How Many Cases Have Been Lost Due to Bad Imaging? More Than You Think.

Ensuring high-quality imaging is crucial in both medical and legal fields, as poor-quality imaging can lead to misdiagnoses, failed treatments, and legal setbacks. Here are some documented cases highlighting the consequences of inadequate imaging:

Medical Malpractice Due to Misread Scans

• $2.7 Million Jury Verdict for Misread CT Scan: In a case reported by Robert Kreisman, a patient underwent a CT scan that revealed a 1-cm nodule at the base of the right lung. The radiologist failed to report this finding, leading to a delayed diagnosis of lung cancer. The patient’s estate sued, alleging that earlier detection could have significantly improved survival chances. The jury awarded a $2.7 million verdict.
  robertkreisman.com
• Misread CT Scan Leads to Death and $3 Million Settlement: A 35-year-old woman died from a subarachnoid hemorrhage after a CT scan was misread, missing critical signs of her condition. The case resulted in a $3 million settlement.
  lubinandmeyer.com

Legal Cases Undermined by Poor Imaging

• Case Dismissed Due to Withheld MRI Films: In a lawsuit involving an MRI facility, the plaintiff failed to produce the requested MRI films for nearly 12 months, despite multiple requests and a court order. This failure to provide crucial evidence led the court to dismiss the facility's entire action with prejudice, just weeks before the scheduled trial.
  cmda-law.com
• Case Dismissed for Insufficient Evidence: A case may be dismissed if the evidence fails to support the claims or charges. The burden of proof lies with the party bringing the action. In civil cases, this means proving the case by a preponderance of the evidence. Courts evaluate evidence for relevance, reliability, and sufficiency to determine if it supports the elements of the claim or charge.
  legalclarity.org

These cases underscore the importance of high-quality, accurately interpreted imaging in both medical diagnoses and legal proceedings. Investing in advanced imaging technologies and ensuring meticulous interpretation can prevent such costly and tragic outcomes.