FollowThe New York Times reported that over-exposure to radiation during radiology procedures is resulting in severe and devastating injuries to patients:
- In New Jersey, 36 cancer patients at a veterans hospital in East Orange were over-radiated by a medical team that lacked experience in using a machine that generated high-powered beams of radiation.
- In Louisiana, a man received 38 straight overdoses of radiation, each nearly twice the prescribed amount, while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.
- In Texas, a patient suffered radiation injuries after a medical physicist, who said he was overworked, failed to detect a mistake.
- In Florida., a miscalibrated machine overradiated 77 brain cancer patients by 50%.
- In Ohio, a breast cancer patient was overdosed with high-dose radioactive seeds (twice her prescribed dose) five separate times because a physicist had entered an incorrect magnification factor into the treatment planning computer.
What Causes Radiation Over-Exposure?
There are many possible causes of radiation over-exposure including improper calibration of equipment, defects in manufacturing, and inadequate training of medical professionals performing the radiology procedures. Regardless of the cause, no patient should have to suffer the physical and emotional injuries caused by overexposure to radiation. If you believe that you or someone you know has been over-radiated or suffered from any other medical mistake, you should contact a medical malpractice lawyer to evaluate your options.
Do I Have a Radiation Over-Exposure Lawsuit?
We have an experienced team of trial lawyers who focus primarily on the representation of plaintiffs in medical malpractice claims, including those involving radiation over-exposure cases.
Radiology exams have many benefits in diagnosis and treatment of many diseases and conditions, but are also very complex machines that require technical skill and maintenance to safely operate. An error in calibration, software application or hardware can result in devastating injuries and death. These deadly errors often could have been avoided if the medical providers had followed basic safety protocols as well as ensured that their protocols provided sufficient patient safety.
If you have been exposed to too much radiation you may have suffered permanent bodily injury. Damages can include compensation for:
- Physical pain and suffering, mental anguish and physical impairment;
- Medical expenses associated with efforts to remedy the injuries as a result of the original surgery; and
- Loss of earnings and/or earning capacity.
In the case of a patient’s death, the family of the victim may file a wrongful death action and seek damages.
Pursuing Maximum Compensation Following Radiation Over-Exposure
Doctors, nurses, hospitals, technicians and any other negligent parties may be held accountable for injuries sustained due to radiation over-exposure. Whether the injuries are minimal or fatal, we will launch a full investigation. Victims of these types of errors may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Cost of Medical care
- Lost of income
- Diminished future earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
Together we can pursue the maximum damages in your radiation over-exposure case. Contact Us.
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