Medical Malpractice – X-Ray Radiation Overdose

X-rays are generally a safe and effective diagnostic tool; however, failure to take proper precautions may result in radiation overdose.

X-rays have become one of the most common diagnostic tools available to medical professionals. X-rays are used to diagnose a wide variety of injuries and illnesses including fractures, respiratory or digestive tract problems, and dental problems. It is a safe and effective diagnostic tool, but when healthcare providers fail to take proper precautions during the process, it can cause radiation overdose and may amount to medical malpractice. Such cases are uncommon, but they do occur and patients need to be educated about the risks of radiation overdose and what they can do in case of an injury.

Radiation Overdose

X-rays are ordered by a doctor, administered by a lab technician, and read by a radiologist. Radiation overdose can occur because of several reasons. When an X-ray is taken, the patient’s body is shielded by a lead cover and only the part that is being imaged is left exposed. If the body is not shielded properly or the machine is not calibrated properly, the patient can suffer radiation overdose.

Complications Resulting From Radiation Overdose

X-Ray radiation overdose can lead to several complications including organ damage, brain damage, tissue damage, and cancer. To prove medical malpractice involving radiation overdose the plaintiff would have to establish that:

• The medical professional had a duty to conform to the medical standard of care related to administering X-rays.
• The professional failed to adhere to the standards of care.
• The patient was injured as a result of the medical negligence.

Radiation Overdose Difficult to Prove

Many cases of medical malpractice involving X-ray overdose are hard to prove as the effects of overdose may take months and even years to show up. Some effects such as tissue damage may appear quickly, but other conditions such as cancer may not show up for years. Proper documentation is the key to proving medical malpractice. Having proper documentation to show the date when the X-ray was taken and the onset of symptoms of damage caused by overdose may make it easier to prove the claim.