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| Photo illustration of radiologist reviewing medical imaging |
When patients undergo an imaging test — such as an X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or mammogram — they rely on radiologists to correctly interpret the results. An accurate reading can mean the difference between early detection and a life-threatening delay in treatment.
One study shows that radiological errors and discrepancies occur in about 3–5% of cases. (1) While not every mistake leads to harm, research shows that nearly every radiologist will miss or misinterpret something during their career. A missed tumor on a mammogram, a lung nodule overlooked on a CT scan, or an abnormality in the abdomen that goes unrecognized can all result in a delayed diagnosis. For cancer patients, this can mean the disease progresses to a more advanced and less treatable stage."Unfortunately, radiology mistakes are more common than many people realize," said Attorney Krysia Syska, "and when they involve serious conditions such as cancer, the consequences can be devastating."
Why do radiology mistakes happen?
The most common causes for mistakes in radiology include fatigue, excessive workloads, communication failures, or simple misinterpretation of subtle findings (2). Whatever the cause, patients suffer the consequences — and many times, these errors could have been prevented.
Legal accountability for diagnostic errors
When a radiology error leads to a delayed or missed diagnosis of cancer or another serious illness, patients and families may be entitled to seek compensation by filing a medical malpractice claim to hold healthcare providers accountable and help cover the costs of additional treatment, lost income, and the pain caused by a worsened prognosis.
Reports show that when radiology diagnostic errors do occur, a high percentage lead to serious harm (permanent injury or death), and the average payouts (especially in outpatient settings) are large. (3)
In just the first three quarters of 2025, Lubin & Meyer has secured eight settlements of $1 million or more related to radiology mistakes. Specifically,
- $4 million settlement for a 64-year-old man who died of Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer due to a radiology error
- $3.75 million settlement when radiologists fail to note and report nodules or masses suspicious for lung cancer, delaying diagnosis and treatment
- $3 million settlement in a lawsuit claiming radiology mistake in death from undiagnosed retropharyngeal abscess
- $2.5 million settlement for a lawsuit that blamed a patient's death on an undiagnosed hematoma in the neck due to a misread CT scan
- $2 million settlement in a case where a radiologist misread an imaging study that led to a delay in the diagnosis of a penetrating aortic ulcer that ruptured and caused the death of a 72-year-old woman
- $2 million settlement in a case that involved a radiology misread that resulted in a delayed diagnosis of bile duct cancer
- $1.6 million settlement in medical malpractice case alleging radiologist was negligent in failing to identify clot in the mesenteric artery on CT scan
- $1 million settlement in a lawsuit that claimed radiology misread results in a one-year delay in the diagnosis of advanced cancer of the cecum area of the large intestine.
If you or a loved one experienced a diagnosis delay due to a radiology mistake, contact us today. Early legal action can help protect your rights and provide the resources needed for your care and recovery.
Lubin & Meyer PC - New England's Leader in Medical Malpractice Law
Questions about an injury or death due to medical malpractice? Contact our medical malpractice lawyers for a free case review in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, or Rhode Island.
Questions about an injury or death due to medical malpractice? Contact our medical malpractice lawyers for a free case review in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, or Rhode Island.
