligence directly caused your radiation burns.
Damages: You have suffered damages as a result of the radiation burns, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and long-term health complications.

Who is Liable?

Several parties could be held liable in a CT scan radiation burn case, including:

Radiologist: The radiologist who ordered or interpreted the CT scan.
Technician: The technician who performed the CT scan.
Hospital or Clinic: The facility where the CT scan was performed.
Equipment Manufacturer: The manufacturer of the CT scan machine, if a defect in the equipment contributed to the overexposure.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Radiation Burns

If you believe you have suffered radiation burns following a CT scan, take the following steps:

Seek Medical Attention: Consult a doctor immediately to assess the extent of your burns and receive appropriate treatment.
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your symptoms, medical treatments, and any communication with healthcare providers. Take photos of the affected areas.
Obtain Medical Records: Request copies of your CT scan reports, radiology records, and other relevant medical documentation.
Consult an Attorney: Contact a qualified personal injury attorney with experience in medical malpractice and radiation injury cases.

Compensation for Radiation Burn Injuries

If you have a valid medical malpractice claim, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:

Medical Expenses: Past and future costs of treating your radiation burns and related health complications.
Lost Income: Wages lost due to your injuries, including both past and future earnings.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the radiation burns.
Long-Term Care: Costs associated with ongoing medical care, therapy, or assistance needed due to long-term health effects.
Punitive Damages: In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the healthcare provider’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless.

Statute of Limitations

Each state has a statute of limitations, which sets a deadline for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. It is crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable time frame.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Radiation burns from CT scans can have devastating consequences, leading to significant pain, disfigurement, and long-term health problems. If you or a loved one has experienced such an injury, seeking legal recourse is essential to protect your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.