Trial-Ready Radiology Error Law Firm in Florida
Medical imaging plays a critical role in modern healthcare. Physicians rely on radiologists to accurately interpret X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, mammograms, and other diagnostic studies that guide treatment decisions. When radiology errors occur, patients may face delayed diagnoses, unnecessary procedures, worsening medical conditions, or even death.
At Freedland Harwin Valori Gander, we represent patients and families throughout Florida who have suffered serious harm due to radiology mistakes and diagnostic imaging errors. Our attorneys understand how these failures occur and work aggressively to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable.
Written and edited by our team of expert legal content writers and reviewed and approved by Daniel Harwin
- Content last updated on:
- June 30, 2026
What Are Radiology Errors?
Radiology errors occur when a radiologist, hospital, imaging center, or healthcare provider fails to properly interpret, communicate, or act upon diagnostic imaging results.
Diagnostic imaging often serves as the foundation for critical medical decisions. A missed finding or delayed report can affect everything that follows, including treatment plans, surgical decisions, cancer care, emergency treatment, and long-term patient outcomes.
Common imaging studies involved in malpractice claims include:
- X-rays
- CT scans
- MRIs
- Ultrasounds
- Mammograms
- PET scans
- Fluoroscopy studies
- Nuclear medicine imaging
Even a single overlooked abnormality can have life-changing consequences.
Common Types of Radiology Errors
Radiology malpractice can occur in numerous ways.
Failure to Diagnose an Abnormality
One of the most common radiology errors involves missing findings that should have been identified on imaging studies.
Examples include:
- Tumors
- Cancerous lesions
- Fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Blood clots
- Strokes
- Organ abnormalities
- Infections
When these findings are missed, patients may lose valuable treatment opportunities.
Delayed Diagnosis
A radiologist may eventually identify a condition, but not before a dangerous delay occurs.
Delayed diagnoses can allow:
- Cancer to spread
- Infections to worsen
- Internal injuries to progress
- Neurological conditions to deteriorate
Earlier treatment often produces significantly better outcomes.
Misinterpretation of Imaging Studies
Sometimes an abnormal finding is identified but interpreted incorrectly.
For example:
- Cancer may be mistaken for a benign lesion
- Internal bleeding may be overlooked
- A fracture may be dismissed as normal anatomy
- A stroke may be misdiagnosed as another condition
Misinterpretations can result in improper treatment or no treatment at all.
Communication Failures
Radiologists must communicate urgent findings promptly to treating physicians.
Failures may involve:
- Delayed reporting
- Lost reports
- Inadequate documentation
- Failure to notify physicians of critical findings
Even accurate interpretations can cause harm if critical information is not delivered in time.
Failure to Recommend Additional Testing
When imaging findings raise concerns, radiologists often have a duty to recommend further evaluation.
Failure to suggest follow-up testing may result in missed diagnoses and delayed treatment.
Medical Negligence Case Results
The FHVG legal team has recovered more than $2.6 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients, including those who suffered harm from radiology and other medical testing errors. Here are a few examples of our noteworthy case results that involved failure to diagnose or interpret medical findings:
- $2.7 million for the failure to appropriately interpret pathology after nasal surgery, leading to a delayed cancer diagnosis
- $2.6 million for the failure to diagnose a pre-operative EKG that led to an improper clearance for surgery and caused the deceased victim to have a myocardial infarction
- $5.3 million for failure to diagnose an elderly gentleman’s spinal cord injury in the emergency room, leaving him with a permanent spinal cord injury
- $1.4 million for failure to diagnose a pulmonary embolism in the emergency room, resulting in a woman’s death
- $5.3 million for failure to diagnose an epidural abscess that led to a woman being paralyzed from the waist down
Recent Client Testimonials
Our results speak for themselves, but countless positive testimonials from our clients further attest to our commitment to securing the best possible results for you and your family. Here are some examples:
My family was really nervous going into this process, but Daniel Harwin made us feel at ease, in addition to the superb results that exceeded expectations. He held hands every step of the way, as his communication and care was top-notch. We can’t imagine anyone spending more time and energy on their clients. – Gregg
Always choose Freedland Harwin Valori Gander! Nailed every aspect of representation. Aggressive when needed but also effective negotiators during settlement. Lawyers need to follow this firm’s lead! – Joshua
An incredible firm. The communication and empathy shown towards my family and my case exceed all expectations. – Michael
What Conditions Are Commonly Missed in Radiology Malpractice Cases?
Radiology errors frequently involve serious medical conditions requiring prompt treatment.
Commonly missed diagnoses include:
Cancer
Missed cancers often involve:
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Colon cancer
- Brain tumors
- Prostate cancer
- Ovarian cancer
Delayed cancer diagnoses can significantly impact survival rates and treatment options.
Stroke
Prompt diagnosis is essential for stroke treatment.
Radiology errors involving brain imaging may result in:
- Permanent neurological damage
- Disability
- Loss of independence
- Wrongful death
Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries
Missed fractures can lead to:
- Improper healing
- Chronic pain
- Permanent mobility issues
- Additional surgeries
Internal Bleeding
Undetected internal bleeding may become life-threatening if treatment is delayed.
Pulmonary Embolism
Failure to identify blood clots in the lungs can result in respiratory failure or sudden death.
If a radiology error delayed diagnosis or treatment, contact FHV Legal today for a free consultation.
What You Need to Know About Radiology Malpractice Claims
Not every missed diagnosis constitutes medical malpractice.
Radiology is a complex specialty, and some findings may be subtle or difficult to detect.
However, providers may be liable when they fail to meet accepted standards of radiological care.
A successful claim generally requires proof that:
- A healthcare provider owed a duty of care.
- The provider failed to properly interpret or communicate imaging findings.
- The error caused a delayed diagnosis, improper treatment, or other harm.
- The patient suffered damages as a result.
These cases often require detailed review by radiology experts.
Common Challenges Patients Face After a Radiology Error
Victims often discover radiology mistakes only after significant harm has occurred.
Common consequences include:
- Delayed treatment
- Advanced disease progression
- Additional surgeries
- More aggressive medical treatment
- Increased medical expenses
- Permanent disability
- Reduced life expectancy
- Emotional trauma
Healthcare providers may argue that the outcome would have been the same even without the delay.
A thorough legal investigation can help determine whether earlier diagnosis would likely have changed the patient’s prognosis.
How Freedland Harwin Valori Gander Investigates Radiology Error Cases
Radiology malpractice claims require detailed analysis of imaging studies and medical records.
Our legal team investigates:
Original Imaging Studies
We obtain and review:
- X-rays
- CT scans
- MRI images
- Ultrasounds
- Mammograms
- Radiology reports
Expert Radiology Review
Independent radiologists evaluate whether abnormalities should have been identified under accepted standards of care.
Communication Between Providers
We determine whether findings were appropriately communicated to treating physicians and specialists.
Impact of the Delay
Medical experts assess how the delayed diagnosis affected treatment options and patient outcomes.
Long-Term Damages
We evaluate:
- Medical expenses
- Future treatment costs
- Lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages
Get a Free Consultation With a Radiology Malpractice Attorney
At FHVG, we are committed to helping radiology malpractice victims and their families pursue the compensation, closure, and justice they need to rebuild their lives after suffering harm. If you believe that you or a loved one may have been injured or killed due to a radiology error, we encourage you to contact our team.
We’re ready to put our 20+ years of experience to work for you. Call (954) 289-5386 or fill out our form online for a free consultation with a radiology error lawyer anytime, anywhere.
free consultation anytime, anywhere.
ALL FIELDS REQUIRED
- ANESTHESIA & PACU ERRORS
- BIRTH TRAUMA
- EMERGENCY ROOM MISTAKES
- FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE OR MISDIAGNOSIS – CANCER
- FAILURE OR DELAY IN DIAGNOSIS OF SEPSIS
- FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE AND TREAT GESTATIONAL DIABETES
- FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE BREAST CANCER
- FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE HEART ATTACK
- FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE OR TREAT AORTIC DISSECTION
- FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE PNEUMONIA
- FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE PULMONARY EMBOLISM
- FAILURE TO TREAT STROKE
- HOSPITAL MALPRACTICE
- INTRAVENOUS INFILTRATION
- MEDICATION ERRORS
- MEDICATION OVERDOSE
- MISDIAGNOSIS
- NEGLIGENT FETAL MONITORING
- OB/GYN ERRORS
- PLASTIC SURGERY ERRORS
- PREOPERATIVE CLEARANCE ERROR
- RADIOLOGY ERRORS
- SPINE SURGERY MISTAKES
- STILLBIRTH & MISCARRIAGE MALPRACTICE
- SURGERY CENTER ERRORS
- SURGICAL ERRORS
- TYPES OF MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAWSUITS
CASE RESULTS
TESTIMONIALS
999 Ponce De Leon Blvd
Suite 1030
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Frequently Asked Questions About Radiology Malpractice
Here are answers to a few more questions you might have about a radiology malpractice case in Florida.
How often are radiologists wrong?
While radiologists are highly trained specialists, mistakes do happen. Studies show that errors in interpreting X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs occur in a small but significant percentage of cases. Even one error can have life-changing consequences for a patient.
Can radiology reports be wrong?
Yes. Radiology reports can contain mistakes if the images are misread, patient scans are mixed up, or technical issues occur. If you suspect your report is incorrect, getting a second opinion from another radiologist is critical.
How long do I have to file a radiology malpractice lawsuit in Florida?
Florida medical malpractice claims are subject to specific legal deadlines and procedural requirements. Consulting an attorney promptly is important.
How often are X-rays wrong or misinterpreted
X-rays are a common diagnostic tool, but they are not always accurate. Poor image quality, digital radiograph errors unique to modern systems, or reader fatigue can all contribute to mistakes.
Are radiologists accurate most of the time?
Yes, but accuracy depends on many factors, including the quality of the imaging equipment and the radiologist’s workload. Unfortunately, fatigue and high caseloads can increase the chance of oversight.
What are the types of radiology errors?
Common errors include perceptual errors (failing to see an abnormality), communication errors between doctors, equipment malfunctions, and improper scanning techniques. Some experts say radiology errors are the worst because they can delay diagnosis for serious illnesses.
What are radiology malpractice settlements?
Radiology malpractice settlements compensate patients harmed by imaging mistakes. These may cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. Each case is different, and outcomes depend on the severity of harm and evidence presented.
