Can the original scan be reviewed again?

Usually, yes. Imaging is stored digitally, so an independent radiologist can re-read the same study and testify whether the finding was visible and should have been reported.

What if the radiologist reported the finding but my doctor didn't act on it?

Then the ordering physician, or the practice's result-tracking system, may be responsible instead of, or as well as, the radiologist.

Are teleradiology companies liable?

Radiologists who read remotely owe the same standard of care. The reading radiologist, the teleradiology group, and the hospital that contracted them may all be examined.

How long do I have to file?

State statutes of limitations vary, generally one to three years from injury or discovery. Special rules apply to minors and to deaths. Contact a lawyer promptly.

How much does a case review cost?

Case reviews through Medical Malpractice Claim are free and confidential. Most malpractice attorneys work on contingency where permitted by state law.

Medical malpractice — claim type

Radiology Error Lawyer

Imaging study misread or missed cancer? Learn how radiology malpractice claims work and start a free, confidential case review.

Last reviewed: September 30, 2026 · Reviewed by our editorial team.

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Radiology Error Lawyer — legal review by medical malpractice attorneys

Direct answer

A radiology error claim arises when a radiologist misreads, overlooks, or fails to clearly communicate a significant finding on an X-ray, CT, MRI, mammogram, or ultrasound, and that error delays diagnosis or treatment of a serious condition such as cancer, stroke, fracture, or internal bleeding, causing the patient additional harm.

Overview

Radiology claims are unusual in that the original images can usually be re-reviewed. An independent radiologist examines the same study and testifies whether the finding was visible and should have been reported. Communication failures — a critical result that never reached the ordering doctor — are a second common basis for liability.

These cases require a careful records review and qualified medical expert testimony. Outcomes depend on the strength of the evidence, the jurisdiction's rules, and the patient's damages.

Still deciding whether what happened was malpractice? Compare your situation with our signs of medical malpractice, real-world medical malpractice examples, and when you can sue your doctor.

Common examples

Fact patterns we review

• Tumor visible on imaging but not reported
• Brain bleed or stroke missed on head CT
• Fracture missed on X-ray
• Suspicious mammogram finding not recommended for follow-up
• Critical result not communicated to the ordering physician

What must be proven

The four legal elements

1. Provider-patient duty of care
2. Breach of the applicable standard
3. Causal link between breach and harm
4. Damages: medical costs, lost income, pain, death

Possible defendants

Who may be liable

• Radiologists, including teleradiology providers
• Imaging centers and hospitals
• Ordering physicians who did not act on the report

Compensation that may be available

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment
• Wrongful death damages where applicable

Many states cap non-economic damages, and individual case value depends on facts, evidence, jurisdiction, and insurance coverage. See our medical malpractice compensation guide, state-by-state filing deadlines, and medical malpractice lawyers by state. You may also want to review related malpractice injuries and conditions. For typical case values, see average medical malpractice settlement amounts and whether malpractice settlements are taxable.

Frequently asked questions

Radiology Error Lawyer — FAQs

Related claim types

Other malpractice claims we review

The next step

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