CT Scan Concerns: Lawsuit Alleges Radiation Poisoning Symptoms Due to Negligence

Have you experienced unusual symptoms following a CT scan? You might be wondering if the scan could be the cause and what your legal options are. While CT scans are valuable diagnostic tools, concerns about radiation exposure and potential negligence are increasingly coming to light, sometimes leading to lawsuits. In 2023, approximately 93 million CT scans were performed in the U.S., highlighting the widespread use of this technology and the importance of understanding its risks. This blog post explores the issues surrounding CT scan radiation, potential symptoms of overexposure, and the legal avenues available if negligence is suspected.

Understanding CT Scans and Radiation Exposure

Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-rays to create detailed images of the body’s internal structures. While these scans provide crucial diagnostic information, they also expose patients to ionizing radiation, a known carcinogen. The amount of radiation from a CT scan is higher than that from standard X-ray procedures. A single CT scan subjects the patient to around 450 times more radiation than a simple chest X-ray. While the benefits of CT scans often outweigh the risks, especially when diagnosing serious conditions, it’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers associated with radiation exposure.

The main risks associated with CT scans are incidental findings, which may lead to unnecessary follow-up tests, and the increased possibility of cancer induction from X-ray radiation exposure. The risk of developing cancer as a result of exposure to radiation depends on the part of the body exposed, the individual’s age at exposure, and the individual’s sex. Women are at a somewhat higher risk than men of developing cancer after receiving the same radiation exposures at the same ages.

Potential Symptoms of Radiation Overexposure

Exposure to high doses of radiation during a CT scan can lead to various symptoms, sometimes referred to as radiation poisoning or acute radiation syndrome. These symptoms can manifest differently depending on the level of exposure.

Initial Symptoms:

Nausea and vomiting (usually within 12-24 hours after mild exposure).
Headache.
Fever.
Diarrhea.

More Severe Symptoms (occurring with higher doses):

Hair loss.
Skin reddening or burns.
Open sores on the skin.
Bleeding from the nose, mouth, gums, or rectum.
Bloody vomit and stools.
Weakness and fatigue.
Dizziness and disorientation.
Infections.
Low blood pressure.

It’s important to note that radiation sickness is not caused by common medical imaging tests that use low-dose radiation, such as X-rays, CT scans and nuclear medicine scans. However, radiation overdose can occur due to negligence or equipment malfunction. If you experience any of these symptoms after a CT scan, seek medical attention immediately.

When CT Scan Concerns Lead to Lawsuits: Negligence and Malpractice

While CT scans are generally safe, there are instances where negligence can lead to excessive radiation exposure and subsequent harm to the patient. Medical negligence in radiology may involve:

A provider misreading a scan, leading to the wrong diagnosis.
A visible mass or fracture not mentioned in the report.
Imaging procedures not performed correctly.
A failure to send results to the ordering physician.
Follow-up instructions that were never recorded or communicated.

Several factors can contribute to radiology errors:

Overloaded Workloads: Radiologists might have a large number of images to read in a short amount of time, increasing the likelihood of a perceptual error.
Lack of Proper Training or Experience: Some radiologists may lack experience with rare conditions or certain types of imaging, leading to a cognitive error.
Poor Image Quality: If the initial image is blurry, underexposed, or otherwise of poor quality, it can be difficult for even the most skilled radiologist to interpret it correctly.

If a radiologist or other physician misinterprets a medical image due to negligence, it may form the basis of a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Legal Avenues for Victims of CT Scan Negligence

If you believe you’ve been harmed by excessive radiation exposure or misdiagnosis due to a CT scan, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. To successfully pursue such a claim, you generally need to establish the following:

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.

Damages in a medical malpractice case can include:

Medical bills.
Future medical care.
Lost wages.
Pain and suffering.
Emotional distress.

Examples of CT Scan Lawsuits and Settlements

Several cases highlight the potential for lawsuits related to CT scan negligence:

Radiation Overdose: Lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers and hospitals for radiation overdoses during CT scans, leading to symptoms like hair loss, skin burns, and increased cancer risk. For example, one class action lawsuit was filed after 206 patients in Los Angeles were exposed to a radiation overdose up to eight times more than expected.
Misdiagnosis: A $3.5 million settlement was reached in a wrongful death case related to a misread CT scan.
Failure to Diagnose: A New Jersey patient received a settlement of almost $1 million after a neurologist failed to order CT scans, leading to blindness.
Radiology Errors: A $9.9 million settlement was secured for an Atlanta family after a routine emergency scan missed a critical diagnosis.
Misread CT Scan: An $11.6 million medical malpractice verdict was awarded in New York against a radiologist for failing to properly read a CT scan, leading to a delayed stroke diagnosis.

These cases demonstrate the serious consequences of CT scan errors and the potential for significant compensation through legal action.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Negligence

If you believe you’ve been harmed by a CT scan error, take the following steps:

Seek Medical Attention: Get prompt medical evaluation and treatment for any symptoms you’re experiencing.
Request Medical Records: Obtain copies of all relevant medical records, including CT scan images and reports.
Seek a Second Opinion: Consult with another medical professional to review your case and provide an independent assessment.
Contact an Attorney: Speak with an experienced medical malpractice attorney to discuss your legal options.

Advice

While CT scans are valuable medical tools, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and to seek legal counsel if you believe you’ve been harmed due to negligence. If you have concerns about a CT scan, discuss them with your doctor. Ask about the necessity of the scan, alternative imaging techniques, and the radiation dose involved. If you experience unusual symptoms after a CT scan, seek medical attention and consider consulting with a medical malpractice attorney to explore your legal options.