Utah Radiation Exposure Lawsuit: Were Corners Cut on Safety at St. George CT Lab?
In St. George, Utah, a recent lawsuit has brought to light serious concerns about radiation safety protocols at a local CT lab. The case, St. George Endocrine and Diabetes Clinic v. CRC Construction, B & S Drywall, and Medical Physics Consultants, raises critical questions about whether negligence and cost-cutting measures may have led to dangerous radiation exposure for clinic employees, including children. This incident underscores the potential risks associated with medical imaging and the importance of stringent safety standards.
The Alarming Discovery: Radiation Leaks and Illnesses
In September 2025, the St. George Endocrine and Diabetes Clinic, part of Intermountain Health, filed a lawsuit alleging that a neighboring CT imaging center leaked radiation through a shared wall. According to the complaint, the clinic is suing CRC Construction, B & S Drywall, and Medical Physics Consultants, claiming they failed to properly install lead-lined walls to contain radiation. The lawsuit states that Intermountain Health hired Medical Physics Consultants to design shielding plans for a new CT lab. Those plans called for a lead-lined drywall to keep radiation out of neighboring offices. Intermountain Health hired CRC Construction to execute the plans. CRC Constructed subcontracted B & S Drywall.
The situation began to unfold when employees of the diabetes clinic started experiencing a range of troubling symptoms, including headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and drowsiness. Clinic Director Paulette Valentine suspected radiation poisoning after her employees fell sick. They cut a hole into the adjoining wall to test their theory, finding no protective lining between the two offices.
Testing later confirmed unsafe levels of radiation, leading to the lawsuit. Disturbingly, it’s been reported that 27 people, including three children, were exposed to excessive levels of radiation. One individual has since been diagnosed with leukemia.
Negligence and Failed Safety Nets
A central issue in the lawsuit is the allegation that corners were cut during the construction and inspection phases of the CT lab. Attorney Nate Langston, with St. George-based McMullin Injury Law, representing the clinic, expressed concerns about the lack of lead lining in the walls and the fact that a post-construction scatter survey gave a passing grade despite the absence of proper shielding. “We don’t know yet why the construction company or drywall company didn’t put lead lining in the walls. Even more perplexing is how the post-construction scatter survey came back with a passing grade,” Langston stated. “That should have been the safety net to catch any problems with the construction, and it failed.”
The Risks of Radiation Exposure: A Stark Reminder
This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of radiation exposure. While medical imaging, such as CT scans, plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating various conditions, it also carries inherent risks. Ionizing radiation, the type used in CT scans and X-rays, has the potential to damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer.
Each CT scan exposes a patient to significantly more radiation than a standard X-ray. While the National Cancer Institute estimates the extra risk of developing fatal cancer from a typical CT scan is about 1 in 2,000, this risk is cumulative and can be higher with repeated exposure.
Understanding Medical Malpractice in Utah
In Utah, medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s negligence falls below the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or death to a patient. To establish a medical malpractice claim, it must be proven that:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed.
- The medical provider failed to meet the appropriate standard of care.
- This failure caused the victim’s injuries.
- Those injuries resulted in damages to the victim.
Damages can include economic losses (medical expenses, lost earnings) and non-economic losses (pain and suffering, mental anguish).
Legal Considerations and Time Limits
It’s important to be aware of the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims in Utah. Generally, a lawsuit must be filed within two years after the patient discovers, or should have discovered, the injury. There is also a statute of repose, which sets a broader deadline of four years from the date of the alleged negligence, regardless of when the injury was discovered.
What to Do If You Suspect Radiation Exposure
If you believe you or a loved one has been exposed to excessive radiation due to negligence at a medical facility, it’s crucial to take the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Consult a physician to assess any potential health effects and receive appropriate medical monitoring.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your symptoms, medical treatments, and any communication with the medical facility involved.
- Consult an Attorney: Contact a qualified medical malpractice attorney to discuss your legal options and protect your rights.
The Role of Regulatory Oversight
This case also highlights the importance of regulatory oversight in ensuring radiation safety. State and federal agencies are responsible for setting and enforcing standards for medical imaging facilities, including requirements for shielding, equipment maintenance, and staff training. When these standards are not met, and negligence occurs, patients can suffer severe consequences.
The Bigger Picture: Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA)
It’s worth noting that Utah has a history of grappling with the effects of radiation exposure. The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) is a federal law that provides compensation to individuals who developed certain illnesses after exposure to radiation from U.S. nuclear weapons testing. While RECA primarily addresses historical exposures from nuclear testing, it underscores the government’s recognition of the long-term health consequences associated with radiation. The act was reinstated in July 2025 and expanded to include the entire state of Utah.
Moving Forward: Ensuring Patient Safety
The Utah Radiation Exposure Lawsuit serves as a wake-up call for the medical community and regulatory agencies. It is imperative that healthcare facilities prioritize patient safety above all else, adhering to the highest standards of care and investing in robust safety protocols. When corners are cut, and negligence occurs, the consequences can be devastating.